APA-Division Partnership in

Advocacy

Ellen G. Garrison, Ph.D. Senior Policy Advisor APA Executive Office

Roadmap for Effective APA-Division Advocacy

Destination

CAPITOL HILL

Your Advocacy Guides: Directors of Government Relations Offices

Karen Studwell, JD APA Education Directorate

Judith Glassgold, PsyD APA Public Interest Directorate

Geoff Mumford, PhD APA Science Directorate

Doug Walter, JD APA Practice Organization

Division 18’s John McQuaid

discusses impact of VA research on the care of veterans at a congressional briefing

Pamela Deters (Division 45) testifies at a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in support of funding for the Indian Health Service

Some Highlights of APA-Division Efforts To Involve Members in Policy/Advocacy Activities

Division 37’s Anthony Mannarino

presents at a congressional briefing as part of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

APA facilitated Capitol Hill visits with Division 18 psychologists on a range of veterans’ issues

Anthony Mannarino with SAMHSA Administrator Pam Hyde,

Rep. Grace Napolitano, and others

VA Psychologists on Capitol Hill

Successful APA Policy/Advocacy Partnerships with Divisions

Engaging with Divisions 16, 18, 27, 41, and 51,

among others, on violence prevention-related initiatives in the wake of the Newtown tragedy

Working with Divisions 12, 31, 38, 43, 53, and 54 in strategizing outreach approaches and desired outcomes with the pediatric community

Collaborating with Division 55 to gain psychologists’ prescriptive authority within the VA, as is currently in place at DoD

Conducting advocacy training and Capitol Hill Days with Division 35 on various women’s issues

Hosting Capitol Hill Day with Division 27 (SCRA) to advocate for the UN convention to eliminate discrimination against women

Co-sponsoring summer minority policy fellows with Division 9 (SPSSI)

Co-hosting conversation hours with military psychologists at APA conventions with Division 19

Collaborating with Division 17 on college counseling center issues, Division 14 on I/O-related issues, and Division 56 on trauma concerns across the lifespan

Other Successful APA-Division Partnerships

Overcoming Pre/Misconceptions About the Policy-Making Process

Myth: “Don’t confuse me with the facts -- I’ve already made up my mind.”’ Fact: Information is power. Myth: “It’s who you know, not what you know.” Fact: Politics is local – every vote matters. Myth: “Psychology is just common sense.” Fact: Psychology is the science of behavior.

Opportunities to Apply Psychology in the Public Policy Arena

Needs Assessment Policy Development Policy Implementation Political Process Evaluation

Vital Roles for APA Divisions in Public Policy Making

Synthesize Relevant Research Literature

Assist in Development of Policy Proposals

Review Draft Legislation and Regulations

Identify Experts for Congressional Hearings/Briefings and Federal Advocacy Panels

Conduct Targeted Congressional Outreach

Activate Listservs for Grassroots Advocacy

Benefits of Division Collaboration with APA/APAPO

Capitalize on Member Talent and Expertise

Draw upon Staff Advocacy Savvy, Resources, and Contacts

Coordinate Actions Aligned with APA Policies

Mobilize Knowledgeable, Dedicated Grassroots Advocates

Speak with One Voice for Psychology

Keep Members Informed about Legislative Developments, as well as Federal Funding and Job Opportunities

How to Learn about the Congressional Process and Federal Advocacy

APA Federal Advocacy Guides

Advocacy Training Seminars

APA CE On-Line Advocacy Training Series

APA Directorate Leadership Conferences

Grassroots Advocacy Networks APA Federal Action Network (Education,

Public Interest, Science) APAPO Federal Advocacy Network

Module 1: Introduction to Advocacy Module 2: Introduction to the U.S. Federal Government Module 3: U.S. Federal Legislative & Regulatory Processes Module 4: Effectively Informing & Influencing Policymakers Module 5: State & Local Advocacy & The Value of Political

Activities This interactive APA continuing education series is now available at http://www.apa.org/ed/ce/

APA CE On-Line Advocacy Training Series

2013 Education Leadership Conference: Increasing Congressional Support for Campus Suicide Prevention Programs

Top left: Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) with Linda Juang Top right: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) with FEDAC Regional Coordinator Kathleen McNamara and Ashley Maynard Bottom left: Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) with FEDAC Regional Coordinators Gilbert Newman and John McQuaid Bottom right: Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) with Candice Crowell and Jennifer Kelly

2013 State Leadership Conference: Countdown to Health Care Reform

SLC delegation poses with Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)

Rep. Scott Rigell (R-VA) greets SLC constituents

2013 State Leadership Conference: Countdown to Health Care Reform (continued)

Tennessee constituents greet Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN)

SLC participants meet with Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC)

Ways to Get Involved in Federal Policy Making

Follow Policy Developments in the Media

Prepare Letters to the Editor and Op Eds

Write/Call Congressional and Executive Branch Offices

Meet with Members of Congress in D.C. or in their State/District Office

Serve as Expert Consultant to Congress and

Federal Agencies

Guidance for Division Public Policy Positions and Statements

(Association Rule 100-1.4)

Reflects field of the Division

Complies with all relevant APA Bylaws, rules, and current association policies

Does not establish or enforce standards for ethics, accreditation, certification, or credentialing of specialty recognition

Does not establish a standard or guideline related to psychologists or could be construed as such (if so, Association Rule 30-8 applies)

Process for Issuing a Division Public Policy Position or Statement

Contact Division Services Office, which will consult with APA legal counsel and executive directors to assess possible conflicts with APA Bylaws/rules/policies (and if Rule 30-8 applies)

Refer to Division Services Office and APA legal counsel for appropriate disclaimer language, unless the statement is approved by Council to be issued on behalf of APA

Release statement in the name of the Division with the approved disclaimer clause, as noted above

Possible Approaches for Enhancing APA-Division Advocacy Collaboration

Designate a Division point person /committee as a liaison to Government Relations Offices (GROs)

Appoint Division expert group(s) as informal advisors on policy issues

Encourage Division members to respond to GRO Advocacy Action Alerts

Arrange for GRO staff to contribute to Division newsletters and other publications

Allot time for interaction with GRO staff at Division Midwinter and Convention Executive Committee meetings

Establish a process for ongoing consultation and coordination with our GROs

We always encourage Divisions to Contact our Government Relations Offices for Information and Guidance… Especially before doing any of the following: 1) Posting advocacy alerts from other organizations to your listserv 2) Contacting other national advocacy groups and nonprofits 3) Issuing policy statements that might be in conflict with APA policy 4) Seeking or accepting an invitation to testify at a congressional hearing 5) Conducting independent grassroots advocacy training or other initiatives

Final Words of Advice: Be Prepared and Expect the Unexpected

Most often Capitol Hill visits go as planned…

But sometimes they don’t!