In 2020, a small group of motivated volunteer chapter leaders realized the need for a guiding framework to align all 70 Professional Chapters within the AMA network on their commitment to creating a better community for volunteers and members. As a result, this grassroots volunteer group took immediate action to amplify Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices – thus creating AMA’s first-ever
Authors of the initial DEI Pledge intentionally chose to focus on race, understanding the impact of focusing first on where the greatest disparities are recognized. Upon its launch in late 2020, the Pledge was embraced, signed, and activated by 66% of Professional Chapters across North America.
Since then, awareness of the pledge has continued to grow, as has participation in the pledge’s commitments. In the 2021-22 Chapter Year, the pledge was integrated into the annual Chapter Excellence Awards, and with this momentum came the discussion about where to go next.
After open forums, discussion, and collaboration in 2022-2023 chapter leaders revised the pledge to include a new, more specific title, AMA DEI Pledge to Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Anti-Racism, as well as a sixth commitment recognizing the importance of measuring and communicating progress along our DEI journey. In addition, the Pledge preamble has been updated to recognize racial inequity as a foundational focal point and further emphasizes the role that marketers play in shaping narratives.As the nation continues to grapple with painful reminders of multi-generational injustice and inequity, we are also seeing people, companies, social groups, and organizations protesting, having civil discourse, and taking a stand for justice. As leaders in our communities, it is incumbent upon us to do our part too. Together, we will unite as one AMA to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.
We also want to acknowledge the chapters that have already signed the DEI Pledge, a commitment in six key areas to center and amplify the voices of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community.
Here is a list of all the chapters that have signed the pledge in 2024-2025:
Austin
Baltimore
Birmingham
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati
Colorado
Houston
Indy
Iowa
Kansas City
Lincoln
Madison
Minnesota
New Jersey
New Orleans
New York Capital Region
Oklahoma City (OKC)
PDX
Phoenix
Pittsburgh
Puget Sound
Richmond
Rochester
Sacramento Valley
San Francisco
San Antonio
Southwest Michigan
Tampa Bay
Toronto
Triangle
Tulsa
Washington, D.C.
Wichita