on the directionality of that change. If we fail to do so, I believe that the practice of psychology will soon be redefined by persons other than Psychologists, and that Psychologists as we now exist will become extinct. The data indicates such extinction will be bad for those we seek to help, for our state, and for ourselves. And it is one of the distinctions of Psychologists that we are quite uniquely a data-driven group. Simply put, you are in a regulated profession, and those with the most power to decide how the profession will be regulated are not Psychologists. What qualifies one to use the term “Psychologist” and what comprises the practice of psychology are determined solely by politics. As a group, we do not like this and, in fact, many of us are tragically in denial about this reality. We are altruistic “People Persons” who naively believe that good somehow is predestined in all things to overcome bad. We don’t want to sully ourselves with political involvement so we sit back, ignore facts and blame leadership when the value of our title is eroded. And eroded it will be unless we rally. Persons in other professions with other training want a piece of the good name we have created, want to incorporate the term “psychology”, or want to add further regulations or licenses restricting our ability to practice. They have money, political canny, motivation, means, intent and a plan. I plead for you to act on this information, and to increase your level of involvement in the organization. Here are some specific actionable items, but the first requirement is you make a commitment to break through your denial: If you don’t want to do much, if you want the cheapest, fastest way out that at least can assuage your conscience somewhat, write a check. Don’t write a check for $20; write it for an amount that says you’re willing to do your part. I would think that the amount you believe your services are worth for a single hour of your time is the absolute minimum. More realistic is the amount that would reflect one hour’s compensation per month—12 hours worth per year. You can bet those trying to get the business you depend on would pay one hour’s worth of what they get to have it. Psychology is in a fight. Alternately, the second option is to take an active part in TPA: the only organization seeking to represent the interests of Psychologists in this state. We have a pathetically low membership rate, which means we have precious few resources with which to stop the erosion. We need more members and the best way we can get them is by person-to-person contact. Part of my optimism is the belief that if Psychologists can be made to understand what’s happening, they’ll feel compelled to act in their own best interest and join this organization. Would you take it upon yourself to spread the word, and help in recruitment of those who expect to reap the benefits of TPA’s efforts without personal involvement? I challenge each of you to target TEXAS
psychologist
and recruit at least one new member in the coming year. Psychologists are in a fight. The Texas Psychological Association is a volunteer organization. This means for things to work, there are many positions needing to be filled. We are constantly seeking persons to assume leadership roles. A basic position is to be a committee member. If you will contact David, Sherry or any board member with a willingness to help we will get you plugged into a suitable spot. We have work that needs to be done, and inadequate people resources to do so. We need you to take a position. Texas Psychologists are in a fight. Through the strong leadership of Dr. Mehl, TPA has undertaken to match a constituent psychologist with each and every legislator in the state. We call these folks “key contacts”, and we want them to form a one on one, psychologist-to-legislator relationship. This is how politics works—just like everything else—relationships are key. We have to marshal political influence in this way to remain viable. Would you please be that person, or one of those persons in your legislator’s district? Contact any of us. TPA Psychologists are in a fight. Finally, 2011 President Dr. Mehl has led in the formation of a number of forward-looking strategic task forces. We need people with knowledge or interest in each task force to take a position. We need you plugged in as an expert and leader for your profession. We need your skills. We, Texas Psychologists, need you. We are in need of something you can do better than most, and we need you to invest that time for the group. You are in a fight. A final plea for a certain subset of you: We old, white guys know there are too many old, white guys in leadership roles in this organization. We do not like it either. We talk about how to change this because we know it is not good for TPA. We believe that if an organization lacks adequate diversity of thought, opinion and viewpoint it will invariably stagnate. And if allowed to stagnate, it will deservedly die. We need to move into the 21st century with a younger, more colorfully pigmented, representatively diverse group of leaders. Please step forward. You especially are in a fight. I look forward to my year as President and promise you my best efforts. We can still win these fights. We will not do so with the current status quo. I leave you with this question: Are you willing to modify your behavior and adapt, or must we become extinct?
www.texaspsyc.org
Winter 2011
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