Arizona
Arizona Psychological Association’s Diversity Committee has taken the charge this past year and a half to bring courageous conversations to our membership, through the following:
- Statements regarding policy changes at the state and national levels.
- CEU offerings via our very first Diversity Dayopens in new window.
- Collaboration with other state organizations to build a community around diversity topics.
- Series of "Fear Factor" open-dialogue sessions aimed at making difficult topics more accessible for all.
Georgia
On Sunday, May 23, 2022, the long GPA tradition of having a diversity brunch resumed, after being interrupted for several years by COVID. As has always been the case, Dr. Jennifer Kelly opened her lovely home and warmly welcomed attendees with her wonderful gumbo – a tradition that is deeply appreciated and enjoyed by all. This year’s brunch was held outside for the added safety of attendees and, while the weather was hot, all enjoyed the time together. Dr. Maysa Akbar, APA Chief Advocacy Officer, was the special guest. She and Dr. Kelly provided a heartfelt account of the important events within APA in recent months that culminated in the adoption (by APA Council of Representatives) of the “Apology to People of Color for APA’s Role in Promoting, Perpetuating, and Failing to Challenge Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Human Hierarchy in U.S.” It was a wonderful opportunity for GPA to add its voice of appreciation to Dr. Kelly and Dr. Akbar for their leadership in this monumental achievement.
Iowa
The Diversity and Social Justice (DSJ) Committee of the Iowa Psychological Association (IPA) promotes the integration of awareness and advocacy for diversity and social justice through all aspects of IPA. We view ourselves as agents of social change, and we aim to increase cultural competency on multiple ecological levels within the field of psychology. This year we held a training for the Executive Council and membership on Counseling the LGBTQIA+ population. We also invited Dr. Vanessa Hintz to present on APA’s EDI Framework. The Diversity and Social Justice Committee held its second biannual Multicultural Workshop, which consisted of two workshops by Dr. Erin Andrews: “What Psychologists Should Know about Disability as Diversity” and “Ethical Considerations for Psychologists working with People with Disabilities”. Later this year, we will offer a follow-up salon to the workshops entitled, “Collaboratively Serving Iowans with Disabilities: The Role of Psychologists”. We created a Diversity Award for graduate students who have consistently shown advocacy in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. We have an ongoing DEI Book and Film Club. More recently we have created an “ASK the DSJ!” initiative where members can ask the DSJ committee DEI-related questions. Members of the DSJ committee then research the issue and respond with resources. Lastly, we continue to post Diversity Spotlights to the list-serv that highlight various cultural holidays and traditions.
Illinois
The Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) officially established its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee in June of 2022, with the full support of the IPA Council of Representatives. IPA President Dr. Derek Phillips appointed Dr. Abby Brown, IPA’s Immediate Past President as Chair of the EDI committee alongside members Drs. Derek Phillips, Colin Ennis, Holly Houston, Erin Alexander, Hayley Van Serke, Susan O’Grady, Kim Baker, and Sharon Khurana (PLC Diversity Delegate). Our primary focus has been learning about what other states have been doing to promote EDI within their SPTAs. Specifically, we have been learning about efforts to embed diversity continuing education into our state licensing law. Our committee has been working closely with Shirley Higuchi, JD, and Sarah Rose of the APA to strategize efforts to infuse EDI-related policy and practice into the IPA.
Missouri
The Missouri Psychological Association (MOPA) with the help of Dr. Mayra Zoe Ortiz, CESPPA, and Division 31 initiated an international townhall and celebration of the EDI work accomplished by state and provincial psychological associations that was attended by over 100 representatives from over 40 organizations. MOPA’s advocacy chair is helping Division 31 develop a project on rural healthcare needs. MOPA’s previous Diversity Officer was elected President-elect by the association’s membership, which is reflective of the increasing representation of racial/ethnic diversity in governance. MOPA has named its first person of color to hold the position of advocacy chair. She will start in that position in December 2022. MOPA regularly participated in APA hill visits, which regularly included advocacy for EDI-related issues. The association conducted an advocacy survey of the membership. Top issues of concern for membership included healthcare access and equity, women’s reproductive rights, and racism. The Diversity Committee in a second survey is asking the membership to review and make suggestions as to all aspects of the committee’s work. Results are continuing to be collected. The Diversity Committee is continuing to provide expert witness services and EDI training for a public defender’s office in a large metropolitan city. MOPA’s news brief, "Progress Notes", which is our primary means to communicate with the membership, regularly contains news and research related to diversity issues. MOPA’s integrated care committee in their monthly educational discussion group regularly addresses the importance of EDI issues in ways useful to practice. Diversity Committee members continue to be active in APA leadership. Our newly elected President-elect is the upcoming chair of the Committee of Aging. Our Diversity Committee chair is the Diversity co-chair for Division 31. And our newly elected Diversity Officer and soon-to-be advocacy chair is a liaison to the Advocacy Coordinating Committee for Division 54.
Pennsylvania
Over the last three years, the Pennsylvania Psychological Association has engaged in several endeavors to promote inclusivity. First, we began a book club that focused on anti-racism readings. One of the books we read as a group was How to Be an Antiracist. We also engaged in a monthly dialogue about the book. Another important initiative was to focus on themes around diversity and inclusion in our monthly newsletter. Several important articles have focused on the impact of diversity and inclusivity on assessment, intervention, and teaching. Another important initiative is that we have actively engaged in bringing in speakers and lectures to our webinars and conferences that can speak to various aspects of diversity. Finally, we have focused on the process. We have explored how microaggressions within the organization can impact our interpersonal relationships. We have begun to call out these moments and used them as a teaching moment rather than something to brush over and avoid. It is a journey and has been something that our organization has fully committed to.
Vermont
The committee recently reformed with new members and have been brainstorming initiatives. The committee consulted with Dr. Nnamdi Pole from Smith College around issues including recruitment and diversity within the organization. The committee received support from the Board in supporting Vermont’s Prop 2 (Prohibiting Slavery and Indentured Servitude within the state) and most recently exploring the organization’s support of Article 5/Prop 22 (Personal Reproductive Liberty). Additionally, the committee has recently joined with National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - Vermont Chapter with the goal of increased collaboration between the two groups on DEI issues.