What I have learned …

I want to share with you an initiative that has taught me how to think differently about our communications with others, particularly members of the public.

7 Days of Psychology

One of the challenges of Psychology Week is how to get messages out to the community about psychology and the ways psychology can help Australians lead healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. In the past, members of the South Australian APS Branch have tried all sorts of tactics, including standing in Rundle Mall handing out flyers to passers-by who were more interested in shopping or lunch than finding out about psychology. We tried attending popular markets and other venues with the same goal as well as attempting, with varying success, to run public information evenings. All these activities require a huge amount of volunteer time, effort and resources with doubtful and unmeasurable success.

And then in 2017 ‘7 Days of Psychology’ was created. And in those seven days, our platform for communicating to the world about psychology has completely altered.

7 Days of Psychology is a website envisioned by the South Australian Branch Committee’s technologically savvy member Gareth Furber. Gareth conceptualised a website that would send people who chose to register regular emails about psychology. Our first (and currently only) set of seven emails informs people about the different types of psychological practice. To gather the information, we approached the seven APS Colleges that are active in South Australia to write the content.

7 Days of Psychology is not limited to South Australia. Anyone can register and see what it is all about. Once registered, you will receive our first offering which is seven emails, one per day, about seven different aspects of psychology.

In the future we envision 7 Days of Psychology will become a platform  for communicating lots of useful information about psychology – in 7 Days of Psychology bursts.

So... what have I learned through the 7 Days of  Psychology?

• Don’t be afraid of sticking your neck  out and trying something different.
• Doing things differently can be very productive.
• Not to be afraid of technology. Look  for its possibilities, not its limitations. This was a BIG lesson.
• Creating reusable infrastructure is a good use of limited funds. We plan  to continue to enhance our 7 Days  of Psychology website in the coming year so that it is useful for more than just Psychology Week.
• Once you have created a culture in your committee that encourages a diversity of ideas, you will start getting a diversity of creative solutions to the challenges that present.