Not only will NCFR in Phoenix this year provide opportunities for great Mexican and Southwest dining, but also an opportunity to learn, connect, and network. And for those of us from northern climes, the warm desert sun will also be much appreciated!

Unlike other sections that emphasize one component of family, the Research and Theory section seeks to encourage the papers and presentations across the full spectrum of issues related to family with special emphasis on the highest quality research and theory. Also, the RT section sponsors workshops on cutting-edge statistical and methodological innovations and on theory development and application. This year the R & T section will sponsor at least two special sessions and will likely co-sponsor one or two others. While we are still in the formative stages as this article was written, we anticipate one special session on applying a well-known social theorist's ideas to family life. Still much in its formative stages is a special session on theorizing the medical model or on where research on family life and physical health needs to go next.

We have a new focus group-Military Families-joining our existing Men and Family and Qualitative Family Research Network focus groups. These focus groups allow members to network with other members within these specific realms and we encourage members to be involved.

NCFR is more than its annual conference. and the Research and Theory section officers hope to assist NCFR to broaden and to extend its reach. One place we hope to have influence is the United Nations International Year of the Family-20th Anniversary. While the UN can be highly politicized, we know NCFR members of the Research and Theory section can bring good theory and research to bear on the attendant conferences and resolutions.

On behalf of the other section officers-Joyce Arditti, Sara Johnson, Brian Ogolsky, and Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth-we look forward to putting together a great program, looking for new ways to have influence and seeing and meeting you in Phoenix this year.