Fostering Diversity of Membership and Leadership in Psychology Teaching and Learning Organizations

Abstract

Many organizations dedicated to learning and teaching in the field of psychology struggle with diversifying and widening international representation. The drive for diversification of membership and leadership occurs as such groups increasingly prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In this paper, we offer evidence-based guidance on the benefits of increasing diversity in organizational leadership as well as the means to do so. Further, we share approaches from our organization, the US-based Society for the Teaching of Psychology, to expanding diversity, as well as gaps in equity and inclusion initiatives. We conclude by discussing the importance of all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives more generally within the field of the teaching of psychology and of advancing global psychology via psychology learning and teaching associations.