Q3: What are your plans for expanding the APA membership in light of our aging membership? Most particularly, what are your ideas for recruiting, retaining and engaging early career psychologists (ECPs)?
Membership is my highest priority. Convincing new members to join is essential; retaining existing members is equally important. ECPs/all members need to perceive tangible value for their memberships. Marketing existing resources in formats that are convenient and accessible to ECPs (e.g., technology and social media) is critical. ECPs also need to have visible and prominent roles in APA governance. Finally, engaging psychologists at all career stages who train and supervise doctoral students and postdocs is paramount. I will host a presidential task force to recruit more faculty members, perhaps with a model whereby incentives are achieved by recruiting new ECPs.
Q4: How do you see the role of technology in communicating with general APA membership, committees and boards, as well as consumers of psychology?
Many short calls among governance groups can be made via telephone, Skype or Zoom. Information also should be disseminated electronically before meetings so that conversations and decisions happen at meetings rather than lectures. Regular email news blasts can increase governance transparency and inform members of news quickly. Such emails should be short, with "hot buttons" for more elaboration. Social media is best used whereby interest groups may associate, share, mentor, and provide advice and guidance. The APA Web page simply must be improved for usability. A final fantasy would be that all members could access all APA journal publications electronically.