Living & Practicing Our Values
NAMA DEI is excited to share what we’re up to and offer tools and support for members looking to make a proactive commitment to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their lives and work! Because Ayurveda is for EVERYONE.
NAMA’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEI) is a dynamic group of volunteers who are passionate about building awareness within the Ayurvedic community around vitally important issues of equity and accessibility and underscoring the role of compassion that sits at the very heart of the philosophy and practice of Ayurveda.
The roots of the committee were planted in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. The NAMA Board of Directors authorized the committee’s formation, and the initial members came together to organize a comprehensive DEI training for the NAMA community. Their work was not easy. I want to acknowledge every member of that original committee for their passion and dedication.
Their work laid the foundation for the work we will do moving forward. The current incarnation of NAMA DEI is equally enthusiastic and committed to raising awareness and encouraging action amongst NAMA members and beyond.
To that end, we are creating member events such as our Conscious Conversation series, inviting YOU into conversations on topics such as cultural appropriation and how to make your practices more inclusive and accessible. We are also working quietly in the background with industry leaders and within our own organization to help drive a cultural shift toward increased recognition and support of the marginalized among us.
As DEI’s Committee Chair, I want to personally invite you to join us in embracing the work of awareness and action beginning right where you are. We’ll send monthly email updates about our work and share resources to help you fully integrate the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all your endeavors.
Thanks so much for listening and for your commitment to building an Ayurvedic community that embraces and supports all.
Sincerely,
Chara Caruthers, CAP, Chair
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee