Candidate Statements

STATEMENTS BY CANDIDATES FOR DIVISION OFFICES 2005

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Daniel M. Mayton, III

I am honored to be nominated for the office of president of the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict & Violence: Peace Psychology Division (SSPCV). As a founding member of Division 48, I have had the privilege of working on various division initiatives with forward-thinking leadership and an energized membership. I have served as a liaison between Division 9 and 48, as the chair of the membership committee, as the chair of the Convention Program Committee, as the chair of strategic planning efforts, as a member of various working groups, and as a presenter and audience participant in many Division symposia and activities at the APA annual conventions.

The 21st century has certainly not advanced the world toward a culture of peace in the manner I had hoped for at the end of the Cold War. We have within our membership a wide range of ideas and strategies to promote peace and many individuals who work hard to see the mission of the division realized. However, there is still much that needs to be done to achieve our goals. As president of SSPCV, my focus would be on:

As a member and/or president of SSPCV, I will work to facilitate the realization of these pursuits and support other members in achieving their special initiatives as well.

Albert Valencia

I love the concept of peace. I believe that peace is more than the brief interlude between war. I love the practice of conflict resolution. I believe that conflict is always resolvable. I love the process of mediation. I believe that difficult dilemmas can and need to be worked out. I am an idealist. I embrace the notion that we keep our feet on the ground and constantly reach for the stars. And, I am a relentless romantic. I believe that love can faithfully and patiently transform even the most tortured soul.

Yet, I am not a pacifist by any definition whatsoever. If someone hits me I will not turn the other cheek and they better brace themselves.

I have been shot at. I have felt knives across my skin. In the flashing heat of the violent moment I hardly noticed the effort to hurt me. But later, upon reflection, I was saddened by how violence and hatred could be so rampant.

I spent the first part of my life living and learning in the streets of South Central Los Angeles. Gang warfare, poverty, and despair were everywhere.

Still, there was love, hope, and the enduring faith of my family. Being the first to graduate high school, and the first to go to college, I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.

This is my second term as Division Secretary and prior to this I served as Program Chair for our convention in Chicago.

If I am elected your President of Division 48 I promise to faithfully carry out the duties of this esteemed office. I will consult with division members and with its officers. I will proudly carry the torch for peace.

And, when my term is over, buoyed by the faith and patience of peace, I will continue to work to build Division 48. I appreciate your kind consideration of my candidacy. May peace be with you.

SECRETARY

Kathleen H. Dockett

Kathleen H. Dockett, Ed.D, is professor of community psychology and former Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). During her 30-year tenure, Dr. Dockett's teaching specialties at the undergraduate and graduate levels include community psychology, social change, prevention in mental health, clinical and community psychology practicum, multicultural psychology, adjustment, group processes, and critical skills development in psychology.

Dr. Dockett's research and presentations focus on Buddhism as a resource for the promotion of personal and societal well-being, and its application to cultural diversity and ethnic conflict prevention. She has presented in a series of American Psychological Association convention symposia examining the intersection of psychology and Buddhism. Her grant research examines contributions of Buddhist practice to stress resistance and psychological empowerment. A second line of research examines factors that contribute to community participation, including psychological sense of community.

Dr. Dockett is author of Resources for stress resistance: Parallels in Psychology and Buddhism (1993), and Psychology and Buddhism: From individual to global community (2003), a co-edited work. As part of her pro bono community service, she directs a Buddhist society of professionals engaged in the application of Buddhistic, humanistic, ecological principles to the creation of cultures of peace and sustainable futures.

A licensed psychologist, Dr. Dockett completed a postdoctoral fellowship in community psychology at The Johns Hopkins University, an Ed.D. in leadership and administration/human relations from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a M.A. in counseling from The George Washington University, and a B.A. in psychology from Roosevelt University. Her professional memberships include APA Division 27, 36, 45, and 48, the Association of Black Psychologists, and National Education Association. She serves on the board of Psychologists for Social Responsibility and created its first student chapter.

