03/04/2016

Central States Communication Association Taskforce and Forum on Diversity and Inclusion

Central States Communication Association Taskforce and Forum on Diversity and Inclusion

When running for Second Vice President of the Central States Communication Association, I argued that the promotion of diversity and inclusion is necessary for the advancement and vitality of the discipline and the association. If we as a discipline profess to study communication, we should study all communication and not just that of the privileged few within societies. Furthermore, we must encourage and respect the voices of everyone in the discipline. This encouragement should not be provided regardless of cultural diversity but because of cultural diversity. A diverse community of scholars provides multiple perspectives and positions which will broaden our research while strengthening the discipline and securing its global reach.

We must encourage and provide opportunities for the examination of communication among populations generally not included in research. We must also encourage and provide opportunities of engagement and influence for members of the discipline historically excluded from such activities. In order to remain relevant in the lives of our students and in global societies, the discipline of communication and this association must recognize and promote diversity in its scholarship and among its members.  

While transitioning to the role of Past President, I will be developing a taskforce charged with bringing matters of diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the association. This taskforce will explore ways in which the association is succeeding in the promotion of diversity and inclusion as well as ways in which the association is not succeeding in these vital areas. This taskforce will also provide recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning future endeavors for the promotion of diversity and inclusion. Beyond simply generating ideas, we will strive to make sure that these recommendations are fully considered and acted upon.

A Forum on Diversity and Inclusion will be held at the upcoming convention and represents an initial step in the development of this taskforce. Open to all members of the association, it will provide an opportunity for the membership to share its views on how diversity and inclusion can be promoted by the association as well as its views on what successful diversity and inclusion actually means and how we might recognize it if achieved.

Full audience participation will be encouraged, and I hope to see a packed room. Please come and share your concerns, your hopes and desires, and your suggestions for the future development of the association. The forum will take place on Saturday, April 16, 3:30-4:45 PM in the Pearl Room of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to share anything in advance, please contact me at the following address: mcmahan.csca@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Grand Rapids and at this very important event.

David T. McMahan
CSCA President