Deadline for Proposals Extended to April 1, 2020

The Affiliate Councils (AC) provide an opportunity for researchers, scholars, practitioners, and students to engage with one another around the needs and interests of regions, states, and communities. Through connecting with like-minded individuals, AC can spur new initiatives, and allow for new and expanded perspectives on a variety of topics. Strong state/regional and student affiliates are necessary for the long-term viability of NCFR, as they play an important role in connecting the national, state/regional, and local perspectives.

AC workshops offer the unique opportunity for members of state/regional and student affiliates to highlight discoveries and points of view gained through participation in a AC. Consistent with the 2020 conference theme, reflection on historical changes in our knowledge about the diversity and dynamic nature of families allows us to consider how the past and present inform the future of Family Science.

The 2020 AC will host two workshops highlighting successful affiliate level research, practice, ideas, and resources to be shared with others across the nation.

The first workshop will feature roundtable presentations where affiliate groups can engage in discussions and share materials with other affiliates and NCFR members about areas of success in a unique way. AC welcomes proposals which:

• Review affiliate groups’ practices around recruitment/retention, community engagement, marketing and outreach, local initiatives and strategies, ideas for moving forward, and more
• Reflect on issues related to affiliate successes and challenges

The second workshop will feature short presentations from affiliate groups showcasing their activities that have been productive. AC welcomes proposals which:

• Describe effective local services, interventions, and practices that affiliates have engaged in that strengthen families of all forms
• Report on local, state, or regional research exploring new education or practice questions
• Share local programs related to existing and emerging cultural and societal issues that impact families
• Present ways affiliates have tackled controversial issues related to families
• Suggest ways state/regional and student affiliates can serve as forums for discourse and policy on families
• Discuss local/regional ideas and resources that should be shared nationally to strengthen family relationships

Proposals will be accepted for both formats, and affiliate groups can submit one or more proposals. Individual and affiliate group proposals should include:

1. Full proposal title and presenter information (i.e., name, credentials, affiliation, and email). While the presentation may be individually authored, it must be affiliate-based.
2. Whether you are submitting to the roundtable presentation or short presentation workshop.
3. Short abstract (maximum 100 words)
4. Full proposal (maximum 1,000 words) for peer review. All documents must be in PDF format and should:
   1. Provide a brief background of the proposing affiliate council.
   2. Explain the significance of the considered topic and what the affiliate council did or is doing that would be beneficial for others (both affiliate councils and NCFR members) to know.
   3. Include innovative methods, tools, concepts, and approaches for engaging participants with the topic, as applicable.

Email your proposal by April 1, 2020, 11:59 p.m. PT to Maddie Hansen, NCFR’s membership manager.

We also encourage applications/nominations for the three AC awards: Affiliate Grant (grant money for the Affiliate group), Meritorious Service Award (for outstanding service by state and regional affiliate members), and President for-a-Day-Award (empowers a student or new professional to continue growing in their leadership within NCFR).

With questions about the nature of proposals, please email Hannah Mudrick, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University- Harrisburg.