Proposals for the 2022 NCFR Conference are sought from scholars and practitioners from across all disciplines and career levels who study or work with families. You may submit multiple proposals as a first author. There is no submission fee.

Choose from among 13 individual calls, as listed below.

Before you submit a proposal, please download and read through the full call for proposals for instructions on conference presentation formats, criteria, topics, and more. Ready to submit? Start your proposal here.

Advancing Family Science

Advancing Family Science (AFS)

Scott Tobias, Chair

The AFS Section seeks to expand, strengthen, and enhance the Family Science discipline and profession. In particular, the AFS Section is concerned with issues related to the strength and sustainability of Family Science programs, including marketing and recruiting for Family Science programs; innovative and effective teaching strategies for Family Sciences courses including the development, delivery, and evaluation of Family Science curricula; best practices for administrators of Family Science programs; ethical issues in the practice of Family Science; and the state of Family Science as a discipline.

The section welcomes conference proposals which address the 2022 theme, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families.” More specifically, the section is interested in innovative proposals which exemplify the conference theme and focus on shifting perspective in areas germane to the section. Presenters might consider proposals which address populations with only limited extant research, or new approaches to working with families at the forefront of prevention and intervention.

Examples of topics related to the conference theme might include, but are not limited to:

• New outreach and marketing approaches to support NCFR’s efforts to increase the visibility Family Science.
• Innovation in recruitment and retention of students in Family Science.
• New approaches in communicating about Family Science with the public. How might we utilize these to best effect?
• How can we leverage innovative pedagogical approaches to enhance student outcomes? What approaches fit this bill?
• Paradigm / perspective shifts when working with families. How can we utilize these shifts to be more effective and inclusive in our work?
• Expanding the Family Science discipline through study abroad and in international settings.

In addition to the many other conference proposal formats (see page 4), we will again feature Resource Exchange Roundtables. See special instructions for this format on this page.

Proposals focusing on theory development, research methodology, and specific issues confronted by families do not fall within the focus of the AFS Section and would be a more appropriate fit for another section.

We encourage submissions of proposals from all Family Science professionals, including administrators, educators, practitioners, and students. NCFR undergraduate and graduate student members who serve as first authors of the accepted proposals are eligible for the Wesley Burr Student Paper Award, which includes a plaque and cash award. Submissions are also encouraged for the Outstanding Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Award, the Felix Berardo Award for Mentoring, the AFS Legacy Award, the Outstanding Administrator Award, and the Emerging Mentor/Teacher Award. Applicants must be members of the AFS Section.

Families and Health

Families and Health (FH)

Amber Seidel, Chair

The FH Section promotes the health and well-being of all families and their members through interdisciplinary practice, research, education, and policies related to family health.

FH members collectively work across disciplines to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. We view health holistically and on a continuum that encompasses a variety of wellness and disease states.

This year’s conference theme, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families” lends well to proposals that emphasize shifts in the field and looking at things from new angles.  Specifically, we encourage proposals that approach aspects of health with scant research or examined from a unique lens. We welcome innovative proposal submissions related to the conference theme and deepen members’ understanding of strategies to promote health and well-being and lessen health disparities.

A few examples include:

• exploring our current health-related interventions and outcomes-based research through a critical lens, (e.g., critical race theory; fathering/grandfathering);
• examining chronic conditions (physical and mental health) from new/diverse perspectives;
• innovative ways of public health prevention (e.g., community health workers, nursing);
• broadening the conversation around health and wellness issues across the life course (birth to death) to reflect family strengths;
• issues in aging from multicultural perspectives;
• relational influences on health (e.g., siblings, partners, aging parents);
• community influences on health (e.g., education, services and supports through schools, health care centers, community mental health centers, military, churches, parks and recreation centers);
• effects of trauma, violence, conflict, disability, illness, caregiving, loss, sleep, substance abuse, risk behaviors, and more on family health and well-being
• examining how the pandemic has altered life for nurses working with families; and
• exploring how the pandemic has impacted the lives of healthcare professionals and their families.

Established scholars, new professionals, and students are encouraged to submit proposals. We especially encourage submissions that include community partners in the development and presentation of proposals.

Each year, FH acknowledges outstanding student and professional papers and student posters with plaques, certificates, and monetary awards.

Family and Community Education

Family and Community Education (FCE)

Alan C. Taylor, Chair-Elect

The FCE Section, formerly known as the Education and Enrichment Section, supports and unites the members of NCFR who are involved with and interested in the translation of research into effective community education and engagement for individuals, couples, and families.

The 2022 conference theme “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families,” offers an opportunity to submit proposals that address components of diversity, multiple perspectives, and innovative approaches to working with and educating families within communities. Additionally, proposals for this section may provide dialogue and share innovative evidence-informed resources about methods, materials, programs, and processes for enriching and improving the lives of individuals, couples, and families across the life courses.   

We are interested in proposals that encourage researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to engage with each other to better understand the dynamic nature of family life in ways that are unique, inclusive, and innovative. Fitting the 2022 conference goals, proposals may include, but are not limited to, novel programmatic practices, community engagement and collaboration strategies, and tactics that uniquely address families from diverse and global perspectives. Various topics may include those surrounding the social, economic, cultural, and health concerns facing families today.  

