Summary of Survey Responses as of March 27, 2003
Twenty-one responses have been received to date from 29 participating organizations.
- Five responses are from “big” societies.
- Eight are from minority or outreach organizations.
- Eight are from other societies.
- Eight participating organizations did not return surveys.
Key findings:
- All respondents indicate that diversity is a high priority.
- All indicate an interest in collaboration.
- The level of activities varies widely.
- Programs in the disciplinary/technical societies are primarily focused on society members and working professionals.
- Some respondents currently have no activities, but are interested in how to get started.
- Others have large committees with a variety of programs, including publications, grants to local and student sections for diversity programs, leadership development for society members, speakers and other activities at annual meetings.
- The amount of resources devoted to diversity programs is limited.
- Budgets range from $0 or “as needed” to $200,000/year. Six organizations report budgets between $10,000 and $100,000/year. Only one reports a budget of more than $100,000/year.
- Staffing levels range from “as needed” to full time professional and administrative support.
- Only one respondent indicated they currently depend on outside funding for diversity programs.
- When asked to prioritize different target audiences for diversity activities, 13 respondents indicated that college and graduate students are a top priority, while 8 indicated that middle and high school students are a top priority. (Note that some respondents indicated that all groups are a priority.)