I just returned from San Antonio, where our division had its midwinter board of directors’ meeting. I am amazed at how much we accomplished in such a small amount of time. The board members have spent significant energy exploring how to advocate for the needs of psychologists in independent practice. After researching this issue and seeking input from experts, the board of directors 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) can advocate, but are limited in their contributions to political activity. The board members voted to retain the division’s C-3 tax designation as educational organization, and to work on advocacy conforming to APA C-3 tax status.
An advocacy group composed of your presidential trio--past president (Jeff Barnett), current president (myself), and president-elect (Laura Barbanel), plus other board members--was charged to delineate the division’s advocacy agenda. Feel free to contact us with your ideas. Keep “in touch with 42” on the development of this group’s initiatives. Thanks to Bonnie Markham and Jeff Barnett who devoted an enormous amount of time to this effort.
The board of directors voted to expand the 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 Ruidisill their excellent work.
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!
Indeed, 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 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 you a part of our vibrant community. To better serve you, the board of directors authorized the Publications and Communications Committee to develop a membership survey. Please help us understand your needs by completing the upcoming survey.
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 commitment to this population, the board of directors appointed a task force to explore how we can help those members that 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.
Several members of the board of directors attended the APA Immigration Expert Summit in San Antonio. The presentations of this well attended event will be available in APA publications. Several presentations dispelled the myth that immigrants place a financial burden on our government. The Summit experts presented data documenting that immigrants contribute far more tax money than the financial aid given to this population. Miguel Gallardo, our official representative to the Summit, will soon share the Summit’s findings on the web and in the Independent Practitioner.
Well, this is a highlight of the decisions your board of directors members decisions took at its recent meeting. As always, I invite you to contact me at cultura@starpower.net, Jeff Barnett at drjbarnett1@comcast.net, and or Laura Barbanel at lbarbanel@earthlink.net with your ideas, comments, and suggestions.
Saludos,
Lillian
