AACP Newsletter, Volume 12,
Number 4, Autumn 1998
Is the world ready for us? Our membership continues to grow steadily.
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We have been active in recruitment in many ways and, in addition, we have been able to improve our services and to involve members in AACP activities to whatever extent they wish. Our initiatives in the past two years have been particularly productive, and we are delighted to report on them here.
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE
In the spring of 1997, we sent out a questionnaire to all members, seeking information about their areas of interest and recommendations for the AACP, including referrals of other prospective members. We received 114 responses. Eighty members asked to join committees and to be added to the e-mail list of "active and interested" members. In response to the question, "What is valuable to you about AACP membership?", the responses were:
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83 63 55 52 each 11-14 |
EXHIBIT BOOTH AT APA MEETINGS
We have had an exhibit at the APA Annual Meetings in May 1997 (San Diego) and May 1998 (Toronto). These have been tremendously successful in recruiting new members, in disseminating information about our organization and activities, and in providing a "home" for our group throughout the meeting where members and friends can meet and exchange news and support. In addition to the flyers, Newsletters and our Guidelines distributed, we have had a brisk market in AACP hats and buttons. We also distributed copies of LOCUS, which have been given free to new members or otherwise sold for a small fee.
The San Diego booth recruited 19 new members on the spot. In Toronto, with the addition of credit card capability, we recruited 35. Many other psychiatrists stopped to talk and show interest; we took names and followed up with letters to them. We are particularly impressed with the interest of psychiatrists from other countries. All of our Board members have been very generous with their time in staffing the booth. In Toronto, we publicized the schedules with their particular interests and the opportunity to "Meet the Experts". However, we found that visitors were mainly interested in learning about the AACP, which is as it should be. We will have an exhibit at the IPS meeting in Los Angeles this October. Stop in and see us!
OTHER MEMBERSHIP NEWS
We have been particularly happy with Frances Roton, our new Administrative Director, who has put a great deal of effort into the membership database and many other projects. Frances was with us at the exhibit booth, and contributes her long experience doing this for other organizations.
We have been able to maintain dues at the same rate, thanks to some generous grants: $75 for a regular membership, and the same rate for international members for the present; members in training are $40 with the Journal, $20 without, and medical students are free. We also have added a Group Membership category for five or more members at the same address. We are also planning membership outreach to other organizations, particularly those which can increase the cultural diversity of our membership.
HOW TO BE MORE INVOLVED
AACP members are vocal and active people with a lot of ideas and energy, and AACP offers many opportunities for discussion and activism. The Committees and e-mail network are the best way to become active in the areas of your interest. Issues raised on e-mail recently include the fate of mentally ill persons in the prison system, "step-down" care facilities, the definition of SPMI and its ramifications in public funding, bills in Congress affecting health insurance and the placement of group homes, training resources, job openings, and many others. Committees address many issues, and often also communicate by e-mail. To be placed on the AACP listserv or to join a committee, contact Charles Huffine, M.D., President at Chuffine@u.washington.edu or write to:
Frances RotonWe look forward to hearing from you!
Administrative Director
P.O. Box 28218
Dallas TX, 75228
Linda Gochfeld, M.D.
Vice President
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