I begin this blog with a simple confession: writing it was challenging. My goal is to share our initiatives to foster an even more inclusive and diverse ISI community and encourage your contributions. Although it may feel like we've tackled similar issues before, each step we take toward inclusivity and diversity is essential, and I have good news.
The ISI is already recognised as a diverse community, embracing a wide array of interests, backgrounds, and perspectives. However, our mission to attract and retain members from various regions around the globe remains vital, particularly focusing on areas with low membership representation. As of June 2024, the ISI individual membership in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region comprised only 117 members (79 elected and 38 regular members), with 60% of these members located in Brazil and Mexico.
To address this, we established the Latin American and Caribbean Outreach Committee (LAC OC) to increase membership in the region and strengthen connections with the LAC statistical and data science communities. We are excited about this initiative and grateful to Manuel Mendoza Ramírez for accepting the invitation to chair the LAC OC. Stay tuned to our website for more information about the committee as we inaugurate it in the new year.
Boosting our membership and enhancing engagement in ISI activities is a challenge that requires ongoing attention and creativity. To tackle this, we have formed two task forces:
- Organisational Membership Task Force: As highlighted in Jessica’s recent blog, this group explores ways to expand organisational membership opportunities.
- Individual Membership Task Force: Chaired by me, this group focuses on generating proposals to attract and retain individual members, both regular and elected.
When these task forces were created, the ISI Council and Associations responded very positively. In October, members from both groups convened for our first joint meeting, generating several valuable suggestions that will be considered for implementation in 2025.
Your Involvement Matters
Are you interested in collaborating? I invite you to share your thoughts and suggestions. Additionally, you can contribute to this effort by encouraging your colleagues to join ISI and recruiting new members for our community. If you’re reading this blog, your connection to ISI is already significant. Stay engaged, and let’s work together to expand and strengthen this invaluable network. By fostering inclusivity and diversity, we can enrich the ISI community for everyone.
A New Year of Opportunities
As the end of this year approaches, I wish you all a year filled with peace, health, harmony, and many rewarding and productive activities. Let the festive season inspire positive feelings and renew your energy for 2025. As T.S. Eliot beautifully wrote:
“What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” (Little Gidding)
What are your plans for the new year?
I look forward to meeting you at the World Statistics Congress 2025, where we can celebrate our shared commitment to professional development and innovation in a collaborative environment.
