In June of this year, I spoke about the civil unrest impacting our country and how the AAO was taking a hard look in the mirror at ourselves and at the profession of orthodontics.  We believe that diversity is a strength and ensuring the involvement of our diverse membership will only make the AAO stronger. As part of our strategic efforts to increase inclusivity, I am pleased to announce our new Inclusion and Engagement Task Force (IETF).

This Inclusion and Engagement Task Force will have the following charges:

  1. Work to support and inspire diverse groups within the AAO by helping to develop tools and pathways to leadership.
  2. Identify obstacles for involvement in the AAO and make recommendations for change.
  3. Identify the unique needs and issues that face diverse orthodontists and implement plans to address these needs.

The Task Force will be composed of 8 diverse AAO members, a staff liaison and a trustee liaison.

  • Experience in leadership, whether it has been within the AAO or outside the AAO is preferred but not required.
  • The Chair of the Task Force will serve for a one-year term in the inaugural year, and thereafter, will be elected by the Task Force.
  • Each member will serve a two-year term with an option for renewal for up to three terms. The Task Force will meet via conference calls and communicate by electronic means.

View the Application Here.

Call to Action: We encourage you to take an active role in our association by completing the application on our member site by February 1st or nominating a person of diversity whom you think would bring insight, ideas and leadership to this Task Force.

Key Dates:

  • 12/30/20: Application is posted
  • 02/01/2021: Application deadline
  • 02/22/2021: Task Force members are announced
  • March, 2021: Task Force kickoff meeting