Psychologists have far more to offer human rights groups such as Amnesty International than a financial donation — they can also give their time and expertise through a volunteer service called On-call Scientists, sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
The program connects psychologists, statisticians, economists, geneticists, and other scientists and health professionals with human rights organizations that need people who can, for example, review technical reports, consult on a survey design or conduct a psychological assessment with an asylum seeker.
Psychologists are in high demand, says AAAS Senior Program Associate Theresa Harris, JD, who directs On-call Scientists, particularly those who can update administrators on psychological research. "Several groups are very interested in how they might apply the latest science from social psychology and other areas to their work," says Harris.
In addition to Amnesty International, the human rights groups that rely on On-call Scientists include Survivors of Torture International, Physicians for Human Rights and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
Volunteers can apply through the AAAS websiteopens in new window, where they list their skills, experience and willingness to travel. Travel expenses are paid for by the requesting organization, and volunteers may decline an assignment if seems too demanding or comes at an inopportune time. Candidates should have a doctoral or master's degree and at least two years of work experience. Knowledge of another language is a plus, says Harris.
While some assignments require travel, others can be completed closer to home and don't require time off from work. In her spare time, On-call volunteer Anne Middaugh, PhD, a forensic psychologist in Sykesville, Maryland, has taught staff from local human rights groups how to spot and be sensitive to signs of trauma. One of those agencies also asked her to help manage vicarious trauma among staff who help employees stationed in politically precarious countries.
"They become very responsible for people in really dangerous situations," Middaugh says. "There's no way you can be exposed to the atrocities they are exposed to and not be affected."
Her On-call Scientists experience has opened her eyes to how psychological research and practice "can go so much further," Middaugh says. "This program really connects you to the larger world."
— Jamie Chamberlin
