Supporting Transformational Change*
Have you heard about the proposed new structure for the APAPO and APA? We’ve been discussing ideas for new membership models for the APAPO for some time, and now the time is here. APA Council will vote in March about a new concept for our c-6 advocacy. The new concept expands advocacy beyond practice to science and public policy, while maintaining a single membership dues for APA. The proposal guarantees practice advocacy funding at its current level, with no raise in dues for at least three years.
CAPP has been discussing this model for some time, with more formal discussion in October, and members of APA Council engaged in webinars on the concept in December. After vigorous discussion and review of the available information, CAPP voted this past weekend to support the proposal as it “believes it will ensure and expand the advocacy and other resources of importance to practitioners. CAPP perceives the new model will increase the ability of the association to create a stable financial future in order to advocate for and support all members of the association.”
I’m pleased that information about the new model has been widely publicized in the past month, and that members are being asked for feedback and input. If you haven’t checked these out already, I urge you to review more information about the proposed new structure:
A video message from APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, PhD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F3RVe-xfHw
One hour webinar.
http://psyciq.apa.org/transforming-apa-new-structures-new-era/?_ga=2.100701190.661823404.1518110478-1000578192.1513624736
A slide deck (PDF, 813KB).
http://psyciq.apa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PublicSlidesFinal.pdf?_ga=2.167697721.661823404.1518110478-1000578192.1513624736
Answers to some frequently asked questions (PDF, 95KB)
. http://psyciq.apa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Transforming-QA-1.pdf
Practice Update Feb 8, 2018:
http://www.apapracticecentral.org/update/2018/02-08/association-structure.aspx
In addition, there is a public comment period through 2/23/18. Please take a moment to complete this online survey (http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4139840/PublicMemberComments). Your feedback is important. I am also urging members to share their feedback with APA Council members who will have the vote on the concept in March. This model transformation does not require an APA bylaws amendment, so it will not be voted on by the membership. Therefore, engagement with the online feedback and your council members is critical.
Many members have expressed positive feedback, particularly about expanding our ability to advocate to public interest and science topics and to provide a strong financial foundation for practice advocacy. Other members have expressed concerns about wanting more details about how the finances and governance structure will work for this new c-6 organization. CAPP considered this feedback in their discussion and continues to pass on feedback to APA and the Membership Office. Our understanding is that a Work Group will be appointed to address governance and financial details, and CAPP has asked for seats on that work group to address practice advocacy concerns.
As Mark Twain said, “I’m in favor of progress; it’s change I don’t like.” Change is difficult, and opportunity inherently involves risk. We are discussing an important and transformational change for our organization. Our CEO, Dr. Arthur Evans, put it like this at our CAPP meeting, “The difference between change and transformational change is the difference between a chameleon and a butterfly.”
Of significant importance in this process are transparency, trust, and the opportunity for two-way communication. For example, CAPP voted last weekend to broadcast our future in-person meetings to increase transparency. I hope you will take the time to carefully review the information about the model and provide feedback for the future of practice advocacy.
*This blog is not an official APAPO or APAPO CAPP message, but my personal take on APAPO/CAPP news.
