A Message from the ALCA Board of Directors

The recent senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others have illustrated the long-standing, systemic injustices faced by black men and women in our communities. As an association we deplore racial injustices and demand justice and equality for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

From our very beginning 35 years ago, ALCA members have focused on caring for those vulnerable members of society. And as an association with Ethical Principles for our members, we believe:

“An Aging Life Care Professional behaves in a just and fair way in all professional and business relationships. An Aging Life Care Professional does not promote or sanction any form of discrimination such as discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or socioeconomic status.” And

“ALCA members recognize diversity in our society and embrace a multi-cultural approach to support the worth, dignity, potential and uniqueness of each client. The Code of Ethics acknowledges the vulnerable population we serve and makes explicit the highest standards of practice.”*

We recognize that our principles are not enough and action is needed. We further acknowledge that our efforts to increase the diversity of our membership have not been as effective as we would want them to be. To that end we are forming a task force to develop ideas to recruit more diversity in our membership and create strategies to support our current members. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion has never been more important and our goals are to broaden membership, leadership, and clientele among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

As we grapple with feelings regarding the recent injustices, please reach out to the association staff and leadership to recommend other ways we might be more inclusive in our membership or strategies to ensure equality for all members and the clients we serve. ALCA may not have all the answers today, but we are listening and committed to action and change. Like a global society, as an association, we are always “better together.”

June 8, 2020

*Aging Life Care Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice