As I try to absorb the pervasive dysfunction and cruelty in our world today, I find myself returning to my academic roots in psychology. I’ve always been intrigued about the motivations behind people’s behaviors. I’ve mentioned in past articles the words of a CFLE who once said to me, “Dawn, it is all comes down to unmet needs.” When people behave badly, or act in ways that are not in their own best interest, I wonder “What need is being met by this behavior?”

I believe that how we see and treat other people is often a reflection of how we see ourselves. The family is often where we develop our sense of self. The family is also where many people learn, or don’t learn, much of what they need to function effectively throughout their lives. Ideally our family provides a positive and nurturing environment, and our role models demonstrate healthy and appropriate behaviors, but we know that this is often not the case.

I recognize that there are many variables that influence how people and society function. It is not as simple as just ensuring that everyone grows up in a healthy, nurturing environment (not that that is an easy thing to do). But it is certainly an important piece of the puzzle. I take solace in my belief in the effectiveness and importance of Family Life Education (FLE), both to prevent and minimize many societal problems and to provide individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed for healthy family functioning.

Which is why I am so happy and excited that NCFR is hosting the Second Virtual Family Life Education Summit on Friday, June 24. The Summit provides an opportunity for FLE practitioners to come together to share information about the important practice of FLE. The theme of this year’s Summit is titled Evolving Best Practices in Family Life Education. As with the first Summit, the goal is to provide an opportunity for FLE practitioners to share information about their work directly with or for families. Additionally, the collaboration between both practitioner presenters and those teaching about and doing research on FLE, will provide opportunities to increase the relevance of FLE research to practice and FLE practice to research. Submissions were encouraged to be grounded in theory or supported by literature, but also to reflect practical, lived experiences in providing FLE. The emphasis on incorporating creative presentation methods and interactive strategies for engaging participants reflects the desire to model best practices in FLE delivery.

The FLE Summit Task Force wanted to keep the Summit theme broad enough to encourage FLEs from all areas to submit a proposal. But they also recognized the importance and need to take some time to process the impact of the pandemic on both FLE and Family Life Educators. The keynote address, Evolving Best Practices in Family Life Education Amid the Pandemic’s New Normal, which will be presented by Judy Myers-Walls, Ph.D., CFLE, will provide the perfect start to the Summit by allowing participants to “look at the roles of grief and resilience as processes both to be used by the educators themselves and to be applied in educational settings with families.”

We are especially pleased to have Dr. Myers-Walls as the keynote presenter given her long history and contribution to the field. Her work as a faculty member in Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University for more than 31 years, in addition to her work in Cooperative Extension, make her uniquely qualified to provide research-based information in a way that is applied and relevant to practitioners. Dr. Myers-Walls, along with three other CFLEs, created the Domains of Family Practice model that is a tremendously important and effective tool for assisting both providers and recipients of FLE to understand the role and value of FLE in collaboration with family case management and family therapy.

This Summit is designed specifically for the FLE practitioner and includes special CFLE pricing. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect, share, and collaborate with other Family Life Educators committed to strengthening and supporting families.

Benefits for Certified Family Life Educators

One of the benefits of certification is the opportunity to participate in professional development activities and to connect and collaborate with colleagues. NCFR provides these benefits to CFLEs through events like the FLE Summit, access to webinars specifically focused on the practice of FLE, and the ability to participate in the CFLE Conversations program. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities:

Webinars

As an active CFLE, you have access to NCFR webinars that focus specifically on the practice of FLE. Many of the 18+ webinars that NCFR hosts each year are designed to address the practice of FLE and provide attendees with key takeaways and skills that can be used right away. See page 17 for information on some upcoming FLE webinars and note the special CFLE pricing. Note that CFLEs receive FREE access to past webinar recordings 1 year after the webinar’s live debut.

CFLE Conversations  

So far in 2022, we’ve hosted three CFLE Conversations (Marriage and Relationship Education, facilitated by Tahlia Ayers; Homelessness, facilitated by Janeal White; and Family Life Coaching, facilitated by Lisa Krause) with three more scheduled: Self-Employed CFLEs, facilitated by Susan Meyerle on April 20; Home Visiting, facilitated by Bridget Walsh on May 18; and Foster Care and Adoption, facilitated by Evin Richardson on July 20 (also the theme of the Summer Network). One additional CFLE Conversation, topic to be decided, will be held in September. Be sure to take advantage of these 1-hour online networking sessions that help you connect with other CFLEs and enhance and improve your practice as a Family Life Educator.