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Serving as your president involves a journey to promote independent practice:
San Antonio—Your board of directors’ members accomplished a lot during our midwinter meeting in this lovely city. Advocacy for the independent practitioner dominated a fair amount of our time. After researching and seeking input from experts, we decided to put to rest the creation of a companion C-6 organization. Tax regulation allows organizations under Section 501-C- 6 to financially support legislation. However, those organizations under Section 501 C-3 (educational purpose) may engage in limited lobbying, but not in political (i.e., electioneering, campaign support, etc.) activities. The Board members voted to retain the division’s C-3 tax designation as an educational organization and to work on advocacy conforming to APA C-3 tax status.
A new task force composed of Jeff Barnett (chair), Laura Barbanel, Jean Carter, Bonnie Markham, and myself was charged to delineate the division’s advocacy agenda. We are exploring ways of developing close collaborations with the APA Practice Organization and other groups in order to achieve our advocacy goals. Feel free to contact us with your ideas regarding advocacy on behalf of the independent practice of psychology.
Psychologists in Independent Practice continue to comprise the largest division in APA. Let us not rest on our laurels! We are committed to increase and retain our membership. To this effect the Board of Directors appointed a task force on member retention, chaired by Rita Dudley-Grant. The main goal of this group is to understand why members resign from the division and what we can do to keep each of you a part of our vibrant community. To better serve you, the Board of Directors authorized the Publications and Communications Committee to coordinate all membership surveys. Thus, a single questionnaire will integrate queries from all committees and task forces. Please help us understand your needs by completing the upcoming survey.
The Board of Directors affirmed its commitment to expand ways to serve you. Due to the success of the marketing on line distance course, we authorized the course authors to repeat it this year. Thanks to the Marketing and Public Education Committee members, and to the on-line course authors—Jana Martin, Tammy Martin-Causey, and John Rudisall--for their excellent work.
Monica Neel, the newly elected chair of the Student and Early Professional Career Committee, participated actively during our Board of Directors meeting. The members of this committee are full of energy and ideas. They are helping us to serve the needs of emerging practicing psychologists and of those in the early stages of their independent practice. As evidence of our dedication to this population, the Board of Directors appointed a task force to explore how we can help those members who are seeking jobs. Thanks to Stanley Graham for coordinating this effort.
Following a developmental approach, we reaffirmed our preparedness to serve the aging population (yes, psychologists included). The Board of Directors appointed an official liaison to the APA Committee on Aging. Gracias to Merla Arnold for agreeing to serve the division in this role.
Hollywood--I did NOT attend the Academy Awards in California! However, if Hollywood offers a microcosm of life, then two 2006 Oscar nominated films mirror our contemporary society. “Crash” the film that won best movie, reminds us of the challenge to manage race/ethnic relations in the United States. “Brokeback Mountain”, a movie that was awarded several Oscars, elucidates the realities of gay relationships in a heterosexist society. Division 42 can help you to address diversity issues in your practice through two on-line courses. “Applying the APA Multicultural Guidelines to psychological practice”, offers practical strategies to enhance your cultural competence. “Psychotherapy with Gays, Lesbians and Bisexual Clients” provides information to enhance your work with sexual minority populations. Both on line courses will be available to you soon on the Division 42 website.
New Orleans--This year’s APA annual convention will be held in The Big Easy. Anabel Bejarano, convention chair, and her committee members put together an outstanding program for you. In addition to fine submissions on many aspects of independent practice, we will offer sessions on building, marketing and expanding your independent practice, as well as on ethics, trauma, culturally competent interventions, spirituality, creativity, diversity, and many more. Please act soon; the official registration period opened on March 15, 2006.
San Francisco--Next year will mark the division’s 25th anniversary. Laura Barbanel, president-elect (lbarbanel@earthlink.net) and Alan Entin, board member (adentin@earthlink.net), are coordinating this event. Plan to join us in San Francisco during 2007 APA Convention to celebrate our division’s accomplishments. We want you to stay with Division 42 for the next 25 years!
The world---Several members of the Board of Directors attended APA’s Immigration Expert Summit in San Antonio. Division 42 Board member, Josephine Johnson, wrote an excellent review of the event. Make sure you read her report, “The World is Coming!” published in this issue of the Independent Practitioner.
It is a privilege and an honor to serve as your president. So far this is the first leg of the journey. Please join us by contacting me cultura@starpower.net, Past-president, Jeff Barnett drjbarnett1@comcast.net, and or President-Elect, Laura Barbanel lbarbanel@earthlink.net with your ideas, comments, and suggestions.
Cordialmente,
Lillian
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