OUR MISSION
MAP’s mission is to address structural injustices in academic philosophy and to remove barriers that impede participation in academic philosophy for members of marginalized groups. Through our international organizing team and graduate student-led network of autonomous chapters around the world, we aim to examine and dismantle mechanisms that prevent students from marginalized groups from participating in academic philosophy, as well as to promote philosophical work done from marginalized perspectives, and help improve working conditions for scholars from marginalized backgrounds.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION
MAP is comprised of students in philosophy departments who are committed to examining and addressing structural injustices in academic philosophy. Though primarily led by graduate students, MAP also relies on faculty support and encourages undergraduate participation. Currently, MAP has over 140 chapters around the world.
MAP is primarily a grassroots organization; local organizers from each chapter are empowered to assess the needs in their community and how to best meet them. The vast MAP network allows local organizers to meet and support peers and learn about initiatives in other departments. Broadly, each chapter aims at addressing (1) issues of structural injustice (and minority participation) in the profession, (2) theoretical issues regarding philosophy of gender, race, sexual orientation, class, disability, native language, etc., and (c) philosophy done from marginalized perspectives. Meeting formats include external or internal speakers, reading groups, film screenings, mentorship events for undergraduate or graduate students, panel discussions, and practical workshops (e.g. on anti-racist pedagogy, navigating stereotype threat, and boundary setting).
In the short term, MAP provides resources and support to students wishing to introduce minority-focused initiatives in their departments and educates the broader philosophical community about issues related to marginalization. In the long term, we hope that MAP will contribute to improved department cultures and a more equitable discipline.
MAP is primarily a grassroots organization; local organizers from each chapter are empowered to assess the needs in their community and how to best meet them. The vast MAP network allows local organizers to meet and support peers and learn about initiatives in other departments. Broadly, each chapter aims at addressing (1) issues of structural injustice (and minority participation) in the profession, (2) theoretical issues regarding philosophy of gender, race, sexual orientation, class, disability, native language, etc., and (c) philosophy done from marginalized perspectives. Meeting formats include external or internal speakers, reading groups, film screenings, mentorship events for undergraduate or graduate students, panel discussions, and practical workshops (e.g. on anti-racist pedagogy, navigating stereotype threat, and boundary setting).
In the short term, MAP provides resources and support to students wishing to introduce minority-focused initiatives in their departments and educates the broader philosophical community about issues related to marginalization. In the long term, we hope that MAP will contribute to improved department cultures and a more equitable discipline.
WHAT WE DO
CHAPTERS & 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 & 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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DO'S/DONT'S FOR (NON-BLACK PEOPLE IN) PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENTS
Here is a searchable PDF version of the poster.
MAP is currently working on an anti-racism resource package for philosophers, which we will be sharing in the coming days. You can find some additional resources on our resource page.
MAP is currently working on an anti-racism resource package for philosophers, which we will be sharing in the coming days. You can find some additional resources on our resource page.
NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Read MAP International Statement on Anti-Black Racism in Philosophy here.
For a full list of MAP's upcoming events, see our events calendar.
For a full list of MAP's upcoming events, see our events calendar.
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.