Candidates for APA President
What would you do to increase the representation and participation of minority members among APA governance structure?
Lack of minority participation in governance has been addressed repeatedly by different APA groups. We know that identification is a core issue for membership in general. We do not know what factors about participating in governance create a sense of identification sufficient to entice a minority member to volunteer time and effort. Is there identification with the issues and the process of governance? Do the issues have relevance and value to minority members? As important, does the way we govern welcome diversity? Seeking answers to these questions is the starting point I would use in developing strategies to increase minority participation.
How would you address issues affecting women, both within psychology and among consumers of health care?
This question reflects a broad agenda that must be an association-wide agenda. My expectation is that directorates and governance groups are cognizant of how ongoing agendas address women's issues, and that opportunities are created to affirmatively address these issues. In addition, I would seek to:
Promote a strong Public Policy Office advocacy agenda.
Maintain necessary resources for a visible and active Office of Women's Programs.
Emphasize within my Primary Care Initiative the role of diversity and individual differences in health, and the role for psychologists in practice, research and training in a social health agenda.
