As we advance APA’s strategic plan, some of our most exciting work is building our connections to other groups, which accrue numerous benefits to the association and the field of psychology. That’s why a top priority has been reaching out to organizations to discuss mutual goals.
We’ve been working with the National PTA to develop new ways to increase awareness of children’s mental health needs. We’ve discussed the stress facing farmers and increasing access to care in rural communities with the organizers of Farm Aid. We are working with Giffords: The Courage to Fight Gun violence, the organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, on efforts to tackle America’s gun violence.
There are also exciting new partnerships for APA, such as with the U.S. Surgeon General on opioids and the psychological science underlying related issues of stigma and pain and the National Association of Manufacturers on fostering psychologically healthy workplaces.
Will long-term partnerships come out of these efforts? It’s too early to say. But I do know that if we’re going to make impact, we need to engage with others. Building APA’s connections is central to our ability to meet our strategic priorities of elevating psychology, making a positive impact on critical societal issues, and preparing the discipline for the future. I am grateful that you are an active participant to make this vision a reality.
Note: The information in this post provides a snapshot, as of the publication date, of some of the most recent work underway on APA's strategic plan. This post is not meant to be a comprehensive account of this work, but rather to provide insight into some of the top-level themes that are emerging during conversations with members, including governance leaders. Your input is always welcome at strategicplan@apa.org.
