In order to better serve and support the LGBTQ+ math community, the board has been working hard to reorganize and formalize various parts of Spectra. While this is a large and ongoing project, we are excited to announce the formation of a number of new committees! In codifying these changes we hope to create new and easier ways for individuals to become involved with and shape the future of Spectra.

If you are interested in joining any of the committees described below please feel free to reach out to the appropriate committee chair or complete this GoogleForm

Spectra's Membership Committee is calling for volunteers to help with ongoing and future projects that promote visibility and community of LGBTQ+ mathematicians. Such projects include: visibility campaigns highlighting LGBTQ+ mathematicians, receptions at conferences (e.g., JMM), and brainstorming ways to further connect people in our community.

The main charge of Spectra’s Profession Committee is to support the professional development of LGBTQ+ mathematicians and our inclusion in the larger community of professional mathematicians. In the past, this has fallen into two big categories: facilitating workshops and panel discussions at the JMM, and organizing conferences for LGBTQ+ mathematicians. If you have interest or experience in planning or running these kinds of activities or have ideas for other ways to support the professional development of LGBTQ+ math folks, please consider self-nominating for the Profession Committee.

The focus of Spectra’s Outreach and Communications Committee is keeping LGBTQ+ mathematicians updated about any events and initiatives that can help further inclusive spaces in mathematics. This can entail overseeing Spectra’s online presence on social media, creating campaigns to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ mathematicians, developing the newsletter to keep members informed about what’s happening in the LGBTQ+ Math and STEM community, and through other events and activities to engage a wide swatch of the mathematics community. We are looking for community members that are willing to work together to brainstorm new outreach initiatives, as well as further the scope of this newsletter.

The focus of Spectra's Political Committee is to advocate for a just and inclusive community for LGBTQ+ people in the mathematical community, and beyond. This will include advocacy on behalf of community members under political threat, discrimination, or persecution from state and national governments, e.g., through statements of support/condemnation and advocating for safe environments for conferences. The committee will also continue Spectra's ongoing work to advocate for trans-inclusive publication name policies.

Recognizing the importance of intersectionality, the focus of the EDI committee is to help support mathematicians along all axes of identity. A key component is ensuring that Spectra as an organization is mindful of EDI issues in its decisions and communications. The EDI committee will be involved in many of the projects listed in the other committee descriptions, providing meaningful feedback to ensure Spectra is always striving to act more justly and improve its impact. Please consider self-nominating for this committee if you have experience or interest in this continued work.