December 1st, 2011

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

One of our goals for 2012 is to increase the media presence of Psychology in our three county area of membership. Below are ideas to support this goal, many from the Annual Meeting brain storming session. Please share your own brilliant ideas, articles, and expertise with Dr. Lori Arella, Communications Chair at drloria@gmail.com.

Media Ideas:

Form Media Committee to identify, design and oversee publicity efforts in local media and on the Website. Its purpose is to get us out there, protect us with guidelines, prevent duplication of effort, and prevent a lack of response to the media regarding Psychological issues. Dr. Lori Arella is the Committee Chair, and we are pleased that Drs. David Crenshaw, Joy Dryer, Heather Gilman, Carolee Iltis, John LaMothe, Lubna Somjee,and Carolyn Sutton have agreed to work on this Committee.

Initiate and maintain personal contact with newspaper editors in three counties to determine what they want and need and how to regularly contribute. Consider providing a regular “Ask a Psychologist” column.

Ask HVPA Members to send in general interest articles for publication in local newspapers and on our Website.

Create “archive” of articles and letters that can be tailored quickly and sent to newspapers when a “news” event happens for which Psychologists could or should provide commentary, e.g., domestic violence, suicide, bullying, torture, etc. Newspaper articles and letters to the editor are free publicity.

Republish general interest articles (by HVPA, NYSPA, and other Psychologists) in our local newspapers.

Organize a Media Training workshop for members.

Develop a comprehensive Media Contact List.

Prepare guidelines and oversee process for member articles on the Website.

Publicize the Website to other organizations such as the United Way, Mental Health Associations, Helplines, college counseling centers, hospitals, medical professionals, etc.

Ask members to add a link to HVPA to their websites.

Consider use of Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and Blogs.

Design Psychological “Tip of the Week/Month” space for the Website home page. Use the Psychologically Healthy Communities tagline and call this a PHCTIP, pronounced “FIKTIP”.

Use high school student “volunteers” to do clerical work, such as mailings.

Circulate the printed HVPA information card throughout all three counties.

List HVPA workshops and programs on the NYSPA and other professional listserves, and on the Astor monthly training e-mail.

List programs of other organizations on our Website.

Tie in to local libraries throughout our catchment area.

Join Chambers of Commerce to exploit media and networking opportunities, such as website links, member spotlights, radio broadcasts, and publication of program information.

“Brand” the Organization using the Cultivating Psychologically Healthy Communities theme with a consistent logo and color scheme used in all HVPA correspondence, publications, and media.

Encourage members to publicize the Website and HVPA’s “Cultivating Psychologically Healthy Communities” theme in their professional activities, articles, and networking.

Some of these ideas have already been implemented. Some are being accomplished by the Media Committee. Some will become part of the Strategic Plan for HVPA. Your creative thoughts and opinions concerning this list are welcome and encouraged.

As you know, our first Program is December 4, when Dr. Claude Schleuderer will present: From Subpeona to Witness Stand: A guide for the Non-Forensic Practitioner. Member and non-member reservations for this event are demonstrating that our "Media Ideas" are working. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for Claude's presentation, Hails and Farewells, and our Holiday Social.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Rooney, PhD
President, HVPA