The Kansas Psychological Association’s Commitment to Our Community Dear Colleagues, As the landscape of healthcare, education, and public policy continues to shift—often in ways that create uncertainty and strain for our professional community—the Kansas Psychological Association stands firmly with psychologists across the state. We recognize the challenges many of you are facing, including concerns about professional autonomy, access to quality care, and ongoing efforts that may limit the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our institutions and communities. At KPA, we are steadfast in our commitment to support the psychologists of Kansas in providing ethical, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care. Our mission is to advocate for the psychological well-being of all Kansans, while supporting the professional development, dignity, and resilience of those who serve them. This mission guides everything we do, from public policy efforts to continuing education, from student engagement to professional mentorship. We pledge to uphold an inclusive, respectful, and collegial environment within our association. Through strategic advocacy, responsive programming, and meaningful collaboration, we aim to protect the integrity of psychological practice and promote equity across all domains of our work. We will continue to create opportunities for engagement through professional development events, webinars, and community outreach, with an emphasis on ensuring access and relevance to psychologists from diverse backgrounds and practice settings. We are especially committed to amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized, and to fostering professional environments where all psychologists—regardless of race, gender, identity, ability, or practice focus—feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead. As we navigate this complex moment together, we invite you to share your experiences, insights, and concerns with us. Your voice is essential to shaping how we respond as an organization and how we grow stronger as a community. We remain proud to serve the psychologists of Kansas and grateful for your continued dedication to our shared mission. In solidarity, Dakota McNamara, PsyD, LP, HSP | Summaries from APA Journals Article Spotlight® KPA Statement on Racism and Police Brutality The Kansas Psychological Association (KPA) strongly condemns structural racism and police brutality that specifically targets minority communities. Specifically, the events surrounding George Floyd’s murder as one of many recent attacks on black and brown bodies have brought to light, once again, the ongoing struggles that our Black communities face on a regular basis. It has reminded us of the injustices and trauma that the Black community has lived through historically, socially, and politically, and that minorities continue to deal with despite this being 2020. We are horrified and saddened by these acts of racial violence against Black individuals and KPA strongly opposes these acts. |