The five candidates running for APA’s 2017 president discuss their commitment to diversity and the opportunities that have resulted from changes to APA’s governance structure:
Q1: How will you integrate and reflect APA's commitment to diversity in all of your presidential endeavors?
This question is misleading, as it suggests that there is an option to not integrate diversity into my presidential endeavors. Commitment to diversity is a foundation of my work, whether it be in teaching, clinical practice or research. I challenge myself, as well as those working with me, to view psychology through multiple lenses as often as possible. Inclusivity is sometimes an uncomfortable process, but it is growth-producing.
Q2: There are multiple changes to APA’s governance structure underway. What is one major opportunity this change offers the association?
I once attended an APA council meeting as a substitute for a division representative. Council meetings can be very slow and unwieldy, and I am not sure how drastic a change we could make in the system. We can, however, invite some different voices to sing in the choir; inclusivity starts at home. At-large members who don't belong to a division or a state, provincial or territorial psychological association deserve a stronger voice. In addition, representation from the ethnic-minority psychology associations can complement APA's work.