Division 45: Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race

PURPOSE The Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race, a Division of the American Psychological Association (APA), is the major representative body for psychologists who conduct research on ethnic minority concerns or who apply psychological knowledge and techniques to ethnic minority issues. The Division’s purpose is to advance psychology as a science and to promote public welfare through research, to apply research findings towards addressing ethnic minority issues, and to encourage professional relationships among psychologists with these interests. It also represents ethnic minority concerns within the governance of the APA. MISSION GOALS Division 45, The Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race, is for psychologists concerned with ethnic minority issues. We promote understanding of ethnic minority psychological principles, and provision of culturally competent service delivery. We promote the elimination of racism and social injustice against People of Color and the incorporation of diversity and multiculturalism into all societal issues. The Division encourages empowerment inclusion and collaboration among psychologists, promotes multicultural research, education and training regarding People of Color, and represents these concerns within the American Psychological Association and to the public. The Society disseminates its scholarship through the publication of its Division journal, Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, the Focus newsletter, and presents awards to outstanding contributors. Strategic Goal 1: That the division becomes a diversity psychology home where members find support, encouragement and tangible resources to enhance their work and wellbeing in diversity psychology Strategic Goal 2: That the division serves as a moral compass with regard to diversity to promote an active, engaged relationship with the APA relevant to Division 45 strategic goals Strategic Goal 3: That the Div 45 Board will be an effectively functioning body, closely engaged with and relevant to the needs of membership with outcomes consistent with the Strategic Plan Strategic Goal 4: Promote the elimination of racism and social injustice in society through research, education, practice, policy and advocacy BRIEF HISTORY The American Psychological Association Council of Representatives voted to establish the Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45) in August of 1986. This represented the culmination of decades of efforts to integrate ethnic minority psychology into the American Psychological Association. The Society has been instrumental in the development and support of several ongoing programs that had seeds in the initiatives of Former Society Presidents. Vera Paster founded the mentoring program, “Links and Shoulders”. Many of the Society’s rituals and traditions used during Executive Committee meetings and awards ceremonies were introduced by Executive Committee Members such as Patricia Arredondo who initiated a spiritual Mestizo ceremony and Joseph Trimble who introduced the Native American Indian Talking Stick ceremony. One of the initial goals of the Society was to “Promote the study of ethnicity and culture in psychology”. Initially, this goal was achieved through scholarly presentations at the APA annual convention. The goal of development of an official divisional journal was realized in 1998 with the establishment of Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. During the second decade of the Society, we have doubled the number of our Council Representatives from one to two. Starting in 1999, and continuing in alternate years, Division 45 has been a major sponsor and organizer of the National Multicultural Conference and Summit. The Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues continues to grow and now has more than 1,000 members. Many of our founding members are still active in the governance of the division, providing the collective memory that allows us to mentor newer members and continue our progress. Many of the first dreams of the Division have become realities. We know we still have far to go. The growth of the Society reflects the strength of our membership and the continued potential to achieve as we pause to celebrate, remember, honor, and consider how far we have come since the Division’s founding in 1986.