SES Indicator. The. Issue No. 2, Summer In This Issue. A Publication of APA s Office on Socioeconomic Status

Transcription

1 A Publication of APA s Office on Socioeconomic Status The SES Indicator Newsletter Issue No. 2, Summer 2008 In This Issue MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR & CHAIR OF APA S OFFICE & COMMITTEE ON SES News 2008 APA Convention Programming & Activities Highlights SES is Interdisciplinary: Psychology s Place at the Table Release of the Report of the Task Force on Resources for Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula It s a Fact Socioeconomic Status Affects Everyone CSES Inaugural CSES Leadership Awards Recipients Call for Nominations to Serve on CSES Beginning in 2009 Call for Agenda Items for CSES Fall Meeting Policy Corner Welcome from Krysta Jones: OSES Senior Legislative & Federal Affairs Officer Become a Key Contact Announcements Invitation to SES NETWORK Meeting at APA Convention Join the SES Network and Listserv! MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR & CHAIR Dear Friends and Colleagues of the Office and Committee on SES, Happy Birthday to OSES! In June 2008, OSES celebrated its one year anniversary. We could not have reached this important milestone without your active support of the Office and Committee. We remain committed to identifying and acting as a catalyst within APA s efforts to address issues of SES and to promote appropriate attention to SES in psychological research and practice. While pleased with the activities initiated and the progress made thus far, we recognize that there is still much to accomplish. With your continued support and engagement, we are confident that we will be celebrating many more milestones to come. Some of the events and activities that have made our year especially productive are highlighted in this issue of The SES Indicator. The most visible sign of APA s increased attention to SES-related issues is indicated in this year s APA Convention programming. APA s annual Convention is a great platform to ensure that issues of socioeconomic status receive the full attention of the Association. This year, the Office and Committee are excited to be participating in several symposia and activities, including: Two CSES-sponsored symposia The Annual SES Network Meeting The Inaugural SES Leadership Award Presentation Planning Meeting for the 2009 Presidential Task Force on Psychology s Contribution to End Homelessness SES Convention Program Highlights got class? Ribbons If the past year is any indication, SES and related issues elicit lively debate and feedback from our Network, the greater APA membership, and the general public. As you read through The SES Indicator, we ask that you continue to share your thoughts, impressions, and opinions with OSES by contacting the Office directly, visiting our website, or joining the SES Network and Listserv. Your input and involvement helps the Office and Committee prioritize the issues that APA needs to address in fulfilling its commitment to research, advocacy, and practice related to poverty, SES, and the reduction of socioeconomic disparities. Visit our website at to access new information and resources, including the newly released Report of the Task Force on Resources for Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula and the first set of SES intersecting fact sheets. We also encourage you to review and consider the CSES Call for Nominations for terms beginning January 2009 (due August 25, 2008). Sincerely, Keyona King-Tsikata, MPH Director, Office on SES Heather Bullock, PhD Chair, Committee on SES

