Prepared by the Education Committee:
Drs. Madeline Altabe, Ilyse Spertus, Ester Cole (Chair), Joyce Isbitsky
The Education Committee recently conducted a survey of AJP members. The Summary and Take-Aways are presented here along with a link to the full report which is posted on our website.
Summary
The first AJP survey was developed in order to provide a benchmark for members in terms of demographics, identities, concerns, and goals for involvement. The survey was conducted in April 2024 at which time membership total was 745 (Ed. Note: it’s currently over 1,000).
About 22% responded to the survey (n=165). The survey respondents tended to be older, with the majority of them over the age of 60. Individuals primarily identified as White/Caucasian. Others identified as Hispanic/Latino, mixed ethnicity or identified themselves as Jewish Non-White.
With regards to respondents’ religious practices, the denominations identified were Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist (in order of size). About 20% of respondents identified as culturally Jewish without religious practices. A few respondents identified as Jewish allies.
In terms of professional identity, about 60% of respondents indicated their primary work setting was in health care delivery; the next largest group, at 20%, were psychologists in higher education. Less than 10% identified as psychologists in other areas.
The vast majority of respondents live in cities or suburbs. Most respondents also live in areas that have higher than the 2.5% population of Jews, the estimated average in population percentage in North America. Respondents were primarily from the US; some were from Canada and few from Europe. Many people indicated membership and leadership roles in Jewish religious and community organizations.
The survey queried respondents about several topics including their experience of antisemitism, Jewish connection, Jewish identity, and concerns about Israel. They generally felt a strong Jewish identity and connection that has been strengthened during recent times. They expressed significant worries about Israel, as well as the humanitarian impacts of recent military activities.
There is concern about misinformation in the conflict and how that may contribute to antisemitism. Of significant concern for the respondents is rising Jew Hate and worry about the impacts on their daily lives. Another notable area of concern was for Jewish students on campus, who they see as lacking both physical and identity safety. The inadequate institutional response and lack of support was of concern as it interferes with their ability to attend to their studies and socialize at college.
Respondents also shared their perception of Jewish experience in the field of Psychology.
They expressed pride about the historically significant contributions Jews have made to the foundation and advancement of psychology. They expressed concern about the rise of antisemitism within the profession, marginalization and silencing of Jews, and potential loss of Jewish voices in the field of psychology.
Survey respondents indicated that they have a strong interest in AJP programming in order to engage their Jewish identity by providing CE credits, engaging in advocacy efforts, and in networking with others. Hybrid learning formats, community building, and affiliation were all identified as desired activities. Flexibility in program formats and accessibility accommodations were preferred, considering geographic locations and time zones.
Members identified opportunities to make contributions to AJPs committees and undertakings. The top choices for involvement were campus support groups; AJP partnership with non-Jewish allies; education and research.
The respondents provided useful information to guide organizational growth and direction and should be utilized in intervals as AJP develops.
Take-Aways
- Numerous participants are very active in their local Jewish communities, which may provide avenues for cultivating partnerships with AJP.
- Although the sample was not homogenous, diversity is limited. Future initiatives should include broadening the diversity of membership in terms of both age and ethnicity.
- With future growth the organization may benefit from broadening professional representation from multiple career settings. Such expansion may help strengthen alliances and collaborative undertakings with other organizations.
- Members were deeply concerned about the state of antisemitism and the negative impact it has had on them, their families, communities and the field of psychology. This concern should remain a focus of AJP in terms of efforts and programming, directly working on sustained solutions that restore a sense of safety and belonging.
- It is important for AJP to be involved in ongoing efforts to understand Jewish identity and promote cultural competence in professional training and continuing education.
- For EDI initiatives in organizations to be truly comprehensive and advance competencies, it must include representation that addresses antisemitism.
- Based on respondents’ feedback, AJP can play a significant role in developing educational resources, networking opportunities and advocacy efforts, commensurate with its Mission Statement.
For the full report go to AJP Membership Report
