In late spring, the Committee on Division/APA Relations and the Division Engagement Office met with one of the presidential trio from each division during our cohort series that brings together leaders from APA and divisions. Together, we discussed advocacy, which is an integral part of the APA/division relationship. As with other cohort meetings, this round was valuable as divisions shared with each other where they are with regards to advocacy, whether in structure, planning or implementation, and insights were shared that will influence how divisions will continue to work with APA on advancing psychology.
A few of the main themes that came up across the six meetings that took place were:
- divisions want to help psychologists “find their voice” in advocacy,
- divisions have different priorities on advocacy, but all would like to work with APA, and
- divisions want to understand the process, be proactive, react quickly, and be more effective in their advocacy.
We heard the need for clarification on how divisions can communicate with APA on advocacy issues, ways to coordinate better with each other and tools to help divisions advocate effectively. These suggestions and other elements of the cohort discussions helped to inform the recent roll out of the Division Advocacy Partner Program. The APA Advocacy Office plans to engage this network of division partners to utilize the expertise and research of divisions to inform our advocacy work, share opportunities and trainings, and continue creating new opportunities for collaboration.
We have now turned our attention to planning the 2022 fall cohort series. Please keep an eye out for information so one of your trio members can join us for another opportunity to connect, engage, and strengthen the APA/division relationship.
If you have questions, please contact your Division Engagement liaison.