Diversity Committee
At the mid-winter meeting in San Antonio, President-Elect
Tim Elliott proposed a presidential task force
to address a perceived need in our division.
He wrote, "As president-elect, I have
the latitude to propose such a group for this
purpose, and I want to bring this task force
to the attention of division members.
"Specifically, professional psychology
has been cognizant of the needs, opportunities
and challenges we face with an increasingly
diverse society. Rehabilitation psychology has
seen a sharp increase in the number of individuals
served from ethnic minority backgrounds, yet
it is noteworthy that:
1. our division -- unlike several other practice-oriented
divisions and related professional organizations
-- has yet to articulate a set of competencies
to enhance practice and research with people
of ethnic minority backgrounds; and
2. the division has a very low number of members
who identify themselves as being of an ethnic
minority group.
"It is important that we address these
issues to meet the needs of the people we serve,
to advance our professional agenda to attract
psychologists of ethnic minority backgrounds
to our membership, and to encourage informed
practice, research, and policy concerning issues
of ethnicity and culture.
"Therefore, I have commissioned a Task
Force on Multicultural Issues to be comprised
of five to 10 members to accomplish two broad
goals over a three-year span (ending with my
past-presidential year). These goals include:
1. Develop a set of recommended competencies
for informed practice and research in working
with people from ethnic minority backgrounds
in our society, and
2. Develop a list of recommendations for:
1. attracting new members who are from ethnic
minority backgrounds, and
2. increasing their involvement in the division
and preparing them for leadership positions
in the division.
"The task force is to begin work immediately,
have time to meet in the hospitality suite during
the convention, and plan activities that may
be conducted in a variety of ways (including
email, phone conferences, etc.). Ideally, formal
recommendations for the Board to consider and
for dissemination will result.
"We are fortunate to have several excellent
colleagues already committed to this task force.
"Please notify me if you would like to
participate in some way to the work of this
group.
"Thanks!"
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