ASP’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) is an international organization whose mission is to increase public science literacy through the study of and participation in astronomy. To fulfill this mission, the ASP provides astronomy enthusiasts of every kind — regardless of age, level of education, or professional training — with the resources, programs, and materials needed to improve their own understanding of astronomy and their abilities to share their knowledge with others.
The ASP is committed to actively promoting diversity and will engage in astronomy initiatives expanding participation among underrepresented groups. These efforts include the development of educational materials and programs specifically designed to increase participation among groups underrepresented in STEM fields, including women and girls, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, the LGBTQ community, and the disabled. Additionally, the ASP commits to involving itself in international efforts supporting the teaching and learning of astronomy in the developing regions of the world (including Central and South America, Asia, and Africa).
The ASP is committed to expanding and diversifying its membership. The ASP has been a membership organization since 1889, first serving the needs of professional researchers and amateur astronomers and then expanding to serve casual enthusiasts and science educators. The ASP is committed to diversifying the membership, and we will actively recruit and provide support to professional researchers, amateur astronomers, astronomy educators, and casual enthusiasts from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM, including but not limited to women, people of color, the disabled, and members of the LGBTQ communities.
The ASP is committed to celebrating contributions to astronomy made by people across a variety of cultures and from diverse backgrounds. The ASP Annual Awards honors the achievements made by professional astronomers, amateur astronomers, and astronomy educators. The ASP will diversify the pool of nominees in all categories and create new awards that celebrate individuals who have made significant strides in promoting diversity and equity. The ASP’s educational resources, books, popular magazines, and other materials will be culturally sensitive and inclusive.
The ASP is committed to creating professional learning communities within which participants feel safe, respected, and free to express their views regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability. The ASP will act to insure that all of our programs and events are places where participants are free from harassment or discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or disability.
