Outreach Steering Committee Update!

AASECT Contemporary Sexuality Outreach Steering Committee Updates

As I began my role as the Chair of AASECT’s Outreach Steering Committee this year, I had the honor of stepping into a space left rich with excitement by the former Chair, and current Conference Committee Co-Chair, Jayleen Galarza. In the role of Chair, I have the pleasure of supporting AASECT’s robust mentorship efforts, international outreach, and the dynamic work of the newly formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee.

The purpose of the DEI committee is to assess and support the needs of AASECT on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes providing recommendations to the Board of Directors (BoD) to increase opportunities to hear more diverse voices, and improving diversity of representation within the organization. This fall, Karyll Honeycutt assumed the role of Chair of the DEI committee. Karyll is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working in Reproductive Justice, as well as a therapist and sexuality educator. DEI is also comprised of committee members, Dr. Carey Bayer, Dr. Debbie Bazarsky, Dr. Janet Brito, Dr. Kimberly Dickman, Dr. Jayleen Galarza, and Dr. Donna Oriowo.

A few key accomplishments of the committee this year include helping to facilitate a brainstorming session at the AASECT Annual Conference in Las Vegas, with a goal to obtain feedback from members to enhance DEI’s  efforts. The committee also worked closely with AASECT BoD to help develop the AASECT Statement on Charlottesville. As we look forward to 2018, DEI’s primary goal is continued collaboration with the BoD to establish goals, objectives, and a vision related to enhancing the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of AASECT membership and activities.

Also under outreach is the Mentoring Committee. This fall, Dr. Kaela Joseph assumed leadership as Chair. Kaela is a clinical psychologist with a speciality in LGBTQ psychology as well as women and transgender Veterans. Committee members also include Dr. Midege Flaget-Greener, Valerie Richards, LMCH, and Shanna Williams, LCSW. An exciting accomplishments this year includes developing a revised mentorship outreach plan that will involve the launch of “Virtural Happy Hour” sessions in 2018. These Virtual Happy hour sessions will be open to all mentees, and are designed to provide opportunities for mentees to engage, ask questions, and stay connected to AASECT membership. More information about Virtual Happy Hour sessions will launch in early 2018, so stay tuned!

We are conviced that 2018 will be a dynamic year with the great projects planned to-date – and we welcome your ideas and contributions as well! If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me directly at Tameca.Harris-Jackson@ucf.edu. In the meantime, please keep your eyes open for the great and innovative ideas headed your way from the Outreach Committee!

Sincerely,

Tameca N. Harris-Jackson, PhD, LICSW, CSE