SPSSI: RISE-ing to the Critical Moment

Kimberly Barsamian Kahn, Ph.D., SPSSI President, Professor, Department of Psychology, PI of the Gender, Race, and Sexual Prejudice (GRASP) Lab, Portland State University

While this past year as SPSSI President has brought unprecedented challenges to science and social justice, I am harkened by SPSSI’s collective strength in “RISE-ing” to the moment and, indeed, thriving. In my Presidential address at SPSSI’s conference in June, I argued for data as a form of social justice resistance, and presented my “RISE” research approach as a navigational guide. Such research is: Rigorous (cross-level, multi-method); Interventionist (action research, being agents of change); Social (community engaged, collaborative, closely in tune with phenomena), and Empirical (measuring, giving voice to the ignored and dismissed). And as evidenced by the outstanding research throughout the conference, SPSSI is undeniably “RISE-ing.” I was thrilled to see timely social issues research addressing criminal justice reform, immigration, economic inequality, health disparities, reproductive justice, climate crisis, and DEI reflect this RISE framework in packed poster sessions and talks. Despite current threats to science, SPSSI researchers used their research to give voice to vulnerable populations and speak through data, which cannot be easily silenced.

And we did so in record numbers, with the largest attendance ever at our conference to celebrate SPSSI’s 90^th anniversary. I cannot thank the conference chairs, Drs. Harmony Reppond and Yara Mekowi, enough for the engaging program. I also recognize the outstanding contributions of SPSSI’s 90th Anniversary Task Force --Drs. Em Leskinen, Abby Stewart, Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton and Jamie Finch-- who created an immersive timeline which centered SPSSI’s historical past and led us to envision a socially just future.

There were many conference highlights I will take with me. Our Special Policy Session on Psychology in the ICE Age brought together members to think critically about psychology in resisting the immigration enforcement crisis, highlighting SPSSI’s unique role in bridging research, policy, and social justice. Hearing Lewin Award winner Dr. Susan Opotow recount her first foray into field research which involved dog poop was a moment I will never forget! And of course, the surprise Second Line band at the end of Dr. Michael Kraus’ keynote filled the room with joy as we marched to the poster session!

Beyond our conference, SPSSI has continued to be a leader this past year during these critical times. SPSSI hosted the 19^th annual Psychology Day at the United Nations, with participants across 75 nations discussing psychological contributions to collective action. SPSSI presented on upholding academic freedom at APA’s Conference in August, reflecting our role as a divisional leader. We made significant progress in aligning financial investments with our values, as we divested in response to a member-lead petition. We have fought for our science at the federal level by opposing the damaging proposed OMB rule change, and against the planned closure of NSF’s Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Directorate. We highlighted the importance of psychology to build safer and fairer communities through COSSA’s Why Social Science series. Supporting SPSSI’s internationalization goals, we partnered on an interdivisional series on Children and Adolescents of the Americas. SPSSI’s latest webinar conversation hour discussed how families, peers, and community connections can help children undergoing life challenges. And while not ready for announcement yet, be on the lookout for a significant new collaboration soon!

As I close out my Presidential term, I am forever thankful for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role and give back to SPSSI, an organization that has shaped my academic identity, research, and career. It is the people – the “SPSSI People”-- who I had the pleasure to work with that made this such a cherished experience. Past SPSSI Presidents Dr. Heather Bullock and Dr. Patrick Grzanka led with wisdom, steadfastness, and grace, and their support, along with SPSSI’s Executive Committee, during my Presidential year was invaluable. SPSSI would not be the organization that it is without the care of our dedicated staff, Anila, Sam, and Justin. I am honored to be passing the Presidency to Dr. Phia Salter, who I am confident will continue SPSSI’s strong momentum. SPSSI is about its people, and we could not ask for a better leadership team to guide the next chapter.

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