Call for Candidates: Division 50 Open Positions

Run for an Office in the Society of Addiction Psychology! 

This is your once-a-year opportunity to get more involved in the Society of Addiction Psychology (SoAP)!

This year we are looking to fill five elected positions:

(1) President-Elect

(2) Member-at-Large (Science)

(3) Secretary

(4) Treasurer

(5) APA Council Representative

Additionally, we are seeking a new Chair for the Nominations and Elections Committee, to start in August of 2024.

If you are interested in running for one of these positions, please email Dr. Lauren Hoffman ASAP at lhoffman1@mgh.harvard.edu. (Please email directly, do not reply to this listserv announcement)

Additional details about the open positions and terms for the upcoming election can be found below.

The 3 year terms of these offices start at the close of the SoAP Business Meeting at the APA convention in 2024, with the exception of APA Council Representative which starts in January 2025.

You are already devoting considerable time to treating and/or conducting research with individuals with addictive behaviors. Here is your opportunity to have an impact on the field at the national level. Self-nominations are invited and you only need 2.5% of the membership to endorse your nomination in order for you to be placed on the ballot (deadline: mid-January).

Here’s what will happen:

•  The Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee will solicit nominations through the SoAP listserv.

•  Candidate statements will be shared with SoAP members in Spring 2024 via the SoAP listserv.

•  The electronic ballot will be distributed by the APA Central Office in April 2024 (with a June 1st deadline).

SoAP members and fellows are eligible to run for these open positions.

President-Elect

Term: Aug. 2024 – July 2027

This position is a 3-year term. During year 1, you will serve as President-Elect getting oriented to the board activities and responsibilities. You will have the opportunity to participate in various initiatives and contribute to the strategic planning for the division, In Year 2, you will serve as President. You will preside over all in-person and phone board meetings and guides the division in new initiatives. The president performs other duties consistent with the Bylaws, such as appointing committee chairs. The Presidential year ends with an invited Presidential Address at the APA convention. In Year 3, you will serve as Past-President. Your main responsibility is to serve as advisor to the current president. 

Member-At-Large (Science)

Term: Aug. 2024 – July 2026

This Member-at-Large (MAL Science) serves as liaison between SoAP and the APA Science Directorate, through APA science directorate briefings and the Science Directorate’s planning retreat in December. MAL (Science) represents the interests of SoAP members to the APA Science Directorate. Additionally, this position serves as a liaison between SoAP and Division 28 and other “science” divisions.

Secretary 

Term: Aug. 2024 – July 2027

The primary role of the Secretary is to assist in managing communications and maintaining records for the organization. The Secretary records minutes of all meetings of the SoAP and submits these minutes to the SoAP President and Board. Additionally, the Secretary assists in e-mail reminders and distributing electronic material for upcoming Board meetings, helps maintain archives of the SoAP, and serves as a voting member of the Board.

Treasurer 

Term: Aug. 2024 – July 2027

The overarching function of the Treasurer is to manage the financial operations of the organization. Specifically, functions of the treasurer include collecting dues, keeping financial records, managing reimbursements for members and third parties for approved SoAP expenses, preparing annual reports and tax returns, and managing expenses and income from the Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction (CPA) midyear meeting. The Treasurer works directly with the Finance Committee and is a standing member of the CPA organizing committee.

APA Council Representative 

Term: Jan. 2025 – Dec. 2027

Division 50 has two representatives who represent the division at the APA Council of Representatives meetings. As a council representative, you will observe APA leadership in action. You will serve as a voice for the division in all major policy decisions made by APA. The council meets twice per year (February in Washington DC and August at the APA Convention). Issues are also handled via conference calls and emails throughout the year. You will also serve as part of the SoAP executive board to report ongoing and upcoming APA activities and policies that may affect the division and its membership.

Reminder: As of 2023, APA graduate student members have voting rights in division elections.