Board Candidates Slate 1 – Answers

1. What role, if any, is there for psychology outside of the U.S. in the activities and mission of APA?

John R. Fraser, PhD – Slate 1

APA members work around the world and psychology is a global profession. We build our literature with attention to borders, but consider national factors, minority status, and belief systems as part of our advancement of the understanding of mind and mental process. I am a past member of the International Association for People Environment Studies and a current member of the Psychology Coalition at the United Nations.
I am a Canadian resident in the U.S. working on national and global issues including the climate crisis, solutions to food security and health policy in Africa, refugee needs for mental health services, media to support women’s rights in under-developed nations, and USAID funded programs to advance global democracy.  The USA’s inhabited territories, protectorates, military presence and diplomatic interests all overlap with our profession and goals to advance mental health services. I take it as a matter of fact that APA’s activities and mission has a global focus.

2. What projects and plans are in your campaign platform to further the globalization of psychology, particularly in relation to the governance, structure, and policies of APA, and its Directorates and Divisions?

John R. Fraser, PhD – Slate 1

As a past-president of Division 34, I worked to build relationships with our international colleagues, secured funding to support an annual conservation psychology travel scholarship to build connections. As Member-at-Large, I will advocate for our global practice, which means recognizing nations, including the indigenous nations within the US borders and territories, and identifying APA’s collaborative value. I have met with staff working to build international relationships with members who reside outside the USA, and have received updates on the organization’s commitment to increased global engagement, but I’m not sure the budget is aligned to report on this priority. I believe the budget, reporting, and action plans could benefit from cross-walking with DEAI efforts, especially with regard to APA’s role in the growing refugee crisis caused by climate change and military conflicts. I commit to working with Division 52 to clarify an action plan and accountability tools for our international efforts.

3. What are your thoughts about supporting the establishment of a new elected APA Board position for an APA Member or APA Affiliate living outside of North America and not a U.S. citizen?

John R. Fraser – Slate 1

I stand for election as a Canadian citizen residing in the USA because I believe an international perspective will bring valuable diversity to the Board.  I believe my experience working and studying in the UK and the EU, my ongoing international collaborations, and my formative education in the country that advocated at the United Nations for peacekeeping as a philosophy and action strategy, can bring a much needed perspective to APA’s decision-making. I do not believe that country of residence should be a criteria for election, nor should citizenship be considered sufficient to warrant a dedicated seat. I firmly believe that we must wage peace with more resources than we devote to war, and judge candidates by what they can bring to APA’s governing body. I hope the membership will consider my background relevant to their decision-making about diversity of voice and beliefs on a well-balanced Board of Directors.