CPPO Charter and Operating Principles

Purpose

The Coalition of Psychology Practice Organizations (CPPO) is a voluntary coalition of practice-oriented psychology organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being and professional growth of doctoral level psychologists and psychology doctoral students. The CPPO pursues this mission through collaboration, resource sharing, and programmatic development.

The CPPO exists to:

• Foster regular engagement, communication and collaboration among practice-oriented psychology organizations and entities to identify and address common challenges encountered by psychologists and psychology doctoral students.
• Develop and share informational and professional development resources, programmatic offerings, networking forums, and other opportunities beneficial to the community of psychologists and psychology doctoral students.

By strengthening the network of psychology practice-oriented organizations and sharing resources and efforts, we collectively enhance our service to the practice community.

CPPO Values and Strategy

The CPPO is a positive action coalition. Our values are collegiality, cooperation, and commitment. Our strategy is guided by a singular principle: how we may empower and educate licensed psychologists and psychology doctoral students. We seek to identify deficiencies in resources and services provided to licensed doctoral level psychologists and psychology doctoral students and help fill those gaps.

Governing Structure

The CPPO operates through two governing bodies:

Membership Council

The Membership Council (MC) is comprised of all member organizations and serves as the primary forum for CPPO collaboration. Responsibilities include:

• Participating in CPPO meetings (Member organizations are responsible for assigning individuals to attend CPPO meetings for a minimum of a one-year term);
• Developing and supporting programmatic initiatives;
• Voting on programmatic activities, as applicable;
• Sharing subject matter expertise and organizational resources; and
• Promoting CPPO activities within their respective constituencies.

Executive Membership Council

The Executive Membership Council (EMC) provides strategic oversight and safeguards the long-term health of the CPPO. Its responsibilities include:

• Approving and removing member organizations;
• Establishing strategic priorities;
• Approving changes to CPPO governance;
• Managing external relationships on behalf of the CPPO;
• Resolving governance questions; and
• Amending this Charter as necessary.

During the CPPO’s initial expansion phase (2026-2027), the EMC shall consist of the four founding member organizations. The founding members (American Board of Professional Psychology, Division 31, Division 42, and the National Register of Health Service Psychologists) shall have permanent seats on the EMC.

Beginning in 2028, the EMC will include two rotating representatives from non-founding member organizations serving one-year terms. The permanent members of the EMC will vote to appoint the rotating organizational members of the EMC.

It is the responsibility of the permanent and rotating members of the EMC to assign one individual to serve as their representative on the EMC for one-year terms.

Decision-Making

The CPPO strives to make decisions through discussion and consensus whenever possible. When formal action is required, the CPPO will follow the voting procedures (one organization, one vote) established by the Executive Membership Council.

Governance decisions will prioritize:

• Fidelity to the CPPO’s mission;
• Effective and nimble decision-making;
• Long-term sustainability; and
• Meaningful participation by member organizations.

CPPO Membership

Membership is open to nonprofit organizations that:

• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing doctoral-level psychology practice;
• Share the mission and values of the CPPO;
• Are willing to actively contribute expertise, resources, and leadership; and
• Agree to abide by this Charter and other governing documents adopted by the CPPO.

For state, provincial, or territorial networks of like-minded organizations (e.g., State, Provincial, and Territorial Psychological Associations), the EMC may establish a block membership, whereby the participating organizations are collectively recognized as a single CPPO member and have one vote in the CPPO Membership Council.

Commitment to Smart Growth

The CPPO recognizes that thoughtful growth strengthens its impact. New members will be admitted through a structured application and review process that evaluates mission alignment, organizational capacity, collaborative commitment, and potential contributions to the CPPO.

Growth will occur at a deliberate pace to preserve organizational effectiveness while expanding the CPPO’s reach and expertise.

Expectations of Member Organizations

CPPO membership is active and participatory. Member organizations are expected to:

• Nominate individual representatives to the CPPO;
• Engage in meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives;
• Promote CPPO activities as appropriate;
• Act in good faith and in the best interests of the CPPO;
• Support a collaborative environment grounded in mutual respect and professionalism;
• Adhere to CPPO governance and operating rules;
• Maintain transparency and disclose potential or actual conflicts of interest;
• Hold confidential (within the member organizations and their paid staff/volunteers) CPPO strategy and proprietary programmatic projects;
• Execute non-disclosure agreements for designated projects when required; and
• Maintain regular participation in meetings; missing four consecutive meetings may trigger a membership review by the Executive Membership Council of the CPPO.

Amendments

This Charter may be amended by the Executive Membership Council following consultation with the Membership Council to ensure that the CPPO continues to fulfill its mission while adapting to the evolving needs of the profession.