APA Council of Representatives meeting summary

Six of us (Drs. Barbanel, Downing, Greenberg, Metzl, Ruth, and myself) went to Washington, D.C. in February, 2012 to represent Division 39 within APA governance. We had a productive meeting and connected with a number of other colleagues that represent the variety of interests (both clinical and academic) within the APA.

Here are a few highlights:

• President Suzanne Bennett Johnson, PhD announced her three initiatives: the obesity crisis; interdisciplinary practice and science and attracting early career psychologists.

• Council approved an APAGS journal to be called Translational Issues in Psychological Science.

• Council spent a half day discussing the Good Governance project, which is intended to improve the process and efficiency of APA governence.

• We voted to keep the dues discount for APA members who are also members of the Canadian Psychological Association and approved a proposal to eliminate invoicing APA members for unpaid back year dues.

• The executive officer's report included mention of expanding the public education campaign; analyzing current and future demands for the psychology work force; continuing the development and promulgation of treatment guidelines; increasing support for research, training, public education and interventions for underserved/marginalized populations.