Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DIE), Example 06

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework

Foreword

As a mission-driven organization that applies the best available psychological science to benefit society and improve lives, we recognize that the inclusion of diverse people, viewpoints and experiences are key to our success.

I strongly believe that championing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

As we implement our strategic plan, EDI serves as a critical lens to drive our strategic priorities and measure the magnitude of our impact.

It is essential that we embed EDI throughout all aspects of our work.

APA has devoted significant attention to EDI since the late 1960s.

For several decades, our boards, committees, divisions, and staff have worked diligently to advance EDI.

While our work has been a high priority, it has not always been coordinated and integrated.

In June 2018, APA began to develop an EDI framework to guide APA’s future EDI planning and the work of our chief diversity officer, Maysa Akbar, PhD.

This process consisted of multiple rounds of input from staff, leadership, and experts across our membership base.

This evolving EDI framework draws on APA’s 2005 diversity policy, its 2007 diversity plans and reports, and best practices from the field of organizational EDI.

APA’s EDI framework reflects our view that equity, diversity, and inclusion are vital to the progress of our Association, the field of psychology, and broader society.

The EDI framework also builds upon the work done to date and provides the foundation for the next phase of EDI strategic planning, including the development of iterative goals and metrics.

The critical work ahead will enable us to maximize the impact of our EDI efforts.

We commit to engaging in a collaborative process that systematically and comprehensively advances EDI, our strategic priorities, and APA’s vision and mission.

Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD

CEO, American Psychological Association