Diversity: SSE Diversity Committee Seeks Two New Members
The SSE Diversity Committee [1] (DC) seeks to add two new members starting in late January of 2022. The DC works to support members from all backgrounds through several main actions: by broadening representation to the SSE Executive Council, by pursuing initiatives that support historically excluded groups, and by creating an inclusive, accessible environment at the Evolution conference and in evolutionary biology in general.
Applications are due December 20. Continue reading to learn more.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a brief (1-2 page) statement of interest outlining three items on which applications will be evaluated: 1) their experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) service; 2) any ideas, priorities, and/or events they plan to contribute during their 3-year term; 3) the unique elements of their perspective/background that they bring to the committee. We are especially in search of members who have experience in leading and completing successful projects related to equity and inclusion, even in challenging circumstances. In previous years, the majority of our applicants have been graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. We encourage applications from individuals who are in secure or post-tenure academic or non-academic positions. Note that the needs of the committee change every year, and we will be again welcoming early career members in upcoming years. Applications should also confirm:
- career stage and institutional affiliation
- membership in SSE
- past attendance at Evolution conferences
Applicants must be members of SSE (join or renew your membership here [2]) and have attended at least one Evolution conference in the past.
About the Diversity Committee
Many of the DC’s initiatives are created and operated with the DCs of our sister societies, the American Society of Naturalists (ASN) and the Society for Systematic Biologists (SSB). Past or ongoing efforts of the SSE DC include:
- Development and administration of a climate survey to assess inclusion and equity in evolutionary biology, in collaboration with ASN and SSB.
- Working closely with a diversity consultant to form SSE’s mission with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion, to assess the inclusivity of SSE’s policies and practices, and to develop a strategic plan for making SSE more supportive and inclusive moving forward.
- Applying for a grant to consult social scientists on best practices for achieving equity in awarding
- Data collection and analysis regarding the demographic composition of SSE
- Creation of guidelines on best practices for awards procedures
- Events at the yearly Evolution conference, including Story Collider and mixers to build community among LGBTQ+ biologists, biologists with disabilities, biologists of color, biologists at primarily undergraduate-serving institutions, and parents (see more info here [3])
- Improving accessibility at the Evolution conference for scientists with disabilities, scientists of marginalized genders, and scientists who are nursing/caretaking
- See our ongoing initiatives here [4]!
More information about the SSE DC can be found on our web page [5]. Examples of prior initiatives, such as diversity events that were planned for the Evolution 2021 meeting, can be found on the meeting website [6].
Deadline
Please submit your application by December 20, 2021 to diversity@evolutionsociety.org [7]. Questions may also be directed to this email address.