In response to the growing influence of federal policies affecting Colorado’s social, economic, and health systems, the CNA Board of Directors and staff determined earlier this year that the Association must proactively affirm its values through a comprehensive position statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). 

This initiative recognizes that the absence of DEIJ is not neutrality, but rather complicity with conformity, inequity, exclusion, and injustice — forces that directly threaten the integrity of our profession.

A Collaborative Process

What began as a focused outreach to a moderately sized group of nurses quickly evolved into an expansive collaboration. Initial invitations were met not only with enthusiasm but with an outpouring of additional recommendations, leading to the formation of a diverse working group of over a dozen nurse leaders, all experts in their fields.

Representatives came from organizations such as the Colorado Council of Black Nurses, Inc., the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Denver Chapter, and the Colorado Nurses Association, along with other community and institutional leaders. This coalition came together to share expertise, perspectives and personal experiences, guided by a shared belief that nursing must lead the charge in creating equitable systems of care and inclusive professional environments.

The Position Statement: A Commitment

The final DEIJ position statement is more than a written document—it is an expression of the values, concerns, and vision of the nurses who created it. It articulates a clear and collective call for:

• The active dismantling of systemic barriers within nursing and healthcare institutions.
• The celebration and amplification of diverse voices within the profession.
• Guidance for advocacy in CNA’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
• Ongoing accountability to the communities we serve and the nursing workforce.

This position statement will be presented to the CNA Membership Assembly for formal adoption by plurality vote on October 11, 2025, which will have already passed at the time of this publishing. If approved, it will become an official guiding document of the Colorado Nurses Association, shaping our advocacy and influencing our engagement in state and national policy arenas.

While this effort was convened and facilitated by CNA, the final product is owned by all those who contributed and is intended to be shared widely. We extend our deepest gratitude to the nurses who gave their time, expertise, and hearts to this process.