2025 Presidential Initiative: Fostering Connections

I am excited to announce the 2025-2026 presidential initiative, Fostering Connections. My goal is to create a sense of belonging for every member by celebrating culture, creativity, and intellectual pursuits. I plan to showcase our current programs and membership opportunities within Division 51 while exploring new avenues for growth. I am motivated to strengthen our professional relationships within the engaged Division 51 community. My reasoning for this presidential initiative is two-fold.

First, in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General focused on the growing epidemic of loneliness in the United States. In our journal, The Psychology of Men and Masculinities, several recent publications have addressed topics such as friendship, social isolation, and loneliness (Di Bianca & Mahalik, 2024; Ferrara & Vergara, 2024; Granderson et al., 2024; Lear & Dorstyn, 2024). The conversation around the loneliness epidemic continues to gain traction in popular culture, particularly with an emphasis on male loneliness. Our division should take a leading role in these discussions.

Second, some of my most valued professional collaborations and personal friendships have developed through my connections with members of Division 51. I aim to foster even more collaborations and friendships within our division. To achieve this, I am implementing several initiatives in cooperation with board members, committee leaders, and division members throughout the year.