Minority, Underrepresented Groups Share Concerns Through Caucuses

Psychiatrists who identify with one of APA's recognized minority and underrepresented groups are urged to join that group's caucus and attend its meeting at APA's 2009 annual meeting in San Francisco in May (see Minority Caucus Schedule for Annual Meeting). The minority and underrepresented group caucuses were established to provide a networking opportunity and foster communication among members who share a special interest.

The caucuses also provide a means for bringing their members' concerns to the APA leadership and making APA members aware of unique issues affecting particular groups of patients and psychiatrists.

At the yearly caucus meetings, members advocate for minority patient populations, discuss social and health-related issues, and explore concerns related to professional growth and advancement for members.

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.

The APA caucuses are for APA members who identify themselves as a member of one of APA's minority and underrepresented groups. Members can enroll in only one of the seven caucuses, but they can change caucus affiliation at any time if they identify with more than one of the minority and underrepresented groups.

There are three ways to join a caucus. To join online, update your membership profile at<http://memprofupdate.psych.org> by checking off the appropriate caucus in question 3F “APA Caucus Membership” in Section 3—Current Practice and Professional Activities; to join by e-mail or phone, contact APA's Membership Department by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 357-7924. ▪