Examples of presentation topics may include:  

• new and innovative ways of delivering Family Life Education content and programming;
• examining critical gaps in community education programming and training that have yet to be addressed (e.g., gap in trauma-informed programming and training);
• the effective use of innovative online technologies to inform myriad topics of family functioning, well-being and social justice issues;
• fresh, new perspectives in providing education programming which address unique needs of families and individuals regionally and internationally;
• the challenges and unforeseen consequences for learners in a virtual education environment;
• unique ways of addressing sustainability for community programming (i.e., examining the evidence of various programs that address specific family concerns);
• effective and innovative Family Life Education practices for diverse populations during times of crisis, conflict, and change;
• cutting-edge education programs that connect to multiple political and philosophical audiences; and
• connecting older adults to a novel delivery method of Family Life Education using technology and other innovative means.

As has been done at previous conferences, the Advancing Family Science and Family and Community Education Sections will again feature Resource Exchange Roundtables. Highlighting the role of practice as integral to Family Science, we are looking for tangible resources from both applied settings and basic research to strengthen the work of applied researchers, extension specialists, faculty, Family Life Educators, practitioners, and more that helps to contribute to the conference theme. See specific instructions for this format on page 3 of the Call for Proposals PDF.

We encourage proposals from established scholars, practitioners, new professionals, and students. All FCE student members who submit a proposal as first author will be considered for the Student Proposal Award, which includes a cash award and $100 towards the Annual Conference registration fee.

Family Policy

Family Policy (FP)

Anthony Ferraro, Chair

The primary mission of the FP Section is to inform and examine the influence of policy on all aspects of family life, including the ways in which policies facilitate and/or hinder family well-being across diverse families and the lifespan. Policies influence the functioning, adaptation, coping, and health of individuals, families, and communities. We as researchers, educators, practitioners, and leaders can inform policy matters in the academy, at the state and national levels, and globally. The members of our section often place an emphasis on intersectionality and the recognition that no policy-related decision occurs in isolation, nor exists to serve the interests of all people. As such, we are excited to explore this year’s conference theme “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families,” which asks us to consider and grapple with how and why certain families, practices, and contexts go unrecognized, are undervalued, or are stigmatized.

In particular, we are seeking proposals that consider giving voice to those in the shadows, focusing on the intentional or unintentional consequences of laws, policies, and programs that have contributed to family adversity or that have compounded the experiences of people from diverse, underserved, or vulnerable populations, and create disparities or inequities. Even if your research does not explicitly address policy, we are looking for research that can inform specific and explicit implications for promoting, enhancing, restructuring, or dismantling policies that impact families. Whether you study family strengths, family decision making, health, gender issues, racial or ethnic disparities, child welfare, divorce or remarriage, homelessness, food insecurity, incarcerated families, child well-being, families with disabilities, parent or relational education, or some other facet of family life, the impact of your work can probably draw implications for how policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, or even those mobilizing grassroot efforts can help to make positive change within their communities.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• factors related to inequitable experiences within the criminal justice system, justice reform, or the experience of families experiencing incarceration;
• discourse surrounding perceptions around social welfare, diversity and inclusion, health care, climate change, or reproductive rights, including the roles of media, educators, and elected officials in driving these conversations;
• educational policies and practices from early childhood settings to higher education;
• drivers of transition or changes in family structure due to systemic racism, oppression, changing economic conditions, or the COVID-19 pandemic;
• evaluation efforts that examine the effectiveness of programs that serve underserved or marginalized families;
• the utility of tools or archetypes for prevention and intervention work (e.g., the spectrum of prevention) with vulnerable populations, such as survivors of intimate partner violence;  
• strategies to build individual and family resilience with underserved or marginalized families;
• the short- and long-term impacts of trauma, stress, homelessness, and other contextual or environmental factors on families;
• mediators and moderators of adversity, poverty, and/or toxic stress on family well-being; and
• expansion of theories, frameworks, or new and innovative empirical models that allow us to better understand the experiences, needs, and/or gaps in our current policies to meet the needs of a diverse and ever-changing population.

 

The FP Section would also like to encourage creativity, such as symposia that combine the experiences and knowledge of policy researchers or administrators, practitioners, people or families with lived experience, and/or family researchers or scientists. Feel free to consult with the section chair (contact below) if you have questions or would like to discuss options prior to submission. If you are putting together a more innovative approach, a consultation is recommended to ensure that the proposal meets submission guidelines.

Research designs do not need to be embedded in or emerge strictly from policy, however, authors and presenters should devote attention to the policy implications of their work. If your work considers how to strengthen, protect, or support family functions such as parenting, partnering, family formation, economic stability, or caregiving-related issues, then you are doing work which aligns with core areas of family policy and we welcome your submissions. If you are not sure how your work aligns with policy, get in touch! FP officers are happy to support or provide presenters with guidance on shaping the policy-relevant content of your proposal.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy (FT)

Glade Topham, Chair

The FT Section unites members who share common interests, goals, and purposes in marital and family therapy. The section improves the practice of marital and family therapy through the promotion of: a) open dialogue between clinicians, and researchers relative to marital and family therapy theories, research, practice and training; b) the integration of theory, research and practice; and c) effective, efficient and ethical practice methods.

