Connecting, Reconnecting at Convention

Dear Colleagues

It was nice to see so many colleagues and friends at convention this past August. In addition to the solid programs, connecting and re-connecting is one of the most rewarding components of our annual gathering.

This year, as is our tradition, we invited the APA presidential candidates to answer specific questions of interest to our division. See the article on presidential candidate statements. We thank the candidates for participating and helping us make a careful decision.

Our APA Convention program was a success. We thank Aaron Harris, PhD for coordinating our program this year. The same is to be said for the 2016 Karl F. Heiser Award Ceremony, for whom we thank award Chair Tom DeMaio, PhD. Our social hour was no less exciting, with the recognition of Iowa, Arizona, and Colorado Psychologist of the Year and the first Rural Psychologist Award. Enjoy the pictures included in this newsletter.

One issue that has been brought to the attention of our division is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Step 2 (EPPP2), or the creation of a second licensing exam for psychologists. Div. 31 has not taken a formal position on the issue at this time. However, we are committed to disseminating information among our SPTAs that will further the knowledge associated with this measure. We would also share the different perspectives from the Association os State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students, the Committee on Early Career Psychologists (CECP) and others to assist our members and SPTAs in making their own decisions. Our division's ECP Task Force has been charged with leading this initiative. Recently, its chair, Jennifer Doran, PhDshared very useful information and helpful resources about the EPPP2 in our list serve to start the conversation. She will be sharing more information soon.

Once again, I share a reminder to consider joining the APA Practice Organization. Our SPTAs are constantly faced with a need to push for legislation that would improve the services of psychology in their respective States. APAPO is the organization that is best fit to do this for psychology. SPTAs would benefit from strengthening their relationship with APAPO as another opportunity to further their respective legislative agendas. We all must benefit from the resources and expertise available in the Practice Organization. SPTA leaders and members becoming leaders should consider it a key element for the enhancement and effectiveness of their endeavors.

Div. 31 continues to seek new leaders for our division. We are a friendly bunch. This was told to me once, and I am passing it on. Check our website and find out about our task force groups and committees. Let us know of your interest to collaborate with us. We welcome new leadership.

Respectfully submitted.

President Dinelia Rosa