Dear MePA Members,
As the end of my term as president approaches, composing this message is bittersweet. It truly has been a privilege to serve MePA, and I am indebted to the many members who volunteer their time to advance the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the people of Maine. I continue to be humbled by the vast expertise within our organization and grateful to belong to an incredibly compassionate and supportive professional community.
The MePA community is invaluable, and we are proud to adopt an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (on the previous page) to affirm our commitment to a diverse membership and advancing equity and justice for all Mainers. This statement guides our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community where all members’ voices are valued, advocate for equitable psychological services, and address inequities in Maine. The statement’s value lies in its ability to drive action, and MePA is ready to act under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Randy Moser, incoming President, Jeff Matranga, and our dedicated psychologists on the Policy Council and Committees.
Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion requires prioritizing cultural competence and humility. We recognize the diverse, intersectional identities of Mainers we serve and the implications of intersecting social identities and contexts for well-being. The MePA’s 2023 Annual Conference theme is “Embracing a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Community” and today Dr. Idella Glenn facilitates an interactive workshop to explore the impacts of our social identities, self-reflect on intercultural competence, and establish growth plans. Quinn Gormley, Executive Director of MaineTrans.Net, will also provide training to enhance understanding of Maine’s transgender community, shedding light on health disparities, resilience factors, and best gender-affirming support practices.
MePA’s goal is to offer valuable professional development and opportunities for community-building and collegial connections. We also plan to announce the recipient of the MePA Psychologist of the Year Award and celebrate the accomplishments of three exceptional Maine teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting their students’ social-emotional well-being. We are so glad to have you with us today at the beautiful Haraseeket Inn for this time-honored fall tradition!
With care,
Jamie