Strength in Community: Creating Clear Pathways for Connection, Mentorship, and Career Growth
04/09/2026
To me, AAPOR’s greatest strength is its community.
Community is a space where curiosity meets connection. It’s where questions are welcomed, growth is shared, and people invest in each other’s success.
My first conference was in Austin, Texas, and I still remember how transformative it felt. It was the first time I met colleagues in person after many emails and phone calls.
I also had the chance to connect with senior leaders and several industry experts in a more relaxed setting. That experience shifted my perspective in a meaningful way. These weren’t just executive titles or authors from survey methodology and design articles and books. They were people that were truly passionate about the work and genuinely eager to connect and share their knowledge.
One moment that stands out to me at that conference was hearing the Presidential Address from one of AAPOR’s past presidents. Her remarks felt incredibly relevant and deeply impactful to where I was in my career at the time and provided inspiration to continue along my journey.
Another eye-opening experience was meeting researchers from Singapore and Morocco who were doing work similar to mine. The realization that this field connects people across the globe changed how I viewed my role and the broader impact of what we do.
More recently, AAPOR continues to provide a unique space to stay connected to the evolving landscape of public opinion research. Through chapters, committees, affinity groups, and the annual conference, I’ve found opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and meaningful contribution. What excites me most is how intentionally AAPOR continues to create opportunities for folks in the field to come together.
As membership and chapter relations chair (MCR), I’ve had the opportunity to help influence how AAPOR connects and engages the community. This year, in preparation for the conference, the MCR subcommittees and chapters have been working to offer multiple events that encourage engagement and further expand the sense of community.
Ahead of the conference, we’re offering a webinar on best practices when presenting, as well as a conference 101 webinar, which is intended to help attendees feel prepared, confident, and ready to connect—especially those attending conference for the first time or participants who may not have many colleagues joining from their organization.
At the conference, short courses and Skill-Up Sessions provide hands-on learning to strengthen skills and stay current in our field, while the Ambassador Program pairs newcomers and early career participants with experienced members to turn a large event into a welcoming community.
The AAPOR Chapters are collaborating to coordinate the All-Chapter Party, inviting all conference attendees and their guests for an evening of fun and networking. It’s a space to connect with fellow researchers, share ideas informally, discover new collaborators, and experience the sense of community that makes AAPOR so special.
Together, these efforts aim to create clear pathways for connection, mentorship, and career growth. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to open doors, spark ideas, and create space for connection.
In my experience, the connections made at AAPOR or more than networking. They represent a shared commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and improving how we understand people, data, and society. It’s this community that helps us adapt, grow, and move our field forward together.
Dakisha Locklear
Membership and Chapter Relations Chair