Petition to Establish a Division on Filipino Americans within AAPA

In accordance with Article XIV of the By-Laws of the Asian American Psychological Association, we are submitting a petition for consideration and support by the membership of AAPA to establish a division within AAPA that provides awareness of and advocacy for Filipino and Filipino American mental health issues. This division would be called the Division on Filipino Americans. The need for such a division reflects a convergence of demographic growth, a unique historical and colonial context, an emerging professional community, as well as a growing body of scholarship that has documented the psychological, health and educational disparities faced by Filipino Americans.

The foundations for a community of Filipino American scholars, practitioners and educators have been established within recent years. There have been increases in research involving concepts like colonial mentality (David, 2008, 2010a, 2010b; David & Okazaki, 2006a, 2006b), racism and discrimination (Alvarez & Juang, 2010; Alvarez, Juang, & Liang, 2006), and experiences in higher education (Maramba, 2008;  Nadal, Pituc, Johnston, & Esparrago, 2010). Three books were written that specifically address Filipino American issues in psychology (Nadal, 2009, 2010; Tompar-Tiu, & Sustento-Seneriches, 1995). Finally, in 2008, a listserve entitled the Filipino American Psychology Network (FAPN) was created to “connect Filipino American psychology professionals and students and those who are interested in the Filipino American community” and “to provide support, resources, and information to its subscribers.” Consequently, the creation of an AAPA division is the next logical organizational step that will build upon this critical foundation.

Given the need for a formal organization, the creation of a division will enable this emerging community of practitioners, scholars and educators:  1) to unite and recruit Filipino American psychologists and mental health practitioners, 2) to provide resources and support for the Filipino American community in psychology, and 3)  to advocate for research, competent practice and culturally informed policies in working with Filipino American community.

We believe that it is appropriate to form a division within AAPA, because it is important that our organization remain connected and affiliated with AAPA, so that we can create collaborations within the organization and with the greater Asian American community while also maintaining a focus on the issues and concerns specific to Filipino American mental health. In addition, we believe that the organization can provide the networks, support, resources and institutional visibility that are critical to our organization.

The benefits of a Division on Filipino Americans within AAPA include the following:

• To provide an organization for AAPA members interested in Filipino American psychology and mental health issues.
• To increase Filipino American membership within AAPA and the field of psychology
• To advocate for the increase of Filipino American psychologists and mental health practitioners.
• To provide mentorship and support for Filipino American students and early career psychologists.
• To provide resources and support regarding best treatment practices and training for working with Filipino Americans.
• To facilitate the continued growth and emergence of the theoretical and empirical literature on Filipino American mental health.
• To advocate for culturally informed policies that influence the manner in which training, research and clinical services for Filipino Americans are delivered and implemented.
• To provide professional networking opportunities for members interested in Filipino American psychology.

Please support us in establishing a Division on Filipino Americans within AAPA. We need your electronic signature at the following petition website by November 8, 2010. Please go to: www.ipetitions.com/petitions/divisiononfilipinoamericans/

Thank you so much for your support! If you have questions or concerns, please contact Kevin Nadal, Ph.D. ([email protected]) or Alvin Alvarez ([email protected]).

Sincerely,

Filipino American Task Force: Alvin Alvarez, Ph.D.; Jocelyn Buhain, Ph.D.; Richelle Concepcion, Psy.D., MPH; Melissa Corpus, MA; EJ R. David, Ph.D.; Kevin Nadal, Ph.D.