Last week NAIFA issued a joint statement with industry association partners to denounce racial injustice. NAIFA has always advocated for financial security for all and the responses we received to our statement were overwhelmingly positive. Our active pursuit of racial equality does not support violence or any activity that works against financial security—including looting, marring our national monuments and destroying private property. We are further saddened by the damage done through rioting and in no way condone these activities as a method of protest.

We live in the greatest country in the world. The principles on which our country is founded have stood the test of time. Our ability as a country to adapt as times change – while striving to live up to our nation’s principles -- is one of the great strengths of America. Likewise, our ability as an association to adapt and find new ways to work together to achieve NAIFA’s mission in changing times is one of our greatest strengths as an organization.

NAIFA members play critical roles in all communities and are the voice of their clients when helping families secure financial independence and when advocating to state and federal lawmakers. We commend you for the work that you do every day to help build a more financially secure America.  NAIFA members will lead communities to a brighter future built on solid financial ground and inspire more individuals, families and businesses to be self-reliant, the founding principle that is the cornerstone of NAIFA.

In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to keep the dialogue open. We are looking for opportunities to further the body of work we’ve already established within our Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, as well as with our sister associations. We will work together to strengthen NAIFA’s role as a key industry resource that rises to any challenge facing Main Street USA.