2024 National Multicultural Conference and Summit
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE – DRAFT ONLY (Subject to Change/Revision)
CE Link
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/WciA1623yODUh
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Wednesday (1/17/24)
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Social Justice Interventions in Professional Psychology: A Focus on Training and Practice
Pueblo Bay3A
Alex L. Pieterse, Melanie M. Wilcox
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The American Psychological Association (2021a, 2021b, 2021c) has increasingly emphasized its commitment to antiracism, releasing a series of resolutions that apologize for psychology’s role in creating and maintaining racial hierarchy in the U.S. and establishing psychology’s role in dismantling racism and White supremacy. These and other calls to move toward antiracist and social justice advocacy and action are consistent with the decades of scholarship on the need for social justice training in professional psychology (Speight & Vera, 2023). Still, recent research (e.g., Wilcox et al., 2023) demonstrates consistent difficulty in moving professional psychology training from social justice discourse to social justice action. In this presentation, the presenters will describe how faculty can better integrate training for social justice advocacy and action into their professional psychology training programs. The current state of antiracism and social justice discourse in professional psychology will be reviewed, and updated definitions of common pedagogical constructs (e.g., privilege) will be provided. The relationship between mental health disparities, the need for social justice in psychology, extant research, and the ways in which training currently falls short will be discussed. Participants will then be provided an overview of relevant competencies in social justice training as well as an emerging structural competencies model for psychology. Finally, attendees will participate in working sessions designed to generate strategies to implement social justice training procedures in their affiliated programs or institutions.
Building Capacity For Transformational Change: Beyond Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Pueblo Bay1A
Jan Collins-Eaglin, Ph.D., Jeanne Manese, Ph.D., David P. Rivera, Ph.D.
Institutions and agencies with minoritized and marginalized people are facing significant challenges to promote, address, support, and sustain efforts that address fundamental mental health needs. There is growing clinical and empirical literature that attests that People of Color and Indigenous individuals’ (POCI) experiences with racism, discrimination, and microaggressions affect their mental and physical health (Alvarez, Liang, & Neville, 2016). The recent Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action related to admissions in higher education has heightened concerns about belongingness and finding supportive spaces among students of color and diverse communities on college campuses and beyond. For communities of color and other marginalized communities, addressing systemic change is paramount for prevention of health compromises and promotion of healing and equity.
This workshop proposal focuses on the concept and application of capacity building for transformational change where diversity, equity and inclusion are foundational. Capacity building will be discussed as a process that improves an organization’s facility and capability. (Lambert, Johnson & Fiore, 2015). However, in this workshop, our implementation of capacity building counters much the current demand for increased productivity and/or increased services by simply “adding on” to an existing structure that does not allow the time and context for relationship building, engagement, development, and repair. Capacity building will be discussed, conceptually and practically, as starting from the ground up; that is, building agencies and institutions that are transforming with equity and inclusion centered; and build capacity through emphasizing quality, collaboration, and sustainability.
As part of this workshop, four areas for transforming change and building capacity will be discussed: trauma informed approaches, socially just and sustainable leadership, pipeline community development, and advocacy and activism. In addition, some innovative model programs and institutions will be showcased which have benefitted from capacity building. In this way, participants can see the step-by-step process of capacity building and outcomes. Also built into the workshop will be time for participants in large and small group formats to begin to develop ideas and programs that build capacity in their agencies and organizations. Ample time will also be spent discussing pathways around obstacles that are barriers to capacity building.
The workshop presenters are psychologists and consultants who have worked in higher education, healthcare organizations, and independent practice. They have substantial leadership experience, including as national advisors to The Steve Fund, a national leading nonprofit organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people of color.
Radical Accessibility
Pueblo Bay1B
Julie Lynn Williams, PsyD, ABPP
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This workshop will explore disability justice and what it means in the context of ableism. With this purpose in mind, disability will not be framed as the focus of change or correction. Disability will be revealed as the target of systemic and pervasive hate, exclusion, erasure and even eradication. In this space the disabled body will not be treated as the target of correction, intervention, or “help”. Instead, the world we live in will be examined. Moreover, the ways that society advantages those without disabilities and disadvantages those with disabilities will be located as points of radical change. The question, how did we get here? will be explored through disability resistant movements and historical disability civil rights legislation. Finally, this workshop will offer a way out and more importantly a way to cultivate inclusion of all bodies. Art, music, poetry, and scholarship by and within disability community will be experienced. This workshop is for those who live it and those who are ready to experience radical accessibility. Roll on….
Looking Back to Move Forward: Charting Your Path
Pueblo Bay1C
Michi Fu, PhD, Cheryl Tien, PsyD
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In this transformative workshop inspired by NMCS’s theme (Wayfinding, participants will embark on a reflective journey aimed at crafting their own wayfinding map, a tool that allows them to chart the course of their lives by acknowledging the pivotal role played by mentors and elders in their personal and professional development. The adage "it's important to look back to know where you are going" encapsulates the essence of this session, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's past to navigate the present and future successfully.
Acknowledging that our accomplishments are intricately woven into the support we receive from mentors and elders, the workshop draws on the metaphor of standing on the shoulders of giants. This imagery signifies the foundation upon which our work is built, with inspiration flowing from the wisdom imparted by those who came before us. However, amidst the demands of research, clinical work, and professional development, individuals may experience isolation and burnout when disconnected from their support systems. Recognizing this, the workshop seeks to guide attendees in developing a comprehensive list of questions designed to rekindle connections with mentors. These questions will not only serve as a means to bridge the gap but also act as valuable tools for applying insights garnered to their respective areas of focus.
The workshop's emphasis on wayfinding, mentorship, and connection aligns seamlessly with the Digital Herstory Project, a groundbreaking initiative co-sponsored by the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA), Division on Women (DoW), and DoW Southern California region. This ongoing interview series aims to preserve the rich history, leadership, dedication, and perseverance of Asian American female psychologists. Inspired by similar projects within the National Latinx Psychological Association and Le Ondra Harvey's notable interview with the "Father of Black Psychology," Joseph White, the Digital Herstory Project amplifies the visibility and representation of Asian American female psychologists within the professional community.
To further illuminate the narratives of these living legends, an interactive panel during the workshop will share the wisdom garnered from the interviews conducted as part of the Digital Herstory Project. The discussion will delve into the importance of preserving the histories of ethnic minorities, drawing parallels with other initiatives, with the goal of fostering coalition building across diverse groups. By intertwining personal wayfinding with broader initiatives like the Digital Herstory Project, this workshop offers a holistic approach to self-discovery, mentorship, and the preservation of underrepresented voices, creating a space where past, present, and future intersect for the benefit of all participants and the broader psychological community.
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Thursday/Friday
NMCS Conference
Saturday (1/20/24)
Concurrent Organizational Meetings
Sunday (1/21/24)
Concurrent Organizational Meetings
