Entering 2024, we are proud to look back at SPSSI’s work over 2023. This year has been marked by many new developments and accomplishments, alongside our steadfast commitment to promoting public awareness and engagement on important social issues.

Global Advocacy and UN Engagements:

• SPSSI participated in the first Global Advocacy Month, advocating to UN missions including Hungary, Ireland, Nepal, and the Philippines for their support of the General Assembly Resolution on Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• During the 2023 High Level Political Forum, our subcommittees made substantial contributions, including the Anti-Racism subcommittee’s side event on Data Disaggregation Practices, and the Climate Justice subcommittee’s statement addressing the combined impact of COVID-19 and climate change.

Events, Education Initiatives, and Workshops:

• This past spring, SPSSI launched our Fostering Policy-Relevant Psychological Research webinar series, providing practical tips and insights demystifying the policy roles of psychologists and psychological researchers.
• In June and July, SPSSI held our Summer Conference on "Transforming Our World: Using Research and Action to Address (In)Visible Wounds," as well as its pre-conference policy workshop, "There’s No One Way to ‘Do’ Policy Work," spotlighting the diverse mediums, styles, and sectors of effective advocacy. We also hosted our 2023 Virtual Advocacy Day, on protecting the lives and rights of transgender and gender diverse youth, as well as a virtual series issue titled "Prism of Progress: Shining Light on LGBTQ+ Rights and Struggles."
• In August, SPSSI was a major presence at the APA 2023 Convention, with programming that spanned the topics of disparities in preventative health services, the Workplace Psychological Safety Act, and the impacts of Roe v. Wade’s overturning.
• In September, we participated in the APA’s UN Advocacy Training, which consolidated lessons learned from the successful passing of the General Assembly Resolution on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to facilitate the advancement of future goals.

Acknowledging Excellence:

• We proudly congratulate our 2023 Award Winners, whose outstanding contributions can be found here.

Policy Initiatives:

Finally, and notably, SPSSI issued policy statements on crucial, diverse issues, including:

• “Intergenerational Trauma and the Education and Welfare of Indigenous Children in the U.S.,” emphasizing the need for trauma-informed approaches to education and policy for indigenous children.
• “SPSSI Responds to SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action,” advocating for inclusive policies in education and the workplace.
• “SPSSI Urges Progress on Tackling Environmental Injustices in Plastic Pollution, 2023,” which called for immediate action to mitigate the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on vulnerable communities.
• “SPSSI Stands for Academic Freedom,” reinforcing the importance of intellectual exploration and expression in the pursuit of knowledge.
• “SPSSI Responds to the Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria," expressing solidarity and support for the individuals and communities in the affected regions.
• A joint letter with the APA concerning a Visit to US by UN International Independent Expert Mechanism, reinforcing our commitment to racial justice and equality in law enforcement.
• SPSSI joined forces with SPSP and 19 other scientific societies to reaffirm our commitment to DEI Initiatives, both within our organizations and the field at large.

This year, we have been able to navigate the complex landscape of these crucial social issues and be part of driving positive change through research, advocacy, and collaboration. We look forward to continuing to work together towards a more just and equitable world in 2024.