• How would you use the position of APA president as a key spokesperson for American psychology?

To be an effective spokesperson for American psychology requires broad understanding of the field, deep commitment to its endeavors, and strong skills in advocacy and public relations. If I were president, I would use my considerable experience in representing organizations to legislators, the general public, and the media to increase understanding and appreciation of psychology's value and importance. I would actively seek opportunities (formal and informal) to make psychology's case to the full range of individuals and organizations that affect psychological science, education, and practice. Psychology has a great message. APA's president must be good at getting the word out.

• How can psychology increase its influence on public policy?

Psychology's influence on public policy is one of its greatest contributions to the public good. Today, racial segregation in the public schools and sex discrimination in the workplace are illegal, homosexuality is no longer classified as a mental illness, and race can be considered in university admissions because of the educational value of diversity. In each of these decisions, psychological research played a crucial and indispensable role. As individuals and as an association, we must vigorously continue this tradition of conducting research on vital issues of great public importance and of communicating the results to decision-makers and the general public.

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