If you had told me at the start of my graduate studies that I would be this involved in professional organizations, I would have laughed. But when I opted to pursue my PhD, it felt increasingly important to get involved in the profession I was dedicating so much energy to. Over the past few years, my involvement in psychology at the local, state and national levels has been incredibly rewarding and something I wish I had started long ago.
At the same time, I do sympathize with those students who see no point in joining psychology organizations. Graduate students have almost constant demands on their time: classes, research, teaching and research assistant duties, externships and maybe a minute of self-care. We are also strapped for cash. Time, money and questioning the yield on our investment seem like valid reasons to opt out of joining professional organizations.
But the truth is involvement in psychology protects psychology. In a world where I would argue psychology is facing a bit of an identity crisis, we should unite and commit to our field.
Here are a few of the many reasons why involvement is critical, starting as a student:
We need to shape our own futures.
The changes happening in psychology today are going to have the greatest impact on new psychologists, not seasoned ones. We have a responsibility to the field and future psychologists to be informed about psychology's problems and strengths and to shape its future in a purposeful and ethical manner. It is our responsibility as graduate students to be involved, think critically, ask questions and inform leaders of our concerns and opinions.
It develops our skills as leaders and mentors.
Graduate school curricula can cover only the basics of being a psychologist. Involvement in professional organizations helped me better understand the issues psychology faces from a broader perspective than daily practicum and academic work. Pursuing leadership endeavors outside of courses and practica exposed me to important professional skills and competencies that I likely would not have gained until years after obtaining my degree, if ever. I received feedback from numerous professionals across contexts regarding a wide variety of professional competencies. Moreover, organizational membership provides useful networking and mentoring opportunities. Many of my mentors have become personal friends and allies. Had I held back, I doubt I would have these rich relationships and contacts within psychology.
If we don't, who will?
If we as students do not take stock in the future of psychology, no one else will. Moreover, if we do not get involved, other professions will advocate for us as they see fit — and we might not like the outcome. I have always believed that if I do not get involved in my profession, I forfeit the right to complain about the professional challenges, problems and issues I will face. While I certainly advocate for active involvement in whichever professional organization you choose, I am aware that people have time limitations at various points in their careers. Whatever your level of activism, your membership fees ensure that those who can devote time to advocacy for our profession have the resources and support to do so.
My involvement in psychology organizations affirmed for me the importance of advocacy, membership and being directly involved in psychology's future. As students, we are the facilitators of that future. While I hope you choose to be involved in APA and APAGS, I encourage you to get involved in any psychological organization that speaks to you and helps you feel at home.