Four Important Reasons to Become Involved With APA

Submitted by SIOP’s APA Council Representatives

Have you thought about joining or becoming more involved with APA but wondered what the benefits would be? From broadening and strengthening I-O psychology’s impact by serving on APA boards and committees to amplifying our voice through APA’s powerful advocacy function, there are plenty. Here are four key reasons to take the leap:

1. Service on Boards and Committees: Much of APA’s impact flows from the work of boards and committees with direct relevance to I-O psychology, including ethics, scientific affairs, professional practice, international relations, aging, disability issues, ethnic and minority affairs, and women in psychology. Joining APA opens the door to service on these boards and committees, ensuring that SIOP has a seat at the table when APA develops policies and professional guidelines that impact the I-O profession.
2. Voting Opportunities: APA is governed by the Council of Representatives (COR). The only factor driving the number of representatives seated by each APA division, including SIOP, is the voting power of APA division members. With more SIOP members participating in the annual COR allocation balloting process, our voice is strengthened.
3. Advocacy Opportunities: Thanks to the work of I-O and other applied psychologists, APA’s 2021 Advocacy Priorities include the future of work, promoting applied psychology, criminal justice reform, diversity and inclusion, and funding for both basic and applied research. We can build on these successes by engaging with APA’s impressive advocacy function through initiatives such as the Advocacy Summit and briefings to Congress.
4. Excellent Conferences: APA membership facilitates engagement with first-rate conferences, including the annual convention as well as innovative, multidisciplinary events such as Technology, Mind, & Society. As always, this year’s convention integrated a SIOP track plus “main stage” presentations from SIOP members including Derek Avery, Mikki Hebl, Eden King, and Kristen Shockley.

If you would like more information or have questions about APA and the benefits of membership, please contact any of SIOP’s APA Council Representatives: Tammy Allen (tallen@mail.usf.edu), Jeff McHenry (jeff.mchenry@rainierleadership.com), Gavan O’Shea (goshea@humrro.org), and Sara Weiner (sarapweiner@gmail.com).