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.

ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY PAC

The Psychology PAC, makes contributions to federal candidates and is funded solely by the voluntary contributions of APA members and staff who support the political interests of psychology. Those contributions are made directly to the PAC. While the Psychology PAC provides psychologists an opportunity to participate in the democratic process, the PAC is committed to doing so in a responsible manner that is consistent with APA’s values and mission to benefit society.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM? No APA member dues are ever used to make contributions to political candidates. As a 501(c)3 organization, the American Psychological Association is prohibited by law from contributing money to any political candidates. APA’s organization, APA Services Inc., engages in advocacy but it also makes no political contributions to candidates, per the law.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? Psychology PAC is an important tool that gives psychologists a seat at the table. Psychology PAC provides the APA/APASI advocacy team with an important means to educate legislators on our work to support the discipline, science and practice of psychology. In making contributions, the PAC fights for APA’s and APASI’s priorities for research, education, professional practice and the public interest. These include more research dollars for our science; for reimbursement and scope of practice issues for practicing psychologists; for psychology workforce development; for health care reform; for ending violence; for criminal justice; for promotion of social justice issues, and for the fight against bigotry and racism. The PAC has also supported candidates who have fought cuts to Medicare reimbursement.

WHY SHOULD PSYCHOLOGISTS CONTRIBUTE? Through Psychology PAC, U.S. psychologists can participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard on issues vitally important to psychology.

WHAT IS NEXT IN 2021? We will face strong headwinds in the coming months to advance APA advocacy priorities in the divided Congress with razor thin margins. Continuing to support candidates who support psychology will be crucial to our success.

Letter to PAC Donors Regarding the Insurrection on Capitol Hill

Contribute