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Call for Nominations to the APA Committee on Aging
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The Committee on Aging (CONA) is accepting nominations, including self-nominations, for two new members. CONA is the chief committee within the APA governance structure charged with addressing aging concerns. In its 10th year of existence, CONA seeks full members of APA with specialization in aging issues to serve a three-year term beginning January 2009 and ending December 2011.
CONA places priority on maintaining representation within the Committee’s membership that reflects the diversity of psychology and society, including (a) individuals with experience in research, clinical training and practice, policy and advocacy, and education; (b) early- and mid-career psychologists and those who are retired or employed less than full time; and (c) diversity with respect to ethnicity, culture, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and geographic location.
CONA’s mission is to advance psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting health and human welfare by ensuring that older adults, especially the growing numbers of older women and members of minority groups, receive the attention of the Association. Its goals include:
- provide leadership for a scientific agenda on aging,
- advocate for policies that enhance availability and reimbursement of health and mental health services to older adults and their families,
- contribute to the formulation and support of public policies that promote optimal development of older adults, facilitate psychological practice with older persons, and expand scientific understanding of adult development and aging,
- promote inclusion of knowledge about adult development and aging in all levels of education,
- develop and disseminate information concerning the scientific findings and practice issues about older adults,
- serve as a visible focus for the coordination of information among groups within APA that address aging issues and offer consultation to relevant APA boards, committees, divisions, state associations, and directorates, and
- ensure that older members of APA receive appropriate attention from the Association.
For an overview of CONA’s activities since its inception, visit http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/cona01.html.
Selected candidates will be required to attend two committee meetings each year in Washington, DC, with expenses reimbursed by the APA, and are encouraged to attend a CONA meeting held during the APA Convention at their own expense. Members are also expected to participate in email discussions and bi-monthly conference calls, work on Committee priorities between meetings, provide consultation to the Director of the APA Office on Aging, and participate in policy advocacy activities.
Nomination materials should include a current curriculum vitae and a letter from the nominee indicating willingness to serve on CONA and highlighting specific competencies, interests, and potential contributions to the work of CONA. Letters of support from other APA governance groups and divisions, state psychological associations, or other organizations are desirable but not required. Prior applicants are encouraged to reapply.
Nominations and supporting materials should be sent by August 1, 2008 to: Deborah DiGilio, Director of the Office on Aging, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002-4242 or via e-mail
Deborah DiGilio.
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