Below is an update from SPA's Executive Director, Nathan Victoria. If you would prefer to read the update,
As stated above, continuing with our commitment to Diversity and Social Justice as noted in our
Statement of Solidarity, SPA would like to conduct a few more listening sessions for the SPA
community. These sessions will provide a clear and transparent process where
all members
can get involved in shaping our Diversity and Social Justice agenda. Please
reserve your spot for any of the four
listening sessions we have planned focus on the following topics:
Centering Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Social Justice in our Learning and Programming
Wednesday, October 14, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
During the June Town Hall, a few members
commented on diversity and social justice issues being addressed “only in the
last slide” of a presentation, rather than identifying how diversity and social
justice issues can impact all areas of learning and doing. This meeting would
be to continue to identify research agendas and educational programming for SPA
to conduct to advance our impact in larger social responsiveness around these
issues.
Creating Intentional Inclusion Efforts for Students and Early-Career Professionals
Tuesday, October 20 , 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
The SPA Diversity Grants and groups like SPAGS do benefit our younger members and give access to opportunities. This was specifically highlighted in the Town Hall; it was also offered that SPA be more intentional in programming and offerings for these populations (younger members and members from diverse backgrounds). From specific mentoring programs to exploring how we can give greater access to SPA to undergraduate students, there are a few programmatic initiatives that SPA should explore. Join this town hall to share your ideas and give feedback on a few initiatives the Board is already considering.
Redefining SPA’s Commitments to Diversity and Social Justice and Developing a public Non-Discrimination statement
Thursday, October 29, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
Building
off of input from the previous sessions, those gathered in this conversation would react to some of the
ideas previously identified. Additionally, the previous
Diversity and Social Justice committee established a mission statement and
produced Exchange articles, but currently, SPA does not have a board approved
statement on SPA’s commitment to these issues of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity,
and Social Justice. The board has approved an initial draft, and we welcome
member feedback in this discussion.
The Role of a Diversity and Social Justice Committee
Monday, November 9, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
The
original Diversity and Social Justice Committee identified some tactical areas
that SPA should focus its work on, as well as some overarching goals that frame
these tactics; however, the overarching strategy that supersedes this framework
needs to be further discussed. This meeting would be for individuals willing to
serve on a longer-term basis to support these specific initiatives moving
forward, once the SPA Board decides how to best support our Diversity,
Inclusion, Equity, and Social Justice work.
Please indicate your interest in the topics through
this registration form. Note that although we will not be recording the conversations, we welcome input for those who cannot attend through email to
nvictoria@spaonline.org. Finally, note that call information will be shared at least two days before each listening session.