National Organization of Minority Architects-Dallas Chapter

NOMA, which thrives only when voluntary members contribute their time and resources, has as its mission the building of a strong national organization, strong chapters and strong members for the purpose of minimizing the effect of racism in our profession.

Strength in NOMA is built through unity in the cause that created the organization. Our impact is felt when our organization wrestles with the dilemmas that face this nation, particularly as they affect our profession. There is strength in numbers. By increasing the number of people in this organization, we add strength to the voice with which we can speak against apathy, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance; against abuse of the natural environment; and for the un-empowered, the marginalized and the disenfranchised.

By building a strong organization, we develop a showcase for the excellence and creativity which have been ignored for so long. Through our publications and conferences, we are able to inform the world that minority professionals have the talent and capabilities to perform in design and construction with any other group.

By building strong chapters of design professionals whose sensibilities and interests include promotion of urban communities, we are able to respond to the concerns that affect marginalized communities and people. Our goals are to increase the level of participation in the social, political and economic benefits afforded the citizens of this nation and to tear down the barriers that make full participation unattainable. Chapters give members a base from which to be involved in politics, to visit schools and reach out to children, to conduct community and civic forums and to responsibly practice in our professional capacities.

The National Organization of Minority Architects has been organized to:

1. Foster communications and fellowship among minority architectsForm a federation of existing and proposed local minority architectural groups
2. Fight Discrimination and other selection policies being used by public and private sector clients to unfairly restrict minority architects’ participation in design and construction
3. Act as a clearing house for information and maintain a roster on practitioners
4. Promote the design and development of living, working, and recreational environments
5. Create and maintain relationships with other professionals and technicians whose work affects the physical and social environment
6. Encourage the establishment of coalitions of member firms and individuals to form associate and joint venture relationships
7. Speak with a common voice on public policy
8. Work with local, state, and national governments on issues affecting the physical development of neighborhoods and communities
9. Be an effective source of motivation and inspiration for minority youth