2 Looking Ahead in SES Guest Editor for Fall Issue of The SES Indicator Call for Articles for Fall Issue of The SES Indicator Contact Us NEWS 2008 APA Convention Programming & Activities Psychology s contribution to addressing socioeconomic disparities in health, well-being, and human development continues to gain recognition within and outside of APA. As the newest office and committee at APA, OSES & CSES are excited to be participating in several symposia, events, and activities during the 2008 APA Convention being held August in Boston, MA. As some of you may recall, OSES & CSES received tremendous support and enthusiasm during last year s convention. Thanks to the continued support from APA and the SES Network, the Office and Committee has grown significantly since that time and is pleased to feature the following programs and activities during the 2008 APA Convention: CSES Co-sponsored Symposia: Enriching Psychology's Contributions to Public Health by Incorporating Issues of Socioeconomic Status into Research, Practice and Policy Thursday, August 14, 12:00-1:50PM Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 205A. Co-sponsored by BAPPI & Division 9. Partnering with Community Groups in Advocating for Low-Income Communities Friday, August 15, 12:00-1:50PM, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 255. Co-sponsored by BAPPI, Division 27, and APA Committee on Women in Psychology. More details on CSES sponsored symposia are available in the SES Convention Program Highlights at Annual SES Network Meeting & Inaugural CSES Awards Presentations The popular SES Network Meeting is returning to Boston on Friday, August 15th from 3-4PM in the Public Interest Suite at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel. During this year s meeting, CSES will be presenting the inaugural CSES Leadership Awards. The official invitation to the SES Network Meeting is online at: Hard copies will also be available in Boston at the Public Interest Booth located in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. SES Convention Program Highlights OSES has combed through the entire Convention Program book, selected SES-specific sessions and events, and compiled a mini-booklet to guide members interested in SESrelated programming. Visit for electronic copies of the SES Convention Program Highlights. Hard copies will also be available in the Public Interest Booth Presidential Task Force on Psychology s Contribution to End Homelessness Saturday, August 16, 2008 from 9-9:50 AM in Public Interest Suite at the Boston Marriot Copley Hotel. APA President-elect, James H. Bray, PhD will hold a meeting open to all interested APA Members to discuss the development and planning of his 2009 Presidential Task Force on Psychology s Contribution to End Homelessness. The goals and objectives of the Task Force are to identify: 1) Psychological factors that influence adults and children becoming homeless; 2) Interventions that prevent adults and children from becoming homeless; 3) Interventions that help homeless adults and children become productive citizens and healthy individuals; 4) Resources needed to effectively address these factors and interventions; and 5) Key partnerships to implement these interventions. Stay tuned to the OSES website at for updates on Dr. Bray s Presidential Task Force.

3 PI Booth Visit the Public Interest Booth during Convention for SES publications and resources including hard copies of SES Fact Sheets, the Report of the Task Force on Resources for the Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula, the Report of the APA Task Force on Socioeconomic Status, and The SES Indicator. The PI Booth is located in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. got class? Ribbons Introduced at last year s convention, these widely popular ribbons easily attach to convention badges and spark conversations and discussions on SES and related issues such as class, classism, and class-based bias. The ribbons will be available at the PI Booth during Convention. The above programming and activities are indicative of the continued interest and support for SES-related issues that has resulted in the considerable growth OSES and CSES has experienced within one year. We hope you will be able to join us at the APA Convention in Boston! SES IS INTERDISCIPLINARY: PSYCHOLOGY S PLACE AT THE TABLE As stated in the Report of the APA Task Force on Socioeconomic Status, Much of the work on SES is interdisciplinary. Psychology has an important role to play in this work and must not only articulate the unique contribution psychological theory and research can make but also link these to social-contextual and institutional factors that are inherent in SES/social class disparities and inequities. Besides psychologists, others at the SES interdisciplinary table include public health practitioners, economists, sociologists, physicians, nurses, and policy makers. OSES & CSES believe that an interdisciplinary approach towards addressing the impact of socioeconomic status on individuals and communities enables psychology to remain relevant and participate in new and effective collaborations with other disciplines. In recognition of the increasing need of psychology to address SES issues and in an effort to facilitate collaborations with others at the table, APA s OSES participated in several meetings and conferences to discuss and exchange information with other disciplines engaged in efforts to address the spectrum of social issues that contribute to socioeconomic inequities and disparities. These national events included: 2008 Community Voices Freedom s Voice Conference: Addressing Health Disparities and Inequities as a Social Justice Issues for Men, Women, and Their Families The Conference, which took place from April 9-11, 2008 in Atlanta, GA, explored a myriad of complex issues surrounding health disparities and inequities that have a multidimensional impact on health outcomes for ethnic and culturally diverse minorities, the poor and underserved populations. Hosted by Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved & the Morehouse School of Medicine, the conference generated rich and informed debate on a wide range of issues including the social and economic factors that impact health, ex-offenders health upon returning to their communities, local strategies for re-entry, the media s role in the health disparities dialogue, opportunities for support by philanthropic organizations and foundations, considerations for academic and research institutions, community based organizations, and international entities as powerful agents for systematic change. The Conference also honored Ms. Soledad O Brien with the Morehouse School of Medicine s inaugural Soledad O Brien Freedom s Voice Award for her outstanding role as a journalist providing voice to those whose stories are often left untold. For more information on Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved and its work, visit:

