I have been delighted at the dozens of responses and strong interest in creating a toolkit that provides guidance on how to engage in discussions about parental physical discipline with a variety of audiences. Sparked by the joint task force work of Div. 37 and Div. 7 (Developmental Psychology) (see synopsis from our division website), APA’s Committee on Children, Youth and Families forwarded a “Resolution on Physical Discipline by Parents” (PDF, 389KB)opens in new window approved by APA Council in February 2019. Over the summer, a draft toolkit will be developed by the nearly 60 contributors who are developing the components of this toolkit, which will be rolled out on a trial basis this fall. This toolkit will include summaries on the effects, alternatives and frequently raised questions and issues raised by 10 different groups. Keep an eye open for the request to test out this toolkit because we will want to get feedback on the toolkit with the hope of encouraging dialogue. Having discussion on a topic that, as professionals, we are well-equipped to lead, this provides an opportunity to practice engaging the public in such dialogues — thereby opening the door to other advocacy opportunities.
I also hope you will maximize your APA convention experience in Chicago by capitalizing on those network opportunities and sessions to learn more about advocacy. Most of the Div. 37 programming keeps a sharp eye toward translational research and implications for public policy. For example, back by popular demand, the interactive Walk-a-Mile Experience this year will focus on families’ experiences with a child with disabilities — join us on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. — a great opportunity to learn what might be needed to advocate for those families. I draw your attention to specific division programming, such as learning about community-engaged research in the “Community Involvement in Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Youth Health Trajectories” session, Thursday, Aug. 8, from 2-2:50 p.m. As many of you know, adverse childhood experiences has transformed the discussion of children’s issues both in the profession and across multidisciplinary lines; join the division symposium, “Ensuring the Successful Translation of Adverse Childhood Experiences — From Science to Practice,” on Friday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Note that our recipient of this year’s Nicholas Hobbs award, Elizabeth Gershoff, will be talking about “How to be an Advocate for Children in an Era of Distrust of Science” from Saturday, Aug. 10, 11-11:50 a.m.
Div. 37 is also co-sponsoring a number of advocacy-relevant programming. Consider attending, “Social Value and Social Justice,” on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 3-3:50 p.m., including a talk on cultivating student activism. Come hear world-renowned psychologist Beverly Tatum, author of “Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria,” on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 2-2:50 p.m. Another co-sponsored conversation hour is worth considering about how to apply advocacy principles in specific settings: such as a conversation hour on “Development of an Educational Advocacy Program within a Medical Pediatric Psychology Service” from 12-12:50 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 or “Training Inclusive of Social Justice Advocacy—School Psychology Without Borders” on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10-11:50 a.m. Some APA-wide programming will help you think about how to integrate advocacy in your work more broadly: check out “Advocacy Imprinting — Pathway to Successful Professional Careers” on Friday, Aug. 9, from 10-10:50 a.m., and “Bridging Research and Advocacy — Talking to Policymakers about your Research,” Thursday, Aug. 8, from 9-9:50 a.m.
In other words, use APA convention to learn new information and get insights from those who have been translating our science for the greater good.