Share Your Thoughts About AAFP Member Constituencies

The AAFP’s membership is as diverse and dynamic as the communities we serve. Because this is one of our greatest strengths, the Academy has member constituencies to elevate voices that have been historically underrepresented in leadership and those who have found it difficult to navigate traditional leadership pathways.

Our leadership should reflect who we are as an Academy, but this reflection does not happen by chance. It requires ongoing attention, honest conversation and a shared commitment to create a culture where all aspiring leaders have equal opportunities.

Last year the Board of Directors established a task force to ensure that the constituencies are meeting members’ needs. As the task force chair, I’m asking for your help — through an online survey or in person later this month at the National Conference of Constituency Leaders — whether you currently identify with one of the five Board-approved member constituencies or not. Those groups are women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) members, new physicians, international medical graduates, and LGBTQ+ members and allies.

I invite you to consider some important questions and key issues:

• Are any constituencies now so well represented in Academy and chapter leadership that their group could be sunset?
• Are there some groups that should always be represented by a constituency?
• Would additional groups benefit from representation as a member constituency, and would such additions enhance Academy and chapter leadership and governance?
• If a group is perceived as underrepresented, should self-reported data be a factor in determining whether to include that group as a member constituency?
• Should there be a limit to the number of constituencies?

Add Your Voice

AAFP members have two ways to provide input to the member constituency task force:

• Attend a listening session during the April 24-26 National Conference of Constituency Leaders in Kansas City, Missouri, to ask questions and make your voice heard.
• Complete a survey, open to all members, about constituency groups and the Academy’s leadership pathways. Some respondents may be invited to related focus groups in late April.

What’s Next

The task force will make a recommendation to the Board in October.

NCCL was created 35 years ago to create leadership opportunities for those from marginalized, underrepresented communities. The process we’re undertaking now is asking if member constituencies are still serving our members appropriately and whether they serve a purpose beyond NCCL. Are we effectively promoting our leaders of today and tomorrow while hearing the many different voices within AAFP?

The point here is not to diminish the work or importance of any group. We are reaffirming the value of representation, and ensuring that the Academy continues to meet members’ needs while staying rooted in our principles. Help us make the most of this opportunity to assess, improve and grow stronger together.