Psychiatrists who identify with any of APA’s recognized minority and underrepresented (MUR) groups are strongly urged to join that group’s caucus. The MUR caucuses provide valuable networking opportunities and foster communication among members who share a special interest.

And joining one of the caucuses now entitles members to vote for candidates for the new MUR position on APA’s Board of Trustees. The first election for this position will be in the 2013 APA election, and candidates must be members of one of the MUR caucuses. Only members of caucuses can vote for the MUR trustee.

The seven caucuses also are active in the APA Assembly, which meets twice a year, and provides caucus members with opportunities to raise issues of concern to minority psychiatrists and minority patients.

Caucuses meet during APA’s annual meeting each spring. There are caucuses for the following groups: American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiians; Asian Americans; blacks; Hispanics; lesbians, gays, and bisexuals; international medical graduates; and women.

Participation in a caucus is a pathway to multiple activities and opportunities including exploring concerns about professional growth and advancement; identifying, supporting, and electing members of MUR groups to APA leadership posts; raising key issues facing APA and psychiatry in general; networking with colleagues who share similar backgrounds; advocating for minority patient populations; and initiating mentoring relationships.

To join a caucus, go to APA’s Web site at www.psychiatry.org/join-participate, click on “Online Member Profile,” and then log in; proceed to Section 3, question 3Fa—APA Caucus Membership. More information is available from Alison Bondurant at abondurant@psych.org.