The AASM is calling for volunteers for a new Diversity and Inclusion Task Force that will assess the current AASM membership to identify underrepresented groups, detect any barriers to diversity and inclusion, and recommend strategies for improvement. The task force will submit a comprehensive report to the Board of Directors summarizing its findings.

All AASM task forces are created for a specific charge and expire with its completion. Service on a task force is a one-year appointment with a maximum of a three-year consecutive term, and it requires participation in monthly conference calls and collaborative involvement on projects that meet the mandate. Reports are sent to the board of directors on a quarterly basis. The deadline to volunteer is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 6.

Mandate:

The Diversity and Inclusion Task Force evaluates how well the AASM does in fostering a welcoming environment for all members. The task force assesses the current AASM membership to identify underrepresented groups, detect any barriers to diversity and inclusion, and recommend strategies for improvement.

Goals:

  1. Assess the current level of diversity within the AASM membership and among AASM leadership (e.g., Board of Directors, committee chairs, event faculty).
  2. Identify underrepresented groups in the AASM membership and note any barriers that may hinder diversity and inclusion.
  3. Identify any barriers that may deter members in underrepresented groups from serving in leadership roles within the AASM.
  4. Submit a comprehensive report to the Board of Directors summarizing the task force’s findings and recommending strategies to address the identified barriers that prevent a welcoming environment for all members.

Members interested in volunteering for the task force should review the conflict of interest policy and submit the following four documents by email to Britney Heald at bheald@aasm.org by Sunday, May 6, 2018.

  1. Volunteer Interest Form
  2. COI Disclosure Form
  3. Copyright Assignment Form
  4. 2-page CV/biosketch summary

Appointment notifications will be sent to volunteers in late May, with task force terms commencing at SLEEP 2018 in June.