Jill Latonick-Flores

As an agent of psychological and social change, I work to create and maintain conditions for peace, economic and social justice, and environmental sustainability. To this end, I teach principles of non-violence, promote equality, and work to strengthen communities.

As a counselor in private practice, I have worked with foster children and institutionalized and/or delinquent youth for the last 15 years. I specialize in the treatment of children with sexual behavior problems. To reduce the social conditions that perpetuate sex crimes, such as sexism, exploitation and the use of pornographic media, I educate parents and professionals about the negative impact of these activities on the development of healthy sexuality.

As a peace activist, I have organized two grassroots peace and civil rights organizations and I am a volunteer lobbyist for the School of Americas Watch (www. soaw.org). I am particularly moved by the use of art and music as a medium for socio-political change. In March, I plan to travel to Brazil to learn more about how the youths of Brazil have used art and music to build hope and to honor their relations with the land. I also plan to meet with activists from the Landless Workers Movement.

As an independent scholar, I have applied my experiences to constructive - developmental psychology to understand selfhood as having roots in cultural, political and economic institutions. Above all, I have been interested in how adult psychological development is related to the comprehension of complex social problems, such as global environmental degradation and war. To this end, my recent dissertation study* focused on exploring ideological and epistemological constructions of polarized Christian socio-political worldviews.

I see the position of Secretary of Division 48 as a natural continuation of my efforts to develop and apply psychological knowledge to pressing social problems.

* Dissertation Study: Awakening to the Eco-tragedy: An Ideological and Epistemological Inquiry into Consistencies and Contradictions in Christian Environmental Awareness Completed (2/1/05)

TREASURER

John Gruszkos

I am a clinical psychologist working in a group practice in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in psychological assessment, substance abuse treatment, and psychotherapy with males throughout the life span. I am also adjunct faculty in the psychology program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I have now been a member of Division 48 for three years, after becoming interested in the Division through my affiliation with Psychologists for Social Responsibility. I am honored to be asked to run for the office of treasurer for the Division. I have had several years experience in the role of treasurer of my practice group, a position I recently left to become president of the corporation.

For the past six years I have been founding chair of the committee on Societal Issues for the Virginia Psychological Association. This committee attempts to keep psychologists in the state apprised of developments in current social issues, and to enhance their participation as social activists and agents of change. The committee's mission includes educating the public and their elected officials as to knowledge gained from psychological research and practice, in an effort to influence public policy. Most recently, our energy has been directed toward challenging the limitations imposed upon the partnership and parenting rights of same-sex couples in Virginia.

The areas of my greatest personal interest include conflict resolution theory and practice, and the protection of civil liberties. I am a member of the original cohort of the Connecting Communities Fellowship Program developed by Hope in the Cities, a program that seeks to enhance dialogue among disparate and historically antagonistic groups. One current project is the History, Healing, and Hope initiative, which is oriented toward healing the continued wounds of the Civil War in the Richmond region.

I hope that I would be able to bring some new blood (though admittedly not young blood) to the Division 48 executive committee in the position of treasurer, and I ask your support.

Brian Mistler

The world is at war. This is not a simple war. It is not a war of good and evil, or a war of the wealthy against the poor. It is not purely a war of North and South, of gender, or of class, though these inequities MUST be confronted... it has lost it's facade as a war of economic systems, and I believe, threatens everyday to take more victims. This is a war in which "us versus them" thinking will no longer suffice, and a war more clearly than any other in history which asks us - begs us - to heed those beautiful words which begin the UNESCO constitution, "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed."

Our Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence is a keystone to co-constructing defenses of peace. Division 48 is, and I am convinced will continue to be, a bedrock for waging peace, for we are blessed to have in our community scientific knowledge and professional skills, strong teachers and great leaders, all of us devoted to a lasting peace and the positive well being of our global community.

I have had the good fortune myself to work with such teachers, researchers, and practitioners in locations around the world, and the privilege of an education and organizational support without which I could not ask to serve you today. I am a proud member of APA Divisions 17 and 48, a Doctoral Fellow in Counseling Psychology, and a Graduate Instructor at the University of Florida. Beyond my doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at U.F., I hold a Masters in Conflict Resolution from the University of Bradford (UK), undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy, and experience garnered from service as treasurer of other organizations which helps to prepare me for this office (including a tenure on the Board of Trustees at Stetson University).

