Ready to join? Click here to join now!

The National Council on Family Relations, established in 1938, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit professional organization focused solely on family research, policy and practice.

Our journals  

Journal of Marriage and Family

JMF, for 70 years the premier journal in the area of marriage and family. Editor: Kelly Raley

Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies

FR provides an applied focus for practitioners, educators, and policy professionals. Editor: Ronald Sabatelli

Journal of Family Theory & Review

New in 2009, JFTR provides a new option for exploring family and relationship theory; complimentary electronic access to all journal-subscribing members through 2012. Editor: Robert Milardo

Our CFLE credential: the standard for family life educators

Certification is provided to family life educators through the Certified Family Life Educator credential. The NCFR CFLE curricular requirements have been incorporated into degree programs at more than 120 colleges and universities.

Member newsletters

NCFR Report, the member magazine, is published quarterly and features a “Family Focus” section with contributed articles on key topics. Network is the CFLE newsletter that includes book reviews, best practices, and news from CFLEs around the world. The “Zippy News” e-newsletter provides weekly updates and announcements on family matters.

The NCFR website

The NCFR website is a great tool for members to stay connected with each other and the profession. Think of it as your own upscale information mall for family research, education, and best practices, as well as announcements about membership, affiliates, the NCFR Annual Conference and other events. The website provides ready access to listservs you can join, and access to other members through the online directory.

The Professional Resource Library allows you to find and share documents on topics important to family researchers, educators, and students — everything from curricula, book reviews, and articles to conference presentations, video, and best practices.

Career development

• Submit a journal article
• Present at the annual conference
• Use your section listserv or the NCFR website to find teaching resources, lesson plans, syllabi, and more
• Have your books promoted and listed in our Amazon.com collection 
• Post your resume in our job listings area
• Graduate with NCFR honors recognition
• Learn about grants, other conferences, and position postings

Local connections

State/regional and student affiliate councils give NCFR a local flavor. Stay in touch with members in your area through conferences, events, and communications. Plus, 20 student affiliates offer a great option to build your resume and connect your academic experience to real-world opportunities.

Shared interests

NCFR is composed of ten Sections, each with a particular area of emphasis. These member groups
provide communication through listservs and web page announcements on topics of specific interest to you. Many presentations at the Annual Conference are determined by section submission, review, and sponsorship. Leadership positions and volunteer opportunities include becoming an officer, a proposal reviewer, or focus group leader.

Annual Conference: professional development plus

Stimulating and enlightening...that describes the NCFR annual conference. Grow professionally, establish new contacts, and build lasting relationships.You’ll find major presentations by leading professionals, break-out sessions of all kinds, and informal networking. Plus, the conference can be your chance to shine...submit a proposal; you may get an opportunity to present your research.

Membership options that fit your career

• Special rates for students and emeritus members
• Professional levels with choice of journals
• A “New Professional” option was added in 2010 for recent graduates