Div. 31 has long been committed to supporting diverse psychology leaders in SPTAs and the division. The events of 2020 have rightly increased the urgency of action to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Psychologists have a unique background and scientific understanding to bring to the public and their own practices about the mental health impact of racism. Div. 31 is committed to actions to promote EDI in our division, SPTAs, and our members. In this month’s message, I highlight the important diversity work in Div. 31 this year. We look forward to working with each of you to continue this momentum.
Diversity Leadership Training Program (DLT)
Started under Jennifer Kelly, PhD, ABPP, during her Div. 31 presidential initiative, the DLT has trained over 75 BIPOC psychologists in leadership development. Graduates of the program have gone on to become SPTA presidents, members of APA boards, the current chief diversity officer of APA (Maysa Akbar). Div. 31 is proud to continue this tradition, recommitting to the program through provision of administrative support and collaborating with APA Practice, Office of Diversity, and the Committee of State Leaders. In addition, Div. 31 offered a free 1-year membership to the 2021 program graduates to welcome them into state leadership and the division.
Statements on racism
Div. 31 has made two statements on racism in response to the death of George Floyd and other Black men and women, and again in response to the violence against the AAPI community.
In addition, we have gathered statements that SPTAs have created to share on our website and our listserv. Sharing these statements helps SPTAs by providing ideas about how other states create statements, especially ones that may be politically or demographically similar to their own state.
Diversity awards
The Div. 31 SPTA Diversity Award is presented at Practice Leadership Conference and recognizes innovation, accomplishment, and ongoing activities related to diversity in membership, governance and leadership, and programming. This year’s winner was the Massachusetts Psychological Association. Their initiatives included broadening the diversity of membership in its strategic goals and a presidential task force of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They completed a climate survey of their membership about their views of diversity and inclusion at MPA and established a White Ally Group to provide anti-Black racism training for White members among other achievements.
Recognition of Div. 31 members
Two Div. 31 past presidents were recently awarded APA Presidential Citations by another Div.31 past president—APA President Jennifer Kelly. Cathy McDaniel Wilson and Dinelia Rosa were both awarded this high honor for their significant work on increasing diversity in SPTAs, including through their work as faculty for the Diversity Leadership Training.
New Diversity Committee leadership
We are proud to introduce two new co-chairs for the Div. 31 Diversity Committee: Mayra Ortiz and Keisha Ross. We look forward to their leadership and to continuing the dedication of Div. 31 to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion.