Three months into this new year has me in a more reflective mood than usual. When I consider all that has transpired during the past year, I am awed by what has changed, remained the same, and continues to evolve. This past year has arguably tested all of us in insurmountable ways. In many areas of our country, the use of masks and physical distancing are the new norms, while discussions focused on COVID-19 testing and the availability of vaccines have become commonplace. Because older adults have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, I am acutely aware of the precautions we must take to protect vulnerable people and the community at large. To make meaningful strides in this area, the work conducted by Div. 20 members has never been more critical or relevant.
When looking back on Div. 20's past 75 years, anniversaries rightly prompt us to reflect on our past and to consider our path forward. While observing Div. 20's 75th anniversary during a pandemic is not what I envisioned a year ago, we still have much to celebrate. During the past 75 years, many division members have stepped forward to provide leadership and service. In the face of this pandemic, our current membership is working to help older adults deal with the realities of the COVID-19 virus and to address racial disparities. I am hopeful for the future and believe that the next 75 years for Div. 20 look promising and bright.
Despite all that we are facing, Div. 20 will continue to support and recognize our members' successes. Div. 20 membership remains strong. Our Membership Committee reports that the number of student affiliates joining has continued its upward trend despite a global pandemic. Investing in the success of students and early career professionals has never been more critical as the need for professionals with expertise in life span development and aging remains strong. I am excited to share that the Div. 20 Early Career Task Force has completed recruiting a new cohort of mentors and mentees for our mentor matching program. The actual program is taking place virtually during mid-February through May 2021.
Div. 20 has recently joined with other professional organizations, such as the Gerontological Society of America's (GSA) Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), in endorsing the Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative as part of our division's presidential theme of Advancing Age-Inclusivity in Psychology. Dublin City University (AFU convener) is currently drafting a memorandum of understanding for our affiliation. If your university is not part of the AFU initiative, I encourage you to contact Joann Montepare, Div. 20 president-elect, to learn more about how you can join the AFU Global Network. Members of the AFU Global Network endorse 10 AFU principles and commit themselves to developing and implementing age-friendly programs and policies. For more information, visit the Age-Friendly University initiative website.opens in new window
Div. 20 leadership is also continuing to make improvements to enhance our programming that is geared to adding more value to your membership. For example, the Awards Committee has developed a roll-out plan to remind and encourage members to apply for relevant awards and keep an eye out for award details in upcoming listserv and newsletter posts. I encourage you to consider nominating or applying for one of the many awards offered by Div. 20.
In late April, we will learn if the APA convention planned for San Diego will be held virtually or if some type of hybrid format that includes in-person and virtual presentations will be offered. Understandably, this is a decision that is difficult to make given the ever-evolving COVID-19 virus. Even if the decision is made to host the upcoming convention in a hybrid format, I understand that physical distancing will preclude hugging old friends and new members. Like many others, I dream of the day when it is once again safe for us to convene. While much has changed during the past year, not all of it has been bad. Despite the uncertainty, I am delighted to share we have innovative programming in the works, thanks to the efforts of our dedicated program chairs. Our Program Co-chairs report that they have been preparing for APA Convention 2021 and have received several individual, symposia, and collaborative proposals. They are in the process of receiving reviews from the reviewer teams and are looking forward to offering a great divisional program.
Despite continuous and emerging challenges while learning to live with our new normal, our division remains committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members at varying stages of their careers. How we choose to react to these challenging times will significantly influence the future of Div. 20 in ways that we can't fully appreciate at this point in time. It is my hope that during this past year, often devoid of in-person social interaction, being able to take part in division activities has brought our members connection, purpose, and occasions for growth. In the months ahead, Div. 20 will have more opportunities for members at all stages of their careers to advance and grow professionally.
We are still in a rapidly evolving time when we need to be nimble and capable of pivoting to respond to new information. Div. 20 is defined by its resilience, its shared values, and its tradition of supporting each other both personally and professionally. Despite all that we have faced during the past year, we want to continue to celebrate our collective and individual successes as we advance into our next 75 years.
For now, stay safe and healthy.