This month’s questions focus on increasing APA membership and the association’s role in the public discourse of political, legal and social issues:
Q3: How do you envision increasing and enhancing the vitality of the association’s membership?
APA, like other professional associations, has been steadily losing membership over the last few years. I consider this a major issue for APA and my/our campaign. APA will establish a more personal relationship with our members and the value of the organization will be made clearer. In a recent survey study we completed, the following suggestions were made to resolve this issue: 1) Regular surveying of members to determine their needs. 2) Expansion of APA's recruitment campaign. 3) Engagement efforts focused on new members. 4) Targeting specific groups for membership (e.g., early career psychologists, ethnic minorities, scientists and prior members).
Q4: What role should APA undertake in the public discourse of political, legal and social issues?
APA has a long and rich history of engagement with society. In a recent survey study we completed, the respondents indicated on a 5-point Likert scale that APA should be involved with political, legal and social issues "quite a bit" (4 out of 5). Further, numerous and complex issues are presently facing us, ranging from social unrest to terrorism. The Board of Directors and Council of Representatives should vet issues, plans, engagement and outcomes with regular membership input. However, discourse among colleagues must be transparent and professional. An APA for all members!