ASHA Men's Constituency Caucus (MCC)
Purpose
Fostering Collective Impact for Men in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The ASHA Men's Constituency Caucus (MCC) is dedicated to providing a robust framework where male-identifying speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and communication sciences and disorders professionals come together. Our purpose is to collectively discuss, influence, and address the multifaceted factors affecting men within the fields of communication sciences and disorders. Through collaboration, advocacy, and shared experiences, we aim to shape a supportive and influential community for our professions.
Membership
The membership of the men's constituency caucus (MCC) is diverse and inclusive, welcoming a broad spectrum of individuals of all gender identities who are dedicated to the fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, and communication sciences and disorders. We welcome active students, as well as active or retired professionals in all disciplines within our professions. These professionals bring a wealth of experience to the fields of communication sciences and disorders and advance our objectives. The caucus also extends its membership to all who align with the caucus' mission and vision.
Why does CSD need a MCC?
The 2024 Member and Affiliate Profile (ASHA, 2024) reveals that ASHA membership continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.5% per year. What has not changed for more than a decade is the declining representation of men in the professions. Representation of men in speech-language pathology declined from 3.8% in 2012 to 3.6% in 2022. Men in audiology declined from 17% in 2012 to 13.1% in 2022. The loss of men in the CSD professions over this decade coincides with an increase in the representation of men in other allied health professions. As a result of diverse talent choosing other professions, the CSD fields have seen loss of talent, insight, science, leadership, and diverse thinking that strengthens research, exposes biases, achieves gender-congruent care, and advances clinical practice.
The work of MCC is designed to assist in increasing diversity within our professions.
To stop the decline of men entering the CSD professions requires that we have access to a comprehensive framework of actions to inform men about career opportunities in the CSD professions, to provide a strong network of support for those who successfully enter the professions, and to offer mentoring and networking to promote leadership roles for men in their work settings and in volunteer leadership roles.
