Member spotlights help foster a sense of community, help members get to know each other, and can be an interesting way to show the diversity of your division. If you’re thinking about spotlighting members of your division, here are some ways to go about it.
First, always obtain permission from the person being featured. Be clear about where the information will appear (your newsletter, social media sites, or other). Provide a list of questions in advance or a sample from a previous spotlight. Ask professional questions and throw in a few casual ones too. Keeping it to 5–7 questions will help avoid making it too long.
Include the basic information like name and title, and then add the interview questions. Here are some sample questions to choose from to help you get started:
Professional questions
- Why did you join the division?
- How long have your been a member?
- What do you value most about being a __________ psychologist?
- What does a typical workday look like for you?
- Who inspires you?
- What are you most proud of?
- What issues do you think will be front and center for __________ psychologists in the new year?
- What are you working on now?
- What advice would you offer to new members?
Casual/fun questions
- What is your favorite place to travel to? What is next on our travel list?
- If you weren’t a psychologist, what would you be?
- If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
- What can you not live without?
- What is the best way to spend a day off?
- What is your favorite childhood memory?
- Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Have a plan in place to keep the spotlights going: You could ask members to nominate someone for a future spotlight. Spotlight members from various backgrounds and career stages such as long-time members, new members, students, award winners, early career members, volunteers, different countries, and more to keep it diverse. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your division engagement liaison.