Letters about candidate contributions
Information about the contribution criteria and operations of Psychology Political Action Committee (PAC)
July 2022
Frank C. Worrell, PhD
2022 President
American Psychological Association Services, Inc.
Dear Frank,
We understand that some members of APA’s Council of Representatives have questions about the contribution criteria and operations of Psychology Political Action Committee (PAC) so we ask that you share this communication with them.
The mission of the Psychology PAC is to support candidates for federal office who support the field, discipline, and practice of psychology, as well as lead efforts to address the broad spectrum of challenges facing society. To accomplish that mission, Psychology PAC supports Democratic, independent, and Republican candidates who support the diverse set of issues of importance to psychology and society.
As members of the Psychology PAC Advisory Committee, which is the governing body of the PAC, we want to take this opportunity to update you on our operations.
Following the events of January 6th, 2021, the Psychology PAC paused operations to perform an analysis of how the PAC could best respond to changes in the political landscape. As a result, the Advisory Committee:
- Revised PAC contribution criteria to look at the totality of Senate and House member votes insupport of the practice and profession of psychology.
- Instituted a ban on giving to the 147 Members of Congress who voted against certifying the2020 presidential election.
- Established quarterly meetings to review and ensure PAC giving priorities are aligned withadvocacy priorities and PAC fundraising goals and metrics.
- Increased our educational efforts about the Psychology PAC across all subgroups of APAServices, Inc. membership, including by publishing an educational video, which can be viewed here.
In June 2021, the Psychology PAC resumed operations under the new guidance listed above, APA/APA Services, Inc.’s strategic plan, as well as the advocacy priorities solicited across APASI membership and recommended by the Advocacy Coordinating Committee. The PAC’s recalibration has contributed to the active engagement of APASI members and Congressional members with the Psychology PAC.
The Psychology PAC is funded by voluntary donations from the membership and not by Association member dues. Any individual who is a member of APA Services, Inc., which includes all members of APA, is eligible to contribute to the Psychology PAC. Under law, no funds from APA/APA Services, Inc. membership dues may be given to the Psychology PAC or candidates for federal office.
Most important, the Psychology PAC is transparent: All disbursements and receipts are reported publicly to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the federal agency that oversees all political activity by both PACs and candidates. The publicly available FEC Report for the Psychology PAC can be found here.
Thanks to the voluntary contributions from members to the Psychology PAC, APA Services has played a key role in increasing access to psychological services through telehealth and audio-only services and advancing gun violence prevention, along with investments in school- and community-based mental health programs. We are living in uncertain and tumultuous times. That said, we must recognize that 24 states in the U.S. are now controlled by the Republican Party and 13 states are controlled by the Democratic Party. And with narrow margins in both the House and Senate for the foreseeable future, we must build champions for psychological issues on both sides of the aisle. It is also critical for us to have a voice to advance psychology in all 50 states, no matter the political party that controls that state’s government. APA members know all too well the challenges in their own states in protecting and defending important societal issues. The reality is that there are candidates who will take positions on legislation that are antithetical to APA’s priorities and policy positions, while at the same time, those candidates may also be some of the staunchest supporters and defenders of the profession, science, and practice of psychology. Therefore, we examine the totality of a candidate’s record as we make strategic decisions regarding the PAC’s activities.
We look forward to continuing to work together to advance the interests of the field, discipline, and practice of psychology, as well as the communities we serve.
Best,
Psychology PAC Advisory Committee
Sharon Berry, PhD, ABPP
Lindsey Buckman, PsyD
Jo Linder-Crow, PhD
Derek Phillips, PsyD, MSCP
Antonio E. Puente, PhD
Peter Sheras, PhD
An update to Psychology PAC donors on the January 2021 donation decisions pause
April 20, 2021
Dear Psychology PAC Donors:
On January 20, 2021, all Psychology PAC decisions on candidate contributions were paused pending a full review of political giving policies. Over the past few months, at the direction of the APASI Board of Directors, the Psychology PAC Advisory Committee completed a full review of political donation policies, carefully reviewing current candidate criteria. The APASI Board approved the recommendations, which are as follows:
Psychology PAC will resume political giving on April 1, 2021, based on revised candidate contribution criteria. A ban will remain in effect throughout 2021 for the legislators who voted not to certify the presidential election. Revised candidate criteria importantly include provisions for carefully weighing future candidates shared commitment to the democratic process and APA’s Guiding Principles. The PAC Management Team will be evaluating candidates on a quarterly basis going forward.
We thank you for your continued support of the non-partisan Psychology PAC and recognition of the important role it plays in APA’s advocacy work.
Jennifer and Arthur
Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP
President
American Psychological Association Services Inc.
Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President
American Psychological Association Services Inc.
Letter to PAC donors regarding the insurrection on Capitol Hill
January 17, 2021
Dear PAC Donors:
The shocking insurrection on Capitol Hill on January 6 and the threat of continued violence leading up to and following the inauguration calls upon all of us to take a strong stand against those who would undermine the Constitution and the very fabric of our nation. Consequently, Psychology PAC will pause decisions on donations to ensure your contributions do not support legislators who act against our democracy.
As our long-time supporters know, Psychology PAC, the affiliated political action committee of the American Psychological Association’s companion organization, APA Services Inc., has always required recipients to display character and integrity as a primary consideration for support. The strategic plan that guides the work of APA and APASI – and therefore the Psychology PAC – is grounded in social justice, diversity, and ethical decision-making. Our principles demand that we stand against violence and stand for our democracy.
Sincere appreciation goes to APA/APASI members who have steadfastly supported Psychology PAC. Psychology PAC will continue to be responsible stewards of your valued contributions.
Jennifer and Arthur
Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP
President
American Psychological Association Services Inc.
Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President
American Psychological Association Services Inc.
Last updated: July 2022