Looking Forward

by Gordon Cohen, President Elect

Five work groups gathered during our Strategic Planning session last summer to determine our next long term goal.  

One of the groups focused on our financial future.  They deliberated various ways to generate additional sources of income for the Academy.  

• • They are in favor of beginning an AAP Bookstore that would sell MP3 recordings from our audio library as well as books published by our members.  
• • Additionally, the idea was proposed to enlist an online retailer such as Amazon to promote the sale of publications vetted by Academy members that are judged to contribute to the training of psychotherapists.  
• • They are also in favor of delegating the Training Committee to develop revenue by generating online courses for psychotherapists that are CEU approved.   
• While they supported the concept of a network for the public to obtain referrals for therapists, they emphasized that it would not be ethical to receive income for this service. 

A more complex issue, which the group was unable to complete due to a lack of time, revolves around the possibility of gaining financial support from vendors other than pharmaceutical companies.   This question was placed on hold until it can be entertained by the entire EC.

Lastly, it was recommended that the Finance Committee, which has oversight of our investments, consult with our fund manager at least annually to assess the health of our investments and make whatever changes the members deem warranted.  While we need to continue to develop additional revenue streams, this goal was not sees as our highest priority for the immediate future.  Other ideas of generating income for the Academy are welcomed as well as volunteers who may be interested in contributing to any of these programs.