Our communities, country, and the world have been impacted by numerous events that call on us individually and as a division of APA to act. Psychological science impacts all that we do, from implementing interventions to advocating for changes to public policy. In my role as president of Div. 37, I’ve worked with APA and the division leadership to remain steadfast in promoting the wellness of children, youth, and families. Although we are experiencing a double pandemic—COVID-19 and continued racial injustice—we must use our science to prepare families for the future and advocate for equity.
Technology is continuing to redefine how we use psychology to do our work. COVID-19 expanded our ability to work virtually through conducting research, offering teletherapy, and engaging in advocacy to promote social justice. In the last few months, we have posted several events through social media. For example, I hosted a weekly Facebook Live with APAopens in new window on mental health and COVID-19. If you are not connected with us on social media, please follow our pages on Facebookopens in new window, Instagramopens in new window, and Twitteropens in new window. Given our fast-paced society, it is helpful to maintain these social connections. However, we will also continue communicating with you as a member through our listservs about events and news.
As we plan for APA’s first virtual convention, stay tuned for programming updates. This year, my presidential theme is "Advancing Social and Emotional Development among Black Boys through Research, Advocacy, and Community Engagement.” Div. 37’s convention programs will focus on topics such as suicide among Black youth, promoting resilience, and evidence-based practice with diverse families. Although virtual convention will not offer us the same opportunities to connect face to face, there will be some division webinars hosted outside of the scheduled convention times. For example, my presidential symposium on “Mental Health Among Black Boys: Changing the Narrative to Foster Resilience” and our collaborative session (Div. 37 is the lead) on “Leveraging Science: Engaging in Advocacy to Promote Social and Emotional Development Among Youth” will be hosted in a webinar format to allow some interaction with the speakers. Please look for the complete convention program details in the coming weeks on how to register.
As we continue to prepare for the future, it is important that we are reminded of our mission—applying psychological science to engage in advocacy, social justice, service delivery, and public policies to improve the lives of children, youth, and families in a diverse and inclusive society. We believe that Black lives matter and will continue working to address oppression and injustice. In early June, my Presidential Task Force hosted a webinar on Strengthening the Development of Black Boysopens in new window presented by Byron McClure, Riana Anderson, and Howard C. Stevenson. The division also launched our new Diverse, Ethnic, Racial and Multicultural (DREAM) Special Interest Group. Feel free to visit DREAM SIG’s webpage to learn more about its mission and activities. Special thanks to Mirian Ofonedu and the SIG Executive Committee for coordinating activities. In the DREAM SIG’s inaugural event, Anita Thomas, Div. 37 past president, presented on “How Policies Affect Families Around COVID-19 and How You Can Help.”
We are experiencing unprecedented times, but our work is important to shape the future of children, youth, and families. Please stay connected on my official Twitter account at Div37Presidentopens in new window.