Why Social Justice Advocacy?
Good psychological research is research put into action, and there is a plethora of psychological and other social science evidence to inform public policies, institutional practices, and social norms. As a psychologist, I believe social science should be used to inform our community decisions and help guide social change. As a citizen, too, I believe it is each individual's responsibility to participate and contribute to continual improvement of the ways we live together.
There are several ways to use psychology to inform decision-makers. Consider writing an op-ed and writing your legislator. Several of the resources here are most easily used by psychologists or psychology graduate students. Many of them could also be adapted for individuals with other backgrounds.
Downloadable and Linked Resources
Template for a Letter to Your Legislator: This letter template provides brief guidance on common recommendations about how to communicate effectively with your legislator. Written with psychologist types in mind, it can also be adapted for your background.
My Letter to the State Board of Education and Michigan Psychological Association's Comment in support of the Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for LGBTQ Students.
Check out these sites for facts we can use to strengthen our actions:
American Psychological Association's Policy Statements on several issues (for example, racial, sexual orientation, and gender justice issues).
Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) position statements, comments, and open letters.
No research without action, no action without research
-Kurt Lewin
Good psychological research is research put into action, and there is a plethora of psychological and other social science evidence to inform public policies, institutional practices, and social norms. As a psychologist, I believe social science should be used to inform our community decisions and help guide social change. As a citizen, too, I believe it is each individual's responsibility to participate and contribute to continual improvement of the ways we live together.
There are several ways to use psychology to inform decision-makers. Consider writing an op-ed and writing your legislator. Several of the resources here are most easily used by psychologists or psychology graduate students. Many of them could also be adapted for individuals with other backgrounds.
Downloadable and Linked Resources
Template for a Letter to Your Legislator: This letter template provides brief guidance on common recommendations about how to communicate effectively with your legislator. Written with psychologist types in mind, it can also be adapted for your background.
My Letter to the State Board of Education and Michigan Psychological Association's Comment in support of the Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for LGBTQ Students.
Check out these sites for facts we can use to strengthen our actions:
American Psychological Association's Policy Statements on several issues (for example, racial, sexual orientation, and gender justice issues).
Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) position statements, comments, and open letters.
No research without action, no action without research
-Kurt Lewin