The SIG initiative recently launched and completed its first recruitment effort of 2021. At the time of publication, over 65 Div. 20 members have completed our recruitment survey and indicated interest in becoming SIG members or leaders. The Early Career Task Force: SIG Team is in the process of connecting all survey takers to the SIG(s) of their choice.
In addition to this recruitment effort, many of our SIGs have been busy launching their own initiatives and achieving milestones. Here are some highlights:
- Addressing Ageism and Attitudes Toward Aging (A4) SIG started hosting monthly meetings as a platform for all members to reflect, engage, and collaborate in areas of research, education, practice, and advocacy.
- Aging Policy and Social Activism (APSA) SIG launched a Twitter account, @AgingPolicySIG.
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) SIG now has 100+ members. Also developed a collaborative relationship with the Research Methods SIG to host joint ‘Conversation Hour’ meetings (see below).
- Caregiving & The Geriatric Health Care Workforce SIG will start two new initiatives to increase member collaboration: newsletters and virtual social events.
- End of Life SIG created a Twitter account, @EOL-SIG.
- Gender, Sexuality, and Aging SIG continues to produce vibrant, accessible, and easy-to-skim newsletters that spread awareness and education about sex/sexuality research as well as offer opportunities for members to share their interests.
- Geropsychology and Older Veterans (GO-VETS) SIG will start hosting virtual webinars for members to learn, engage, and network.
- Intervention and Prevention SIG developed several modes of communication, including a Gmail account, Twitter account (@APA_D20!), and a Slack channel.
- Mental Health Practice SIG hosted a Meet & Greet for members to network. Also started a social media ‘member of the month’ to highlight SIG members’ backgrounds, interests, and accomplishments.
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture SIG is working on the development of a quarterly newsletter for members that will feature a ‘member spotlight’.
- Research Methods SIG, with the ADRD SIG, will be hosting a joint conversation hour with guest speakers Drs. Martin Sliwinski and Laura Germine on March 16, 2021 at 5pm PT. The conversation hour will address the integration of technology into cognitive assessment.
If you would like to learn more about the SIG initiative, join, or lead a SIG, please contact Shelley Condon.