Name: Mary A. Fernandes, MA
Home State: Maryland
APA Division: APA Division: 12 Society of Clinical Psychology, 40 Society for Clinical Neuropsychology
American Psychological Association. (2022, January 21). Advocate Spotlight: Mary A. Fernandes, MA. https://www.apaservices.org/advocacy/get-involved/advocate-spotlight/mary-fernandes
What is something important you have learned about advocacy that has made you more effective?
Advocacy is just as much about personal stories as it is about facts. To the extent that you feel comfortable, share your personal stories and the stories of those who you serve so that you can help bring about policy changes that will improve the lives of many more people.
Can you give us a key tip in doing successful advocacy that others may not be aware of?
Use social media as an advocacy tool! Countless policy changes have occurred due to social media movements. There is strength in numbers (and in retweets).
What would you want APA members who are not engaged in advocacy to know?
Whether or not you see it, you are likely engaged in advocacy. Do you try to speak up for your patient within your interdisciplinary clinical team? Then you are engaged in advocacy. Do you write your research articles with the "broader impact" in mind? Then you are engaged in advocacy. Do you hold a leadership position in your department or program? Then you are engaged in advocacy. Start to become aware of the various ways in which you are already engaged in advocacy work, and fully claim your role as an advocate. That will help you feel more empowered to bring your expertise and voice to whatever issue is in front of you. It will also help you seamlessly transition into more explicit advocacy roles.
What do you think are the biggest challenges in advocacy for psychology?
One challenge that I witness often is psychology professionals' fear that we might be rejected or that our expertise is not valuable enough in the policy and advocacy arena. This fear is understandable- we have not traditionally conceptualized ourselves or our profession to include advocacy. We have to get past the fear so that we can bring our science and practice to bear on incredibly important societal issues. Another challenge is difficulty translating psychological concepts to the public and to policymakers. Practice sharing your research and day-to-day work with your friends and family. Ask for feedback. Develop your public-facing voice.