Candidates for APA President
How would you use the position of APA president as a key spokesperson for American psychology?
Without question our greatest strength is that we are a broad and diverse profession. The president of the association has the responsibility to represent the entire spectrum of membership interests, knowledge and expertise within our profession. As such, internally I would utilize the position of APA president to work in earnest for consensus in those areas where our various constituencies may legitimately differ. With the public and policy-makers I would vigorously advocate the knowledge base that professional psychology contributes to the health of the nation and the betterment of the human condition.
How can psychology increase its influence on public policy?
Advocacy. Regardless of one's professional position or interests, be they primarily in basic science, applied research, academic training, business, private or institutional practice, priorities in public policy are and will continue to be dependent upon our willingness to make individual contributions. Through AAP PLAN, time educating the public and sharing our expertise and concerns with policy-makers, change is accomplished. I would encourage the APA Practice Organization to expand advocacy training of psychologists in all arenas of the profession. Our goal should be to train a minimum of 1,000 academicians and practitioners per year in both state and national advocacy.
