Candidate response: Rosie Phillips Bingham, PhD

• How would you continue and enhance the work of your predecessors relative to multiculturalism/diversity related to education, practice, research, public policy and training?

As one of the earliest contributors to the multicultural area, I know that we need to consolidate what we have done. In addition to current diversity listings, a single Web page could be devoted to listing items such as all the diversity guidelines, reports from various task forces like Diversity Education Resources and Enhancing Diversity within APA, awards like the Suinn Minority Achievement and links to conferences like the Multicultural Summit. I support implementing the recommendations from the diversity task forces. To be given priority, education, practice, research, public policy and training must be reflected in each recommendation. http://saweb.memphis.edu/binghamforapapresident

• As the largest psychological organization in the world, APA should take the lead in making psychology an influential presence. How would you go about realizing this goal?

We need directed messages for targeted audiences. As a unified coalition, we must create high impact interventions in cost-effective ways. The question is: How can we have the widest influence with a specific target audience and have them hear our messages? The current NPR message is an excellent example, while sharing information with Dr. Phil's show reaches an entirely different audience. I would encourage the presentation to influential persons or organizations of "Best Practice Awards" at major events, such as a Diversity Award at the National Multicultural Conference and Summit. These messages and awards must emphasize both science and practice.