Why serve?
Have a voice
Advocate for issues that will shape the future of psychology.
Give back
Use your knowledge and experience to help advance psychology in ways that improve lives.
Make a difference
Influence how psychology affects change in society by being an APA leader.
Active calls for nomination
Do you have questions about serving on a board or committee or the nominations and election process? Contact us.
Where do I begin?
Learn more about what boards and committees do.
If you're new to APA's governance, there are many ways you can get involved. Start familiarizing yourself with the goals, process and structure. Boards and committees represent an area of expertise or specific constituencies. The groups are charged with policy development and also propose ideas and solutions specific to their missions. Read more about APA governance.
Find opportunities that fit your areas of expertise and interest.
You can start getting involved locally—volunteer with your state, provincial, or territorial psychological association (SPTA) and build your knowledge of issues facing the field. Look over the list of boards and committees and talk with others who are involved in APA governance to see where your leadership and experience would serve you and others best. Serve as a liaison to get experience with the board or committee you'd like to eventually serve on and take a stand by commenting on issues of special concern to you.
Carefully review the requirements for open positions.
Most calls for nominations include very specific areas of specialty or ethnic and diversity variables needed to maintain the committee's overall makeup. Having a few different committees in mind can help you find a position that is a good fit for the committees needs and your interests.
Ask for assistance.
Build relationships with representatives and discuss your desire to get involved. If you can identify mentors and colleagues who are involved in governance, they are in a great position to write a highly relevant nomination letter on your behalf. Also, some divisions have a member assigned to assist with nominations to APA—you can ask if your division or state association writes letter of support for nominees or if they would be willing to write one for you.
