As we celebrated APA’s 125th anniversary last year, APA’s leadership and staff considered ways to ensure that the association has the strongest possible voice for psychology and psychologists, not only today, but in the next five, 10 and 25 years. As part of this process, we are continuously asking ourselves: How can we build upon our strengths and experience to capitalize on emerging opportunities and meet the challenges ahead?
One of the most far-reaching ways we can do this is through our federal advocacy, one of APA’s most important functions. Our members consistently rank the association’s advocacy efforts as one of the top five reasons they belong to APA, and I am proud to say that we have built a solid reputation on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies. When
APA talks about the psychological research and practice behind such key issues as depression, stress, resilience and much more, people listen—including legislators, legislative staff and other federal policymakers.
Our advocacy efforts cover a wide range of issues of critical importance to the field of psychology, including shaping health-care reform (in collaboration with our affiliated APA Practice Organization); increasing federal funding for, and applications of, psychological research; enhancing psychology workforce development; eliminating health disparities; and advancing human rights. (See a list of APA’s top advocacy priorities for 2018, as well as ideas for how members can boost their activism.)
Unfortunately, APA’s current structure under federal tax law limits the extent to which we can advocate for the policy issues that psychologists care about and that psychology can influence. Now, as an association composed of researchers, educators, practitioners and students, we are looking at ways to modify our structure so that we can pursue the full range of advocacy our members expect.
At the same time, we must recognize that if we are to be effective advocates, we must focus on the issues APA and psychology can address with the greatest authority and impact. In an effort to amplify our advocacy, I am seeking to build partnerships with other associations and groups that share our objectives. By acting in concert with organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and coalitions such as the Coalition for Health Funding, we can increase our influence and disseminate our science in the most effective and efficient manner.
APA will continue to ensure that psychology and psychologists have a strong voice in federal policy decision-making—and that our impact can continue to grow.
