Purpose of the NCFR Annual Conference

To provide a forum for professional development and discussion through plenary sessions, presentations of research and practice models, and dialogue among conference attendees. Approximately 1,200 - 1,300 professionals and graduate students attend the conference each year. NCFR is an approved provider of continuing education for APA, NASW (Metro Washington Chapter), and NBCC.

The Conference Theme: "Lenses on Family "
The lenses through which we view family affect what is seen and unseen, as well as how our research findings are understood. The theme of this year's conference encompasses how families are defined, which family processes are presumed to be adaptive, and how our research findings are interpreted in the public arena.

Putting on diverse lenses (cross-culturally, methodologically, disciplinarily, pedagogically, ideologically, and in other ways) allows us to expand our vision of possibilities for family relationships.

• Cross-cultural work shows varieties of family experiences; for example, transnational families (in which family members live in different countries) illuminate how family is defined and maintained in the face of geographic, political, and financial barriers.
• Complementary and contrasting methodological approaches on similar content areas are encouraged in order to survey the field from multiple vantage points.
• Family studies has always been interdisciplinary, but scholarship from disciplines not ordinarily associated with family studies provides new focus on family life, in particular by demonstrating how family members work, play, and communicate with one another.
• Pedagogy is enhanced by putting on different lenses, which can mean teaching from an experiential viewpoint, incorporating service learning, and other innovations. Innovative pedagogical techniques push students and faculty to expand their understandings of family relationships.
• In the public arena, the concept of family is often referred to in order to put a lens on issues that are commonly understood, but what types of families are considered and how does this lens obscure what is seen?

What to Expect - Conference Objectives:
In general, the outcome for attendees is to discern and identify what we still need to understand about family relationships that could enhance the lives of all the families we study and serve.

More specific outcomes include:

• Dissemination of the latest research on families, and examination of practical applications of research to best practices.
• Opportunities to network with colleagues from around the world engaged in research, practice, and education.
• Exploration of the policy implications of research and practice experiences, and strategies for assisting decision makers.
• Opportunities to participate in the governance and activities of NCFR as it fulfills its mission.
• Rejuvenation and transformation opportunities for continuing education credits/professional development.
  

2008 Program Highlights (PDF document)
Plan now to join your colleagues in Little Rock for a superb professional experience.

Tips for Presenting at the NCFR Annual Conference (PDF document)
Preparation and tips for presenting at the NCFR Conference: papers, posters, symposia, workshops, and round tables. Tips are also given for discussants, presiders, and recorders.