Living Our Values (LOV) Committee

Mission

"The Living Our Values Committee (LOV) has three primary aims: (1) to expand the membership of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) and foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all members; (2) to increase the breadth of research presented at the Annual Meeting that reflects a wide range of population characteristics; (3) to support the career development of members from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, variation in sex, age, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socioeconomic background, and physical or cognitive ability.

To achieve the first aim, broadening RSA membership, the LOV Committee may conduct ongoing assessments of key demographic and professional characteristics of attendees and presenters at the Annual Meeting; promote representation across a range of communities in RSA leadership; strengthen the organization’s commitment to engaging and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds; identify and recruit promising researchers with varied life experiences and perspectives; and coordinate RSA activities that reinforce an environment of respect and belonging. The LOV Committee may also develop materials for outreach and public education beyond RSA.

The second aim of the LOV Committee, to strengthen the scope of population-relevant research presented at RSA, is consistent with federal guidelines such as the NIH Policy on the Inclusion of Women and Minorities in Clinical Research and the policy on considering sex as a biological variable. The LOV Committee’s efforts extend beyond these requirements to encourage scientific engagement that reflects a broader range of human and animal population attributes. Activities may include evaluating the range of research topics and populations represented, encouraging submission of relevant presentations, and sharing resources that support inclusive and generalizable scientific inquiry.

To accomplish the third aim, the LOV Committee may support the professional growth of RSA members from groups that have been historically underrepresented in science. This includes organizing dedicated events at the RSA Annual Meeting, recognizing research excellence among these members, and facilitating networking opportunities for researchers whose work addresses health disparities or advances health outcomes. The LOV Committee also provides mentorship and career development resources through workshops, informal mentoring, and structured enrichment activities.

Committee members are expected to attend the RSA Annual Meeting, participate in the LOV Committee meeting during the conference, and contribute to activities supporting the committee’s mission. This may include working in partnership with other RSA Committees to carry out initiatives aligned with the Committee’s goals of increasing engagement and strengthening representation throughout the society."

Meet the Committee

ROTATION OF MEMBERS

1. The Chair of the Committee will be nominated by the current Committee. The RSA Membership Committee will work with the Chair of the Diversity Committee to help ensure a diverse committee makeup with respect to seniority level, gender, under-represented minorities, ethnicity, and age, among other characteristics. Student membership is encouraged, and shall include at least one pre- and one post-doctoral trainee.
2. Members are selected and appointed by the Chair for a 4-year term, with the option of one consecutive re-appointment for a second 4-year term. Committee size will be 16 members, including the Chair (17 members in the case of Co-chairs). Graduate student members may rotate on and off the committee in less than four years, depending on when they transition out of their status as graduate students.
3. To preserve the diversity and continuity of the Committee, rotations will be staggered so that no more than 25% of the Committee changes each year. The Chair of the Committee may serve an additional 4-year term. Members will rotate off the Committee at the end of their terms, unless they submit a written request to serve another 4-year term and this request is supported by the Chair, or unless they respond positively to a request by the Chair to continue for another term. Requests for re-appointment will be most favorable when the Committee member commits to an active role in providing leadership to an initiative within the Committee.
4. As needed to perform its purpose, the committee may form sub-committees, chaired by an official committee member. The sub-committee members may be official committee members or volunteers, without term-limits, but must be an RSA member.