Another method of communicating with ethnic minority members is through use of convention time for meetings, social gatherings, symposia and guest speakers . The national APA, regional, and state psychological association conventions could have time set aside by the program committee for meetings and forums to discuss issues relevant to people of color. Social gathering time also could be allocated to allow for informal networking among persons with ethnic minority interests. This may take the form of brown bag lunches, conversation hours, or social hours. A guest speaker on ethnic minority issues can highlight the organization's interest in the subject.
Some regional conventions give student awards for research presentations.
This might be extended to an ethnic minority student paper award. Some SPA's and divisions reduce convention fees for psychologists of color to encourageparticipation. The rationale is that once these psychologists attend a meeting, and find common issues and recognition of their issues and concerns, they are more likely to return and become participants in the organization. On an informal basis, the promotion of a mentorship network can help introduce and bring ethnic minority members through the ranks of the SPA or APA division. The existing networks within SPAs and divisions are powerful.