Boozhoo April! 🌸
April represents spring, a time of renewal and growth. For many Indigenous cultures, the changing of seasons is an important time for ceremonies, rituals, and reflection. The arrival of warmer weather often brings ceremonies related to planting, renewal of connections to the land, and the welcoming of new life, symbolizing both physical and spiritual rebirth.
Sustaining EDI Efforts in a Changing Landscape
As political and legal challenges to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives increase, psychologists are relying on science-based strategies to continue their work. Research shows that EDI efforts are most effective when embedded into the core strategies of organizations.
With the introduction of new legislation limiting EDI programs, experts are shifting toward inclusion-focused approaches to ensure support while balancing diverse needs. Leaders like Tabbye Chavous, PhD, emphasize the ongoing importance of EDI in promoting equitable access and success. Ella F. Washington, PhD, notes that EDI initiatives have faced fluctuations in support over the years, encouraging organizations to stay consistent in their commitment.
To explore more about how EDI efforts are evolving, visit the APA website.
As we journey through March, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and awareness campaigns that make this month so special. Whether you're reflecting on the important role of women in history, considering the health of your mind and body, or simply enjoying the transition to warmer weather, March is a month to pause, celebrate, and look forward to what’s ahead.
We wish you a month full of joy, growth, and new opportunities!
Federal Regulations updates for 2025
Updates: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule on July 10, 2024. Find more info: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/cms-federal-rule
Medicare changes in 2025. The final rule on the 2025 Medicare physician fee schedule brings some good news for psychologists and aims to increase access to behavioral health services. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/government/2025-medicare-changes
Extensions of telehealth access options. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Final Rules (“Final Rules”) Are Released: Plans and Issuers Must Prepare for January 1, 2025 Effective Date (US). Find more info: https://www.triagehealthlawblog.com/hhs/mental-health-parity-and-addiction-equity-act-final-rules-final-rules-are-released-plans-and-issuers-must-prepare-for-january-1-2025-effective-date-us/
APRIL RELATIVES' HIGHLIGHTS
SIP ANNUAL CONVENTION 2024
SIP Honor's Ceremony 2025 Nominations open!
As we prepare for the SIP 2025 Conference and Retreat, we are soliciting your nominations for Honorees for 2025 SIP Honor's Ceremony.
If there is someone who you believe is doing fantastic work, who you would like to see celebrated, please send me a nomination paragraph (4-6 sentences) describing the person you are nominating and discussing why you believe she/he/they should be selected to be honored at the next convention. Please be sure to also send along their curriculum vitae (C.V.) for committee consideration. Send us a message to request the email address to submit your nomination!
The Honor's Committee will then review nomination packets, and with the help of the Presidential Trio, we will select an honoree in each category below. Should your nominee be selected for an Honor, please be prepared to help us draft their award citation.
SIP Honors Categories:
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Honored SIP Elder (30+ years since graduation and/or an individual of senior status who is considered to possess significant cultural and field-related knowledge )
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Honored SIP Late Career Member (Typically defined as 21-30 years since graduation)
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Honored SIP Mid Career Member (Typically defined as 11-20 years since graduation)
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Honored SIP Early Career Member (0-10 years since graduation)
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Honored SIP Student Member (Actively enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school; including students who are on internship)
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Honored SIP Ally (Any age or educational status)
Feel free to send multiple nominations in multiple categories as you see fit.
* Please note that current Executive Committee members cannot be nominated. *
SIP Attends the APA 2024 Convention in Seattle!!
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For allies, agencies, organizations, and groups looking to produce a Land
Acknowledgment, we would like to share and amplify existing resources developed by
the Native Governance Center. We would like to urge interested parties to review in its
entirety the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Guide.
This guide takes you through some steps to developing a thoughtful, respectful, and well-
researched land acknowledgment.
Most importantly, we urge interested folks to take time to review the Beyond Land
Acknowledgement Guide.
This resource outlines some problems with land acknowledgements, including
asking Indigenous collaborators to develop the land acknowledgment, careless or
limited research to inform the statement, and a focus on verbiage and optics rather than
steps towards tangible allyship. This guide then walks readers through developing a
meaningful action plan for Indigenous allyship that moves beyond land
acknowledgment, including a self-assessment and action planning worksheet.
Updated March 27 2025 by Brian McNeill, Ph.D. (Nez Perce and Palouse)