Candidates for APA President
What would you do to increase the representation and participation of minority members among APA governance structure?
APA is inclusive. Talent ignores minority boundaries and we value talent. A multicultural perspective results from our focus on behavior and its connection to the world around us. Governance of APA flows from the divisions and state associations so representation in governance does as well. The Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs maintains a database of minority psychologists, but each group must adopt strategies to encourage their minority members to get involved. We give a Suinn Award to doctoral programs demonstrating excellence in minority student recruitment. Why not give a Suinn Award to divisions/state associations demonstrating creativity in minority member participation?
How would you address issues affecting women, both within psychology and among consumers of health care?
Gender differences affect every level of science and practice in psychology. In an earlier era, women were often excluded from studies (e.g., drug trials) on the grounds that variability contributed by hormonal effects would add unwanted noise. Now we study that very "noise." We need to continue to support the inclusion of women as subjects, and we need to make certain that gender-nuanced research impacts practice. Women have proven themselves as teachers, students, consumers and practitioners of psychology. Unfortunately, the playing field is far from level. As psychologists, we can study gender bias and thereby find ways to eradicate it.
