Student Representative Elections
2026 Nominations
The SCRA Student Representatives seek nominations for the Student Representative position. Any student SCRA member able to serve a two-year term is eligible to run for the position.
We are searching for students with prior experience in an organized activity within or outside of SCRA (e.g., editing a column in The Community Psychologist (TCP), being an active member of a SCRA committee or interest group, or other leadership in community-based activities or organizations).
What is it like being a student representative?
- Student Driven: As student reps, we set our goals together and tackle them, adjusting when need be. SCRA is undergoing some exciting changes in its strategic direction, which means there is a lot of space for innovation. Check our November 2024 newsletter to see an overview of this strategic direction (link).
- We recently published out student report (link) based on a survey we did in 2025 to better gauge what activities students would like to see, so we have the benefit of this information moving forward.
- Networking Opportunities: Connecting with others who head interest groups or committees are also ways we’ve found support, to collaborate on activities and share in mutually beneficial efforts.
- Support & Warmth: There are always two representatives, one in their first year, and one in their second year. This means the first-year representatives benefit from the warm guidance and support of the second-year. Michael Pandu Patria will be in their second year when the new student representative for 2026 is elected.
- Advocacy: Representatives attend monthly virtual executive committee meetings where we get to chime in and make decisions regarding the direction of SCRA, as well as advocate for student interests.
- A Team Effort: Representatives also meet together at a frequency they determine necessary to tackle any work needing to get done (submitting annual budget, annual report, request for proposals for student grants, planning events, etc.). This is a team effort, with templates and guidance prepared in our SOP, and familiarity provided by the second-year rep. This past year we were meeting weekly to check-in and get through a couple tasks together. Some weeks, when we need the time, we do not meet.
- Conferences: Representatives must attend the SCRA biennial, and the APA conference which we typically take turns with. The incoming 2026 student representative will attend the SCRA biennial in their first year and the APA their second year. (Funding for this travel is typically written into the annual budget).
To learn more about the roles the student representatives play in SCRA check out the resources below:
How do I submit a nomination?
Interested candidates must be nominated for the position in order to be placed on the ballot. Potential candidates may self-nominate, or be nominated by another student, advisor, or supervisor. Nominations should be submitted to the linked form below:
What do I do if I am nominated?
When someone is nominated, we will reach out to them informing them that they were nominated. We will then ask for their Letter of Intent.
Letter of Intent:
Candidates will submit a 1-page (300-500 words) Letter of Intent which includes the following:
- Background in the field of Community Psychology
- Involvement in SCRA and/or community-based/leadership activities
- Goals for their two-year term as a Student Representative
Applicants must be current SCRA members, and membership fees must be paid before being put on the ballot. Candidates must plan to remain members for the duration of their term if selected. Additionally, candidates must be committed to fulfilling the 2-year term of office, preferably while remaining a student for the duration of the term, and before beginning internship or assuming full-time employment.
Key Dates:
- February 12, 2026: First Call for Nominations Released
- February 20, 2026: Second Call for Nominations
- March 5: Nominations Due at 11:59 PM anywhere in the world
- March 31: Letters of Intent Due at 11:59 PM anywhere in the world
- April: Voting opens
- August: Term begins
Letters of Intent, and any questions about the role or election process should be submitted to student representatives Michael Pandu Patria and Emmanuel-Sathya Gray at StudentReps@scra27.org.