OUR MISSION
MAP's mission is to remove barriers to participation in philosophy for members of marginalized groups. Through our graduate-student led network of autonomous chapters all over the world, we aim to stimulate discussion of diversity and inclusion in philosophy, build community among scholars from underrepresented groups, and shift the culture of academic philosophy in ways that improve working conditions for such scholars.
Through MAP's network, students can exchange ideas on topics related to minorities and philosophy, meet and support peers, and learn from other philosophy departments. MAP chapters can choose to provide their respective departments with regular feedback on the department climate.
Through MAP's network, students can exchange ideas on topics related to minorities and philosophy, meet and support peers, and learn from other philosophy departments. MAP chapters can choose to provide their respective departments with regular feedback on the department climate.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION
MAP is a collection of students in philosophy departments that aims to examine and address issues of minority participation in academic philosophy. Though primarily led by graduate students, MAP also relies on faculty support and encourages undergraduate participation. Currently, MAP has 134 chapters throughout the world.
Through MAP's network, students can exchange ideas on topics related to minorities and philosophy, meet and support peers, and learn from other philosophy departments. MAP chapters can choose to provide their respective departments with regular feedback on the department climate.
Though the format of MAP varies from school to school, each chapter aims broadly at addressing (a) minority issues in the profession, (b) theoretical issues regarding philosophy of gender, race, sexual orientation, class, disability, native language, etc, and (c) philosophy done from minority perspectives. Meeting formats include: external or internal speakers, reading groups, film screenings, mentorship events for undergraduates or graduates, panel discussions, practical workshops (e.g., on communication techniques, navigating stereotype threat or implicit bias).
In the short term, MAP provides a forum for students to discuss these topics and connect with interested peers. In the long term, we hope that MAP will contribute to improved department cultures and facilitate increased participation of underrepresented groups in academic philosophy. For a brief intro, see our post on the APA blog. A brief chronology can be found here.
We're always looking for suggestions! Please contact us through this form or at mapforthegap@gmail.com with any comments.
MAP is generously supported by the Marc Sanders Foundation, which "aims to stimulate renewed appreciation for traditional philosophy by encouraging, identifying and rewarding excellent research" in philosophy. For more on the MSF, visit their webpage.
Through MAP's network, students can exchange ideas on topics related to minorities and philosophy, meet and support peers, and learn from other philosophy departments. MAP chapters can choose to provide their respective departments with regular feedback on the department climate.
Though the format of MAP varies from school to school, each chapter aims broadly at addressing (a) minority issues in the profession, (b) theoretical issues regarding philosophy of gender, race, sexual orientation, class, disability, native language, etc, and (c) philosophy done from minority perspectives. Meeting formats include: external or internal speakers, reading groups, film screenings, mentorship events for undergraduates or graduates, panel discussions, practical workshops (e.g., on communication techniques, navigating stereotype threat or implicit bias).
In the short term, MAP provides a forum for students to discuss these topics and connect with interested peers. In the long term, we hope that MAP will contribute to improved department cultures and facilitate increased participation of underrepresented groups in academic philosophy. For a brief intro, see our post on the APA blog. A brief chronology can be found here.
We're always looking for suggestions! Please contact us through this form or at mapforthegap@gmail.com with any comments.
MAP is generously supported by the Marc Sanders Foundation, which "aims to stimulate renewed appreciation for traditional philosophy by encouraging, identifying and rewarding excellent research" in philosophy. For more on the MSF, visit their webpage.
WHAT WE DO
CHAPTERS AND LOCAL ORGANIZINGMAP's heart and soul is our network of over 140 chapters in Australia, Canada, continental Europe, the UK, the US, and South Africa. These chapters organize local events to stimulate discussion of topics relevant to minority participation in academic philosophy and to build community and improve departmental climate. Events include talks by external or internal speakers, mentorship events for undergraduates or graduates, panel discussions, and practical workshops (e.g., on communication techniques, navigating stereotype threat or implicit bias). You can create a local chapter here.
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ADVOCACY AND RESOURCE-BUILDINGMAP International organizers, in consultation with our chapter network, work to provide resources and advocate for the interests of members of marginalized groups in philosophy. We issue policy recommendations (e.g. on service work recognition and compensation, provide how-to guides, and distribute and publicize useful resources through our website and social media. We also organize sessions at major conferences to provide a platform for presenting new ideas and a forum for discussion.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 27, 2020: GROUP SESSION ON BOUNDARY SETTING AT THE CENTRAL APA
MAP will host a Group Session at the Central APA with the theme "Setting Boundaries: Personal and Professional." Boundaries are rules we set for how others interact with us, and for how much of our time and energy different people and spheres of our lives take up. As such, they deserve explicit reflection so that they reflect our values and allow us to thrive. Unfortunately, they are liable to be hard to set and maintain in environments with the intense work culture of academic philosophy. The session will feature speakers, panelists, and a workshop portion (more details coming soon!).
The session is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 9am-12 pm.
MAP will host a Group Session at the Central APA with the theme "Setting Boundaries: Personal and Professional." Boundaries are rules we set for how others interact with us, and for how much of our time and energy different people and spheres of our lives take up. As such, they deserve explicit reflection so that they reflect our values and allow us to thrive. Unfortunately, they are liable to be hard to set and maintain in environments with the intense work culture of academic philosophy. The session will feature speakers, panelists, and a workshop portion (more details coming soon!).
The session is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 9am-12 pm.
APRIL 8, 2020: GROUP SESSION (WITH THE APA GRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL) ON COUNTERING BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND MICROAGGRESSIONS
Details coming soon. The session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 6pm-9pm.
Details coming soon. The session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 6pm-9pm.
MAP is celebrating over two years of nonprofit status. It is generously supported by funds from the Marc Sanders Foundation, but we also accept donations from supporters like you. With your contributions, we are able to support chapters in hosting exciting and empowering events like summer schools, philosophy programs for underserved youth at the K-12 level, and chapters that do philosophy with incarcerated students.
All donations to MAP are tax-deductible. Feel free to share this post with anyone who would like to directly support MAP’s efforts at diversifying philosophy. We are grateful for your generous support.
All donations to MAP are tax-deductible. Feel free to share this post with anyone who would like to directly support MAP’s efforts at diversifying philosophy. We are grateful for your generous support.