4 Behind the Cycle Working Group Meeting Held on June 19 at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, the meeting was part of the Open Society Institute Washington, DC s Behind the Cycle project. The meeting brought together an interdisciplinary group of twenty research, advocacy, academic, and direct service organizations from the fields of education, family and child welfare, public health, criminal justice, poverty law, juvenile justice, housing, faith communities, human rights, youth development, and racial justice to define an interdisciplinary research, advocacy, and policymaking agenda that promotes a more integrative approach to justice reform. In addition, the project has produced a policy report entitled: Moving Toward a More Integrative Approach to Justice Reform. The report presents a vision of an integrative approach to justice reform, policymaking and resource allocation to ensure that the limited pool of available public resources are used effectively to address the issues of poverty, race, economic opportunity, education, family, and housing inherent in the cycle of incarceration. The full report is available online at: The Academy for Health Equity Meeting: Building Capacity to Eliminate Health Disparities The inaugural founding meeting of the Academy for Health Equity took place on June 26-27, 2008 in Denver, CO. Hosted by the Center for Minority Health (CMH), University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the meeting brought together researchers, community organizers, philanthropists and federal and state agencies to identify and better address health disparities through affordable, quality, timely and culturally competent medical care. Meeting attendees explored trans-disciplinary approaches to address the social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to excess illness and death among underserved, poorly served and never served populations. For more information on the Academy for Health Equity, visit: Disparities across the Globe: Place, Class, Race, Ethnicity & Gender This Biennial Conference of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) took place on June 27-29, 2008 in Chicago, IL. The conference brought together a number of scholars who presented their ground breaking research on various aspects of disparities. The broad set of symposia and panels offered demonstrate the breadth and depth of psychological approaches to studying social issues, particularly of disparities and inequities. For more information on SPSSI, visit Work, Stress, and Health 2008: Healthy and Safe Work Through Research, Practice, and Partnerships Housed in APA s Public Interest Directorate, the Work, Stress, and Health Office (WSH) promotes research, training, practice, and policy to examine the impact of the changing organization of work on stress, health, safety, and productivity in the workplace. WSH held its 7th annual conference on March 6-8, 2008 in Washington, DC. Sponsored by APA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Society for Occupational Health Psychology (SOHP), the conference convened experts from around the world to present findings on the impact of work on employee stress, health and productivity and family relationships. For more information on the WSH Office, visit

