The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) have launched Journey for Teams (JFT), the most ambitious diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative in their history, with the release of the first monthly DEI learning module for workplaces throughout the veterinary profession.
The first module covers the importance of valuing diversity, self-reflection, and a personal assessment of cultural knowledge and encourages committing to at least one action step.
The release of the initial module follows last month’s unveiling of the ‘Welcome Webinar,’ which outlines the Journey for Teams pathway, and the ‘Reasons’ video, in which leaders from across veterinary medicine discuss the importance of advancing DEI. All content, including the modules, are available on the www.journeyforteams.org website.
The voluntary Journey for Teams program – with user-friendly content designed for busy veterinary teams – will include a new online video each month on important DEI-related topics, plus a worksheet to guide the group discussion. The suggested model is for participants to engage as a team with a volunteer facilitator designated as the 'Navigator.' However, groups can join the Journey without a Navigator, and individuals can participate independently. After each session, teams or individuals will be encouraged to commit to at least one action step.
A total of more than 30 topics will be covered over the next two and a half years, with content developed by DEI experts and topic champions. Additional resources on the topics will be provided for those looking to dive deeper.
Journey for Teams was announced at the AVMA's annual Convention last July. To further expand outreach efforts, the AVMA and VMAE are working with veterinary and animal health organizations who have signed on as Educational Partners and have an aligned commitment to DEI. Educational Partners will be critical to the program's success as they help raise awareness and engagement in Journey for Teams. The initial companies who will be contributing their knowledge and expertise to the program, as well as financial support and other valuable resources, include, at the 'Trailblazers' level, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mars Veterinary Health, Nationwide, NAVC, National Veterinary Associates, Petco, Viticus Group and Zoetis, and, at the 'Adventurers' level, CareCredit, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, and Suveto.
Journey for Teams also works with Collaborating Partners, broad coalitions, or national associations whose members are integral to advancing DEI. The initial groups who have committed their participation include the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), the AVMA/AAVMC's Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession, and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Their combined reach will significantly contribute to the initiative's success by providing subject-matter expertise on the development of content and promoting Journey for Teams to their members and other stakeholders.
Click here to read the original press release.