I am committed to serving you, the division, and its executive board; to the collection of dues, the preparation of tax and financial reports; to the management of division investments in a responsible way, and to active fund raising to support the achievements of all our members.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Joan E. Gildemeister

If I am elected to promote membership in Div. 48 I would form a strong committee which would find the most current and effective means of reaching colleagues within APA and the larger professional community. My first priority would be to provide leadership for the task of effectively of communicating the mission and activities of the division, with the goal of enlarging our scope of influence within the profession. With effective outreach, psychologists may become more aware of proactive social processes as well as conflict resolution strategies and their real world applications, whether this be in daily life or in the larger culture. Possibilities for involvement in activities of divisional working groups may provide directions for individual growth and increased professional competence. Opportunities exist for us to make a difference in a world marked by divisions and inequities.

Although I belong to the pre-internet generation, I believe new means of dissemination make it possible to promote the value of the culture of peace and non-violent resolution of conflict. This is a crucial time to reach a wider audience and expand our membership. I have extensive experience in public education about the United Nations to bring to this task. I am committed to forming an effective committee and seek with the help of members to enlarge the audience of Div. 48's message. In my fourth vocation, now a clinician, I can control my schedule and devote significant time to the task of increasing membership in the division which I helped to found.

Donna Nassor

As a licensed attorney, mediator, family conferencing facilitator, adjunct professor and a Ph.D. student in psychology, I am committed to the principles of nonviolence and the peaceful resolution of conflict. Throughout my life and in my career, I have always viewed situations from the holistic perspective. Human and civil rights along with social justice for all, are necessary requirements for a peaceful world.

My current research is in the areas of diversity, peaceful conflict resolution, global social transformation, restorative justice, forgiveness, and healing. Some of the projects I'm working on include creating comprehensive restorative programs for juveniles who have been charged with crimes and the development of a restorative program for Zulu children who are victims of rape in South Africa.

I am committed to the sprit and mandate of Division 48. All of my training and experience lends itself to my potential leadership in the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology Division. If given the opportunity, I shall work diligently to maintain and create partnerships to promote peace issues for the world, nations, communities, and individual families.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Michael R. Hulsizer

I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for the Member-at-Large position within the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology Division. I have been working in the division as a Member-at-Large for the past year and can attest to the fact that Division 48 is well positioned to facilitate research, education and training on the promotion of peace. As a Division 48 Member-at-Large I would continue to further the ideals and goals of the society. One means by which we have grown is through effective communication. The development of the Division listserv, which I have been moderating, has furthered our message and allowed for new ideas to come to the forefront. In addition, I hope to further increase the visibility of the Division via a monthly online newsletter.

In addition to helping with the listserv, I would to like to work to improve existing connections and open new links between scientists and policymakers to enhance the flow of research on the advancement of peace and prevention of violence and destructive conflict. Finally, it is critically important that we work towards furthering the incorporation of issues concerning peace, nonviolent conflict resolution, and the causes, consequences and prevention of violence and destructive conflict into the psychology curriculum.

I am an associate professor at Webster University in St. Louis. My research/teaching interests focuses on interpersonal aggression, mass violence, hate groups, prejudice, and human rights issues. I am a member of Division 2 (Society for the Teaching of Psychology) and Division 8 (Society for Personality and Social Psychology). I would welcome the opportunity to work within Division 48 - Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology as a Member-at-Large.

John Paul Szura

I believe peace psychology is called upon today to make its unique contribution to the human family in terms of psychological theory, practice and activism. But we can do this most effectively when we are supported by an organizational infrastructure that includes a healthy, thriving Division 48. The creative construction of this peace psychology infrastructure is the task of Division 48 leadership. My goal if elected to any Division 48 leadership position is to do all I can to focus upon this task of infrastructure--because the need to do substantive peace psychology work is so pressing is times of crisis that the infrastructure needed for the success of substantive work often can be neglected.

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