The past year has seen a tremendous growth in the so-called "information superhighway" and Division 20 is positioning itself well to take advantage of the many opportunities these new connections can provide. A priority that I have set for my term is to foster connections with each other and with the potential "consumers" of our work. The Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) provide us with the perfect means of transportation to reach this goal. Several Division 20 people have been working over the past months to establish links with these electronic systems, including the development of a web site for Division 20 and also a data base of Division 20 members linked to the Internet. Such connections would be extremely instrumental in promoting the types of educational activities that I would like to see put in motion this year. For example, I will be working with the Education Committee in particular to start to put together a compilation of course material on teaching the Psychology of Adult Development and Aging. In the past, the Education Committee was instrumental in developing a set of teaching modules that were eventually published by Springer. My hopes are that we can begin a similar project this year, but with an emphasis on developing actual syllabi used in the teaching of courses at different levels. Specialized syllabi could also be included for courses such as research methods or clinical geropsychology. Secondly, I will be working with the Membership committee and the Network coordinator to develop a data base of Division 20 members. This data base would include complete directory information (including e-mail addresses) as well as areas of expertise. Members of Division 20 could then know who to contact with questions about specialized topics by working within our own network. Although there currently is an e-mail network of Division 20 members, this does not include everyone, and it does not contain substantive information. In addition to allowing us to connect with each other more effectively, an expanded network or data base would allow Division 20 to respond to various "media challenges" that occur every now and then (such as questionable claims about aging by questionable pop psychologists). Furthermore, we could take a more proactive approach of sending news releases to the media about the advances that are occurring in the community of gerontological scholars within our Division.
As this work toward the future continues, we are also looking back toward our roots. The 1996 APA Convention marks the 50th birthday of the original APA Divisions, including Division 20. To celebrate this occasion, we are planning a very special event to be held on Sunday, August 18, at the Toronto convention. It's too early to reveal the exact nature of this celebration, but we will have the details in place within the next few months. I am hoping that the celebration will involve a really good party, but its main focus will be on honoring those who have contributed both to the founding of the Division and toward its continued growth.
In the weeks ahead, as plans for the year become established, I truly welcome your input, suggestions, and especially your help in these projects. At the same time, members of the Executive Board are planning several additional long-term projects that could have great significance for the future of Division 20. These projects include the continued funding of the expanded Student Awards (sponsored by the Retirement Research Foundation) as well as extensive funded workshops focused on clinical geropsychology and research methods. Such opportunities allow us to support the entry of new people into the field and to expand on the knowledge base of those who are already working within gerontology. The funding of these projects will significantly add to the Division's ability to provide tangible services and training opportunities to current members, and encourage the growth of the discipline. Of course, our involvement with the Directorates of APA has served as an important connection for us, and one that will certainly grow even as APA continues and expands its interest in the field of aging.
In summary, much lies before us as we make the leap to new connections that will give our Division greater utility to its members and visibility to the outside world. I look forward to getting these projects underway and hope that I can count on your help and support in the year ahead.
Susan Krauss Whitbourne
SWHITBO@PSYCH.UMASS.EDU
To direct comments about the information contained in these pages, please write to marsiske@ufl.edu