The Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences values an environment of belonging in which faculty, staff and learners are provided the opportunity to connect, network, support and raise awareness based on shared community. These community connection groups are formed to reduce isolation and increase respect for differing reference points. They are vital for creating a supportive environment that values varied perspectives and experiences. These groups serve as a platform for individuals from various backgrounds to discuss and address the unique challenges they encounter, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. By promoting open dialogue and education on cultural concerns, these community connection groups enhance the ability of all members to provide equitable and effective mental health care. Additionally, they play a key role in shaping curricula and research priorities to better reflect and address the needs of distinct populations. The presence of such groups enriches the learning experience, encourages mentorship and supports the recruitment and retention of a variety of talent, ultimately contributing to a more just and comprehensive approach to mental health care.
For general questions about departmental community connection groups or to start a new group, please contact Erica Marshall-Lee.
The following groups are available. You can get involved by contacting the individuals listed below.
For Faculty
The Psychology Shared Voices Collective | Chanda Cottingham Graves
The Psychology Shared Voices Collective is a group of psychologists at Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences formed with the intention of providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, support, promotion and solidarity for the interests of people often discounted in academia. This collaborative champions advancement through mentoring, community engagement, project collaboration, training, professional development and financial intelligence. As a collective, we work toward engagement and empowerment of people often overlooked in academia by supporting and advocating for each other and those in our community. We are committed to educating the public, fighting prejudice and stigma and lifting the voices of people who are often disregarded.
Our Vision within this Collective is:
- To fellowship in community
- To create a network that embraces the value of Ubuntu (I am because you are): to share resources and opportunities
- To provide a safe community to live out mission and values
- To celebrate, support and solidify the place of overlooked individuals in academia
- To foster relationships and growth from high school to early career
- To provide support defined more broadly and specifically across the country
- To increase leadership, promotion, retention and mentorship in academia
- Provide a supportive space to talk about unique issues that impact professional careers in academia
- To provide a space that embraces cultural pluralism and explore how that informs professional trajectories.
- Create opportunities for people often overlooked and to create a pipeline of mentors for those beginning their careers in academia
- To identify and reduce barriers in academia
- To reduce inconsistencies and gaps in academia (e.g. leadership, promotion, compensation, funding)