.png){kind=small}
Click here for a PDF of this announcement.
The American Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS), the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (Div. 9), the Society for Community Research and Action (Div. 27), and the Division of Trauma Psychology (Div. 56) are delighted to offer a special summer Policy Workshop & Advocacy Day. This exceptional training opportunity will take place on August 1 and 2, 2017 in Washington, DC, directly before the APA Convention. Participants will learn how to bring empirical research findings to bear on public policy and use psychology to advance human welfare. They will also learn how to make themselves marketable for policy-related fellowships and careers. Participants will then spend a day advocating on Capitol Hill—visiting with the offices of their Senators and Representatives on a social justice topic to be determined closer to the event.
POLICY WORKSHOP (August 1)
The Policy Workshop will expose psychologists to policy work, consultation, and career opportunities, drawing on the expertise of the sponsoring organizations. Participants will learn how advocates make decisions about which topics to focus on, as well as how to translate research into a public policy context. Moreover, attendees will hear about policy-related fellowship and career opportunities. Speakers will include staff from APA’s Public Interest Government Relations Office, as well as other psychologists who have successfully entered the world of public policy.
ADVOCACY DAY (August 2)
The Advocacy Day will grant participants an opportunity to spend a day on Capitol Hill visiting with the offices of their Senators and Representatives. Participants will first be trained on the advocacy topic and how to manage a congressional meeting. They will then travel in groups to meet with the offices of their lawmakers, using psychological science to explain the importance of the issue. The social justice issue—to be determined later this spring— will be fully consistent with the missions of the sponsoring organizations.
APPLICATIONS
If you would like to attend the event, please complete this form to indicate your interest. Participants will be selected on a first-come first-served basis, so early applications are encouraged. Applications must be received by March 1, 2017. The Policy Workshop & Advocacy Day is limited to 75 participants, who must be members of Divisions 9, 27, 56, or APAGS. Applications from underrepresented groups (individuals who identify as ethnic or racial minorities; first-generation college students or graduates; individuals who identify as LGBT+, and individuals with a physical or mental disability) are especially encouraged. Event organizers will contact applicants by April 15, 2017 to confirm participation.
FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS
The registration fee is $50 for psychologists and $25 for graduate students, which covers the cost of materials and food, including breakfast and lunch on both days. Lodging and travel are not included. A limited number of travel scholarships are available. (If applying for a travel scholarship, please prepare a brief statement of no more than 200 words that answers the following questions: What is the focus of your research or work? What policy implications do you see? How will this workshop help you advance your policy work? Please have this brief statement drafted before you begin your online application.)
Questions? Contact Gabe Twose, Ph.D. (SPSSI members may also contact Sarah Mancoll.)