It is with great honor that I take over the SPSSI Presidency during this critical time for our organization and society. What is clear is that SPSSI and social issues research are needed now more than ever. The threats to our science, research, and social justice are ever present, with the goal of silencing and discrediting our work as scientists. These attacks hit at our core identities as scholars and individuals. In the U.S., I reflect on the fact that we are just over 5 years from the police killing of African American George Floyd in 2020 and the historic summer of racial reckoning protests. The nationwide demands for change and the hope that ensued was palpable. We find ourselves now in a present-day climate in which DEI is under attack, and any mentions of race or other stigmatized statuses are erased, defunded, or banned. As I write this, President Trump is discussing sending National Guard troops to my home city of Portland, Oregon, following in the footsteps of recent occupations of other U.S. cities.

While it may feel that these attacks are unprecedented, SPSSI as an organization has withstood challenging political and social climates before and will continue to do so. SPSSI turns 90 next year, which demonstrates the strength and essential role this organization plays in leading social issues scholarship and policy advocacy. I plan to highlight the ways that SPSSI has been a force for change in history throughout my Presidential year, and at the next SPSSI conference in June in New Orleans. I hope to see many of you there to celebrate this important anniversary milestone!

At the same time, it is important for us as a society and as scientists to be proactive about advancing social issue research and policy, and not just reactive, or solely on defense (for those that know my love of sports). While we will continue to fight to reverse and defend our science, we must also advance new knowledge without losing momentum. I, like many others, was so energized by our last SPSSI conference in June in my hometown of Portland. Having the space to come together, to draw collective strength, hear about the myriad of ways our colleagues are responding through research and policy work was inspiring. Indeed, during the recent APA conference in Denver in August, many APA leaders approached me to say thank you to SPSSI for the work we are doing. SPSSI is seen as a champion for social justice, and we proudly take on that role.

Looking forward to the year ahead, I ask everyone to consider opportunities to serve SPSSI and its mission of advancing social issues research. Please reach out to me, to members of SPSSI Council and Staff, to be involved. This may include sharing your expertise for a timely policy brief, participating in SPSSI advocacy opportunities, or serving on a SPSSI committee. If you haven’t served before, make it a goal this year, and for those that have, your continued support means more than ever this year. It is through our collective action together that we face the challenges before us and will continue to flourish. Please feel free to reach out to me about your wishes, questions, concerns, dreams, and ideas, and I am here to support you and SPSSI. Have a safe and productive Fall everyone!

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