Candidates for APA President
What is your understanding of the current role of APA in international psychology? What is your evaluation of that role?
I currently serve on the APA Board of Directors' Subcommittee on International Psychology and have also participated in several international conferences and professional exchange programs. As the world's leading psychological association in size, scope and revenue, APA has a major leadership role to play in advancing psychology internationally. We also have a strong presence as a non-governmental organization (NGO) at the United Nations. We could and should be doing more across education, science, practice and public interest issues--especially in relation to underdeveloped nations.
How do we best ensure the long-range financial health of the association?
Having served as treasurer of APA for two five-year terms, I have a strong familiarity with our fiscal strengths and weaknesses. When I first joined APA in 1973 I paid $55 dues; the equivalent amount corrected for inflation would total $232 today. Basic APA dues in 2004 were $247 (net value increase of only $15 over 31 years!). Although we have done well, many of our senior members have lost income secondary to managed care, while junior members often have significant student loan debt. Our future depends on developing new sources of revenue, especially for the APAPO and other initiatives.
