APA’s efforts to promote sustainable equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) must be organization-wide to succeed. This encompasses the programmatic work by its staff as well as the resolutions adopted by its Council of Representatives. Policy statements provide a roadmap for the organization to follow, while internal efforts help to ensure that these policies are implemented effectively by the association. If our staff does not fully understand or embrace the need for racial equity, then our policy statements aimed at achieving EDI may fall short of their intended goals.
Therefore, during February, APA focused on raising the awareness and understanding of its employees about the Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) adopted by the Council of Representatives. Vanessa Hintz, PsyD, APA’s senior director of EDI Engagement and Outreach, led a staff talk that familiarized staff with APA’s journey to the passage of the REAP and provided a status update regarding upcoming implementation plans. The staff talk was supplemented with the following:
- a summary of the REAP and its structure
- a companion guide for staff liaisons to engage APA boards and committees in discussion about how their activities support the REAP’s priority statements
The discussion guide was also offered as a tool for staff to use for internal discussions with their teams about the racial equity impact of ongoing projects/activities. Staff was also encouraged to contact the EDI team with any questions about the REAP going forward. This aligns with APA’s larger plan to socialize the REAP with staff, governance, divisions, and membership as it approaches implementation in the months ahead.
APA’s Council of Representatives adopted a series of policies at its February 2023 meeting that focused on furthering equitable education for all students—a key step to ensuring that EDI is integrated into the future of the discipline.
- The Council voted by 151–4, with 1 abstention, to adopt Educational Guidelines for Equitable and Respectful Treatment of Students in Graduate Psychology Training Programs to assist graduate students fully benefit from their education and maximize their potential within and beyond their graduate programs
- The Council adopted a resolution on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Quality Continuing Education and Professional Development by a vote of 139–8, with 2 abstentions. This resolution is aimed at providing evidence-based recommendations to continuing education sponsors and the broader public that support the integration of EDI and accessibility into continuing education
By working towards EDI in both internal practices and policy statements, APA strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.