It is an awesome experience to belong to the Ethnic Minorities Section of the National Council on Family Relations. The energy in the section comes alive whenever we have the opportunity to meet as members, to participate in our annual business session, and in the oral history session. Many of our members share these sentiments and continue to support these activities in a very real way. If any were to ask me why I strongly identify with the Ethnic Minorities Section, I would be glad to share my thoughts with them. Let me share them with you in case you every do ask me.

I value community. Any group that shares some commonality has the ability to provide a place where being there is easier than being elsewhere. In my conversation with many of the members of the Ethnic Minorities Section, I sense that they grapple often with issues related to marginalization, deprecation, and discrimination. Well, these experiences are sometimes subtle, and are often not so subtle. Sometimes, I sense that they are wearied by the constant challenges to personal and professional growth when that is all they want for themselves and for the institutions for which they work. Also, I have the sense that they wonder if others ever know their experience as they do. They surmise, if their experience is unknown, do others think these experiences to be contrived or exaggerated? If it is known, why do others who can influence some change not do more to make that possible? If those who can influence change do not do more, then, is it possible that they prefer the status quo and work hard to keep that state of being? These shared experiences help to create this community for the members of this section.

I value self-determination. By that, I imply that all people groups can find the innate capacity to manage their lives and surmount the obstacles in their internal and external environments. All efforts to enable self-determination are efforts well given. Often, I think that the mentoring and supporting of each other that happen in and through the EM Section place a high premium on self-determination. I remember my earliest experiences of meeting mentors from the EM Section and how natural the relationships developed into precious, meaningful, and intentional ones. That certainly is one reason for my staying in the section and identifying with it strongly. Now, I can give back as I have received.

I value people. Transcending the rainbow of differences that characterize our membership in the EM Section, I see people - precious, valuable, and capable. The section draws all, well, many that identify as minority in their larger communities. I sense that all are welcome and that there is a special embrace for those who identify as "people," but as people who understand life through the prism of marginalization, deprecation, and discrimination. The appreciation seems to be extended especially to those who indentify with the section when they do not bear the obvious marks of "minority" in our social context.

I love to celebrate. And yes, there is a whole lot of celebration that happens in the section. There is a clear intention to celebrate milestones, accomplishments, marriages, promotions, publications, and social involvement among the members of the section. Yes, we celebrate births, and we celebrate our departed members. Often, we pause to remember their lives and contributions with respect and reverence. For example, I landed on the scene after Dr. John McAdoo left us, but I feel as if I have encountered him on numerous occasions as the memory of him is kept alive because of the place he occupied in the hearts and experiences of many. During our Annual Conference in 2010, a few more very precious ones who departed this life for the "honor roll" of the EM Section were celebrated. Their lives and contributions will be celebrated over many years to come.

Finally, I value growth. That is a sign of life, as my first lesson in biology went. The EM Section is pulsating with life. I see the growth in numbers, influence, and contribution to the larger organization, as well as to the larger academic community, and on Main Street where real people live. At our 2009 Annual Conference, the EM Section members celebrated 30 years of the existence of the section. Today, she continues to flower the highest ideals of her progenitors. These blossoms emanate in every hue and profusion. I want to thank all that have helped to give body life to the section. You have done well. Members, you have done well. Administrators and officers of NCFR who have sat around the table to help share or determine its faith, I offer my thanks to you. You have done well. But, we must press on. The journey before us is still long, but the way behind us is twice as long. "Let us march on till victory is won" for all; for except I am victorious, you are not. My hope is that our embrace would be so wide that all would feel included in our larger goals. That is what the EM Section is about and that is why I belong to it.

EM Section Call for Proposals

Please note that the call for proposals has been sounded. We are looking forward to a splendid Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida in 2011. All proposals are due on March 1, 2011 and we especially invite submissions that reflect the theme of the Conference, "Families and the Shifting Economy." Great plans are in store for you. Come and enjoy the sun and the rain in Florida.

Marie Peters Award

Please give attention to the Marie Peters Award that will be given in Orlando. Nominations for the award will be processed as documented. Please consider making a nomination for that award.

Best Submission Award

Student/New Professional Best Submission Award will be given at the 2011 Conference in Orlando. All S/NPs are reminded to look out for this award. Here is a chance to have your work recognized and to receive some cash.