American Psychological Association (APA)
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a professional organization of psychologists in the United States, representing more than 115,000 members and providing support for research, education, and practice in psychology. Founded in 1892 as the American Psychological Association by G. Stanley Hall at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, its mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.
History
The APA was founded with the goal of promoting “the advancement of psychology as a science,” according to its first president G. Stanley Hall’s speech at its founding meeting on August 28th 1892. The initial Council included 11 members from various backgrounds such as philosophy professors like William James from Harvard University or physiology professor Charles Sedgwick Minot from Johns Hopkins Medical School among others. In 1895 it became an official corporation based on an act passed by Congress that same year which also allowed them to receive donations from any source without restriction thus allowing them access to resources not available before then making it possible for them “to extend their influence into many fields outside pure science” according to one historian who studied this period closely.
Structure
Today the APA has grown substantially; it includes over 50 divisions covering different areas within psychology while still maintaining a focus on scientific research and practice development through several initiatives such as continuing education courses or grants awarded annually for both innovative research projects as well grants targeted towards students interested in pursuing advanced degrees such educational doctorate programs or PhD studies related directly with Psychology topics or even furthering their skills within specific sub-fields like neuropsychology or health care related topics amongst others . These divisions are formed by committees made up mostly out of volunteer professionals specialized within each field thus creating specialized task forces dealing with concerns ranging from public policy issues regarding mental health treatments all way down into ethical codes applicable when conducting psychological experiments involving human subjects which are reviewed periodically .
Publications & Conferences
In order keep up with current advances both inside academia circles but also reaching out into general public opinion arenas ,the APA publishes books , journals & magazines focusing on key areas such us Mental Health News Magazine aimed at increasing awareness about mental illness amongst other publications plus organizing yearly conventions where papers presented during these events can be published afterwards so they become part of record literature permanently stored inside digital archives maintained by library staff throughout country .
Conclusion
To conclude , since its foundation back 1890’s ,APA has established itself firmly becoming one most important organizations dedicated towards progress & advancement applied sciences fields specifically Psychology while remaining true core values originally set forth those early days expanding reach far beyond original intentions impacting hundreds thousands individuals daily life around US alone thanks tireless efforts all those participating actively either voluntarily through division coordination committees or full time employment positions taking lead roles managing behind scenes activities necessary guarantee continuity success each consecutive year .