5 RELEASE OF THE REPORT OF THE TASK FORCE ON RESOURCES FOR INCLUSION OF SOCIAL CLASS IN PSYCHOLOGY CURRICULA OSES released the Report of the Task Force on Resources for Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula on May 15, Already, the Office and Committee have received several comments and feedback regarding the Report. Jointly sponsored by Divisions 9 (Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues) and 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), the Report is designed as an innovative teaching tool to encourage the incorporation of social class diversity into psychology education. It includes course syllabi and classroom exercises, and utilizes fiction and popular media as well as scholarly books and articles. Resources for Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula is appropriate for use at all levels of psychology education, from grade school through graduate school. In an effort to make the Report a truly live and relevant document, we welcome suggestions and contributions to revise and improve this tool. Currently available at Resources for Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula is being formatted into an interactive site to allow for searching, commenting, and additions. In anticipation of the launch of the site, OSES encourages you to print current copies of the Report and share them with your colleagues and students to ensure that this resource includes the most current information available. Your comments and contributions are welcome now! OSES will include your input into the launch of the interactive site. IT S A FACT SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AFFECTS EVERYONE OSES has released the first of twelve fact sheets on the intersection of socioeconomic status and various topics of special interest. Fact sheets currently available are those focusing on Children, Youth, and Families; HIV/AIDS; LGBT; and Women. The purpose of the fact sheets is to highlight the relevance of SES in multiple topic areas and to promote the scientific understanding of the roles of SES and poverty in health, education, and human welfare. The fact sheets also offer opportunities for action in eliminating SES and social class disparities. Future fact sheet topics will include Ethnic and Racial Minorities; Disabilities; Aging; Violence; End of Life; Work, Stress, and Health; International/Global Relations; and Rural Health. In keeping with OSES efforts to maintain up-to-date and relevant information, we encourage the SES Network to comment and make suggestions for the fact sheets. Similar to the Resources for Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula, the fact sheets will be reformatted into live and interactive documents that allow for input and comments. Your input will be forwarded to CSES for consideration during their spring and fall meetings. Deadlines for comments will be posted on the SES Network prior to each of these meetings. To join the SES Network, visit CSES Inaugural CSES Leadership Awards Recipients Each year during the APA Convention, the Committee on Socioeconomic Status (CSES) will recognize the outstanding achievements of emerging and distinguished psychologists and friends of psychology who have made significant contributions to the understanding of socioeconomic status and the lives and wellbeing of low-income groups. This year marks the inaugural presentation of the CSES Leadership Awards in Boston, MA. CSES is pleased to recognize the following recipients of Inaugural CSES Leadership Awards: William M. Liu, PhD, Pamela A. Morris, PhD, Edmund W. Gordon, PhD, and Felice Yeskel, PhD of Class Action. Details on award recipients are available at Call for Nominations to Serve on CSES Beginning in 2009 CSES is pleased to invite nominations for membership on the Committee to serve three year terms beginning in January CSES anticipates two vacancies in Nominations are accepted from individuals, APA Committees, Boards, and Divisions, as well as self-nominations. Nominees are being sought who have expertise in psychological issues related to social class and SES inequalities; have conducted research that aided in the scientific understanding of the roles of SES/social class in psychology; have developed approaches to the application of psychology taking into account the effects of SES on psychological development and well-being in children and/or adults.

6 CSES has a strong commitment to full diversity in representation (e.g., ethnicity, culture, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, geographic location, early career, retired, and those who are employed less than full time). Each nomination packet must include the following information: 1) A letter from the nominee indicating willingness to serve on CSES; 2) Brief description of the nominee s qualification; and 3) Current CV. Deadline: Monday, August 25, For an electronic copy of the call for nomination, visit: or hdagadu@apa.org. Call for Agenda Items for CSES Fall Meeting The Committee on Socioeconomic Status (CSES) will participate in the Fall Consolidated meetings being held in Washington, DC from September 19-21, If there is an SES-related topic or issue you believe should be on CSES agenda, please send the item(s) to Helena Dagadu at hdagadu@apa.org by Tuesday, September 2, POLICY CORNER WELCOME FROM KRYSTA JONES: OSES SENIOR LEGISLATIVE AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS OFFICER As the newest member of the APA Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO), I am happy to be serving as liaison to the Office on Socioeconomic Status. In my capacity as Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer, I look forward to promoting psychology s contribution to the formulation of sound public policy to reduce disparities and improve human welfare. Disparities and inequalities have been a familiar theme throughout much of my work. During my tenure as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, I had to persist in the face of new cultural and societal biases to assist in the creation of student governments and improve internal communication for a community radio station. In addition, my previous work with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) exposed me to the deep disparities in reproductive health that exist for uninsured and low-income women of childbearing age. Also, as founder and chair of the Virginia Leadership Institute, Inc., a non profit candidate training organization in Virginia, I have the privilege to provide education and mentoring opportunities for individuals traditionally denied participation in the political process. These experiences have shaped my belief and commitment to promoting sound public policy as a way to eliminate disparities and inequities. Whether it s contacting elected officials, grassroots organizing, and/or training future candidates, public policy and advocacy are an integral part of efforts to address SES-based disparities in access to resources such as health, education, income, housing, nutrition, and sociopolitical influence. I look forward to working with the Office, Committee, and the SES Network to promote psychology s role in addressing these challenges.

