About

The Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA) is the preeminent international professional organization for social science research related to the study of adolescents and adolescent development. SRA convenes biennially to present cutting-edge research by scientists, educators, social and policy agents, and community members working with and for young people across the globe. 

Although researchers are the primary membership of SRA, we are an organization inclusive of other areas of expertise and groups that work with, for, or conduct research about adolescents. Within our society, there should be an intentional, coordinated interplay among researchers, the public, policymakers, practitioners, and other youth-serving organizations. 

SRA is committed to building a just, humane, and inclusive society. Everyone should feel that they can fully participate in the organization and receive all the benefits of SRA. 

Mission

As a community of researchers, we aim to advance understanding of adolescence and enhance the wellbeing of youth in a globalized world. We promote high-quality research that considers the biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of development in context. We aim to lead scientific and public discourse on youth and adolescence, and to guide the areas of parenting, education and schooling, health and wellness, and policy. In order to achieve these goals, we prioritize relevant, diverse, and global perspectives and foster the professional development and growth of all members.

Values

  1. Research as a tool for generating knowledge and a foundation for informing educational and community programs, practices, and policies that shape the lives of youth and their communities.

  2. Young people as active agents and critical contributors to knowledge and building a better future.

  3. Diversity of membership, including national, cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic, ability, and professional status.

  4. Diversity in scholarship, including the study of diverse populations, disciplinary perspectives, and methodological approaches.

SRA Communities

While researchers are the primary membership of SRA, we are an organization that is inclusive of other areas of expertise and other groups that work with, for, or conduct research about adolescents. Within our society, there should be a dramatic interplay between researchers, the public, policy makers, practitioners and other youth serving organizations.

Commitment to Inclusion

SRA is committed to an inclusivity. Everyone should feel that they can fully participate in the organization and receive all of the benefits of SRA.

Priorities

Governance
  • Increase number of appointed at-large Executive Council members (each President gets one appointee)
  • Review/update bylaws
  • Review committee descriptions and charters
  • Provide committee member on-boarding and training
  • Incorporate diversity across everything that SRA does
 Diversity
  • Hire a diversity consultant and hold an in-person meeting to review diversity practices in SRA and provide guidance and direction.
  • Ensure diversity on all committees
  • Change name of the committee (Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice)
  • Define role of diversity caucuses
  • Understand the demographics of the SRA membership and where there are gaps.
Communications
  • Finalize the Strategic Communications Plan Including priorities and action items along with a more detailed social media plan
  • Create a Rapid Response Protocol
  • Create spaces for SRA constituencies (researchers, public, policy makers, practitioners and other youth serving organizations).
 Member Benefits
  • Create valuable resources such as best practices/best research resources, webinars, virtual lectures to provide to members
  • Provide media training and access to SRA promotion
  • Create a podcast
  • Offer a Speaker’s Bureau
Mentorship
  • Create a strategic program to pairing mentors and mentees
  • Focus on first generation college students and underrepresented groups
 Meetings
  • Create plan and strategy for implementing Society meetings
  • Get member buy in