Candidates for APA President
Given that there is only so much that an incoming APA president can do during his or her 12-month presidency, state and then discuss the one issue about which you feel most passionate and will pursue with vigor if you are elected.
The primary issue facing the field of psychology is the increasing divergence between science and practice. The advances we have made in psychological interventions and in expanding areas of practice have been based on sound, scientific findings. To insure continued public trust in the profession, we must continue to base practice on research.
I would work to build bridges between APA, the American Psychological Society and other scientific organizations. In addition, we need to develop incentives for cooperative projects and educational opportunities to encourage research in clinical areas, and insure sound training in research for practitioners.
The APA Council of Representatives has named membership recruitment and retention as a major initiative for the association. What proposals do you have in this area?
The recent report of the Task Force on Membership Retention and Recruitment identified a number of critical issues along with excellent recommendations. One finding, the importance of involvement, points to the need for creative ways to increase opportunities for members to participate in association activities. Divisions play a major role in the involvement of new members. APA should develop orientation and strategy packages and work with divisions to broaden membership participation.
Also, APA should regularly monitor the needs of members, both new and senior, to provide the materials and services relevant to their professional interests.