7 Become a Key Contact We all have a role to play in the political process. Now is a critical and exciting time to become involved in government affairs. The 2008 presidential election cycle has placed several SES issues in the forefront of the political arena, including high gas prices, home foreclosures, and rising food prices. It is important that psychology play an integral part of SES-related legislation and regulations on these issues. APA works closely with decision-makers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies on policies, including changes to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, funding for innovative homeless housing programs, and equal pay legislation. As we continue to expand our SES advocacy, now is your chance to make sure your voices are heard. The Office on SES is launching the SES Key Contact Program. The purpose of the SES Key Contact Program is to educate APA members interested in SES issues about legislation on Capitol Hill, mobilize members interested in SES to serve as resources to Members of Congress and their staffs, and encourage members to contact Congress before important votes to ensure SES-related viewpoints are heard. As a Key Contact you will receive up-to-date information on SES policy, periodic alerts to let you know when action is needed to support SES issues, and advocacy tips. For more information on the SES Key Contact Program, please contact Krysta Jones at knjones@apa.org or ANNOUNCEMENTS Invitation to SES NETWORK Meeting at APA Convention You are Invited! Join the Committee on Socioeconomic Status (CSES) during the 2008 APA Convention in Boston, MA for the annual SES Network Meeting. The meeting will be held on Friday, August 15 from 3:00-4:00pm at the Boston Marriot Copley Place Hotel. This is a great opportunity to meet with colleagues representatives of various divisions, state associations, and other groups to raise critical issues & questions, share ideas, and identify activities related SES. During the meeting the following recipients of the inaugural CSES Leadership Awards will be recognized: William M. Liu, PhD, Pamela A. Morris, PhD, Edmund W. Gordon, PhD, and Felice Yeskel, PhD of Class Action. Join the SES Network and Listserv! The SES Network and Liststerv is growing! The SES Network & Listserv provides a platform to share information and ideas; raise questions; and identify critical problems and issues related to socioeconomic status with over 120 representatives of various divisions, state associations, committee members, APA staff and other groups. To sign up, visit LOOKING AHEAD IN SES Guest Editor for Fall issue of The SES Indicator The SES Indicator is pleased to announce Bettina Spencer, PhD as the Guest Editor of the Fall 2008 issue. Dr. Spencer is Assistant Psychology Professor at Saint Mary s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She is a social psychologist working on issues of classism. As Guest Editor, Dr. Spencer suggested the theme for the Fall issue and will assist in selecting articles to include in the issue. OSES looks forward to working with Dr. Spencer. Call for Articles for Fall Issue of The SES Indicator The Fall 2008 theme of The SES Indicator is Issues of SES in Higher Education. Research consistently shows that higher levels of education are associated with better economic outcomes, more psychological and social resources, and fewer health risk behaviors. In addition, achieving higher levels of education expands individuals social resources and social networks. How does socioeconomic status affect access to and affordability of postsecondary education? Given current economic conditions, what do you think should be done to ensure access to colleges and universities for all potential students, particularly low-income students? Students who would like to share their personal experiences are encouraged to submit an article.

8 Before writing an article, please contact Helena Dagadu for parameters and guidelines for writing and submitting an article to The SES Indicator. The deadline for articles is Friday, October 3, CONTACT US Please send suggestions, comments, and other requests regarding The SES Indicator to Helena Dagadu, Managing Editor at For more information, visit the Office on Socioeconomic Status website at.