APA Chapters and Diversity

Chapters get you involved in APA close to home. They're your local source for networking and professional development. You'll share experiences with colleagues and broaden your perspective beyond your commission or office. When you join APA, you automatically become a member of your local chapter.

Most chapters offer an annual conference, educational workshops, AICP exam preparation courses, and a newsletter. Many chapters also conduct legislative programs, sponsor planning commissioner training workshops, and conduct public information campaigns.

A number of chapters are engaged in addressing diversity and social equity. Chapters are hosting their own diversity summits, offering mentoring programs, and cultivating diverse chapter leaders.

At the 2006 APA National Planning Conference, representatives from several chapters shared their accomplishments. Learn more by downloading the presentations from the Encouraging Diversity at the Chapter Level session:

California Chapter (ppt)

National Capital Area Chapter (ppt)

Virginia Chapter (ppt)

In the coming months APA will begin posting profiles of these chapter activities. The purpose of these profiles will be to highlight the good work already underway as well as to inspire other creative approaches.

Visit your local chapter's website to learn more about its diversity efforts and to catch up on the latest planning information in your region.