The Inclusive Professional Framework for Societies: Changing Mental Models to Promote Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive STEM Systems Change

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professional societies (ProSs) are uniquely positioned to foster national-level diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reform. ProSs serve broad memberships, define disciplinary norms and culture, and inform accrediting bodies and thus provide critical levers for systems change. STEM ProSs could be instrumental in achieving the DEI system reform necessary to optimize engagement of all STEM talent, leveraging disciplinary excellence resulting from diverse teams. Inclusive STEM system reform requires that underlying "mental models" be examined. The Inclusive Professional Framework for Societies (<i>IPF: Societies</i>) is an interrelated set of strategies that can help ProSs change leaders (i.e., "boundary spanners") and organizations identify and address mental models hindering DEI reform. The <i>IPF: Societies</i> uses four "I's"-Identity awareness and Intercultural mindfulness (i.e., equity mindset) upon which inclusive relationships and Influential DEI actions are scaffolded. We discuss how the <i>IPF: Societies</i> complements existing DEI tools (e.g., <i>Women in Engineering ProActive Network's</i> Framework for Promoting Gender Equity within Organization; <i>Amplifying the Alliance to Catalyze Change for Equity in STEM Success'</i> Equity Environmental Scan Tool). We explain how the <i>IPF: Societies</i> can be applied to existing ProS policy and practice associated with common ProS functions (e.g., leadership, membership, conferences, awards, and professional development). The next steps are to pilot the <i>IPF: Societies</i> with a cohort of STEM ProSs. Ultimately, the <i>IPF: Societies</i> has potential to promote more efficient, effective, and lasting DEI organizational transformation and contribute to inclusive STEM disciplinary excellence.