The New Mexico Psychological Association

Diversity and Social Responsibilities Committee

Committee Chair: Ricardo Gonzales, PhD

Committee Members:
Patricia Brown, PhD
Leslie Pearlman, PhD
Scot Liepack, PhD
Thomas Thompson, PhD
Shelley Alonso-Marsden, PhD
Taryn Goff, PsyD

Diversity and Social Responsibilities Committee
Statement of Purpose

As part of the New Mexico Psychological Association (NMPA), the Diversity and Social Responsibilities Committee affirms that it is the responsibility of all psychologists to strive for cultural humility, and to be responsive to diverse cultural needs, in all aspects of our professional work. We recognize that the development of such competencies is a lifelong process. The Diversity and Social Responsibilities Committee will be dedicated to providing support and impetus for NMPA members (as well as for NMPA as an organization, and for the field of psychology as a whole) to work toward proficiency in appropriately serving diverse groups; to develop a fuller understanding of pluralism and the intersectionality of multiple social and cultural identities; and to work for equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Our specific goals include the following:

1. To work toward greater sensitivity, knowledge, and effectiveness, both in professional practice and in professional education. This work includes the development of understanding and wisdom in areas including (but not limited to): cultural identity; gender identification and sexuality; religion and/or world views; historical and/or current oppression; physical disabilities; and neurological differences.

2. To create pluralism and inclusiveness in all work environments.

3. To recommend specific steps toward diversity and inclusivity within our professional organization, at both membership and leadership levels; and to strive for culturally informed organizational policies.

4. To work as a change agent, through professional research and contributions to the field of psychology; and to educate others within and outside the organization on relevant issues related to diversity.

5. To seek knowledge and expertise in issues of public policy, as they relate to social justice; to include focus on cross-cultural respect, equity of access to services, and inclusion of vulnerable and/or marginalized populations at all levels of decision-making for their communities.

6. To speak publicly on issues which are within our own areas of expertise; including presentation of our knowledge and perspective, as appropriate, to policy-makers, to lawmakers, and to the general public.

7. To advocate for and encourage NMPA members, as well as the NMPA organization as a whole, to speak out publicly on issues related to diversity and to our social responsibilities as psychologists.

8. To develop and enhance sustained relationships with other professional organizations throughout the state, which share NMPA’s values regarding diversity and social justice.

Board approved 4/15/2021

Committee Announcements

Resources

NMPA Advocacy Statements can be found HERE

NMPA  offers continuously available online CE courses HERE