The SSE Diversity Committee (DC) seeks to add two new members starting in 2020. The DC works to create a professional society that is supportive of members from all backgrounds through several main actions: by broadening representation to the SSE Executive Council, by pursuing initiatives that support underrepresented groups, and by creating an inclusive, accessible environment at the Evolution conference. Continue reading to learn more.
Applicants should submit a brief (1-2 page) statement of interest outlining their experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) service, and the ideas, events, and perspective they plan to contribute during their 3-year term. The DC seeks diverse members who represent different backgrounds and perspectives. Thus, we ask that applicants describe particular elements of their background and/or identity that will contribute uniquely to the composition of the DC. Applicants should also identify their career stage and affiliation, as we welcome participation from members of the community across all stages of their training, and in all career paths.
Applicants must be members of SSE (join or renew your membership here [1]) and have attended at least one Evolution conference in the past. These items should also be mentioned in the application statement.
Many of the DC’s initiatives are created and operated with the DCs of our sister societies, the American Society of Naturalists and the Society for Systematic Biologists. Past or ongoing efforts of the SSE DC include:
- Data collection and analysis regarding the demographic composition of SSE
- Creation of guidelines on best practices for awards procedures
- Events at the Evolution meeting including Story Collider and mixers to build community among LGBTQ+ biologists, biologists with disabilities, biologists of color, biologists at PUIs, and parents
- Improving accessibility at the Evolution conference for scientists with disabilities, scientists of marginalized genders, and scientists who are nursing/caretaking
More information about the SSE DC and our prior initiatives can be found on our web page [2].
Please submit your application by January 24, 2020 to diversity@evolutionsociety.org [3]. Questions may also be directed to this email address.