The theme of the 2022 conference of  “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families” invites us to consider what it means for individuals and families to be in shadow or in the light. We hope that the 2022 conference theme will attract scholarship covering a broad range of cutting-edge relationally-oriented clinical research that examines the ways family therapists can help families accustomed to shadow to feel seen, recognized, and valued, and to assist individuals and families in building their strengths.

We are interested in proposals focused on emerging knowledge that focus on the ways in which therapists help families and couples contribute to the overall well-being of society. Special consideration will be offered for proposals which include clinical data.

In particular, we are seeking proposals focused on:

• developing and testing clinical theories;
• creating and evaluating therapeutic interventions;
• improving the training and supervision of couple and family therapists; and
• presenting innovative mechanisms to access data and conduct research.

Research and applied presentations can focus on topics including but not limited to:

• intimacy;
• relationship formation and dissolution;
• parent-child relationships;
• diverse families and couple relationships;
• influences of larger social factors such as sexism, racism, classism, and heterosexism on individuals, couples, and families; and
• therapeutic approaches and techniques.

Established researchers, therapists, and educators as well as students and new professionals are encouraged to submit proposals. Student and new professional poster and paper submissions that are first authored FT Section members are eligible for awards within the section (please see descriptions on our section website at bit.ly/NCFR-FTawards and attend to the award solicitation discussion board posting in the fall).

In addition to the general NCFR review criteria for proposals, the FT Section expects that proposals will include practical implications for clinicians, educators, supervisors, and the profession of couple and family therapy.

Feminism and Family Studies

Feminism and Family Studies (FF)

Dana Weiser, Chair

The FF Section works to integrate feminist scholarship and perspectives into theory, research, and applied work with families. As feminist family scholars we explore, question, and critique sexist, racist, classist, ableist, cissexist, and heterosexist biases and assumptions within the Family Science discipline with the goal of challenging and changing interlocking systems of privilege and oppression.

The 2022 conference theme of “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families” is well-aligned with the principles and tenets of feminist Family Science. Dr. Debra Berke, the 2022 NCFR conference program chair, has asked us to consider whether and how individuals and families are unseen, unrecognized, undervalued, stigmatized, and obscured. Feminist Family Science is inherently grounded in embracing the fluidity of our paradigms, foregrounding the voices of those silenced by dominant ideologies, reclaiming agency and embodiment, and engaging in activism and social justice work. Thus, examining which individuals and families are defined, normalized, obscured, privileged, and oppressed by the “light” and the “shadow” is instrumental to a feminist Family Science perspective.

In our section’s ongoing commitment to anti-racism work and in alignment with the 2022 conference theme, we encourage work that is grounded in intersectionality theory, critical frameworks, and praxis, including, but not limited to critical race, critical femininities, queer, Black, Chicana, Indigenous, and anti-colonial feminisms. We encourage submissions that foreground how White heteropatriarchal systems oppress and privilege as well as shape our understandings of individual, familial, and community well-being.

We encourage work that is transdisciplinary; is grounded in sociohistorical and cultural contexts; and furthers NCFR’s goals of disseminating high-quality scholarship and theorizing, as well as engaging a diverse array of communities and practitioners. While not limited to these areas, some suggested topics for proposal may include:

• shifting theoretical paradigms to engage with anti-racist, feminist, and queer theories;
• challenges of teaching and researching critical race theory and critical perspectives in schools and universities;
• foregrounding the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in their romantic and familial relationships and communities;
• challenging patriarchal, heteronormative, U.S. centric, and White supremacist ideologies in family structure scholarship;
• scholarship that highlights the voices of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian individuals and families;
• family and interpersonal violence survivors as agents of change, navigating inequitable and unjust systems as they strive for safety, justice, and healing; and
• understanding how individuals and families continue to navigate the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic and how women, People of Color, and/or with disabilities are particularly impacted.

We invite proposals advancing feminist theories and practices related to the conference theme but may not be specifically referenced above. Established professionals, newer professionals, and undergraduate and graduate students are all encouraged to submit proposals.

International

International (IN)

Raeann R. Hamon, Chair

The IN Section generates better understanding of unique variations of family process throughout the world by promoting cross-national family research, facilitating communication among international family scholars, sharing information on current and proposed research projects, and sponsoring educational cross-national family programs, presentations, and seminars. The IN Section strives to increase the understanding of families around the world by promoting family research, education, policy, and practice globally.

Through its global focus, the IN Section has a great opportunity to make significant contributions to the 2022 conference theme of “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families.”

For the 2022 conference, the IN Section particularly welcomes proposals that focus on unique viewpoints and perspectives of family and cultural phenomenon. We welcome proposals that use sound theoretical and empirical approaches to examine diverse families around the globe.

Possible topics related to the conference theme include:

• new and unusual research approaches to examining various aspects of international family life;
• underrepresented or under researched family-related topics;
• unique understandings of family processes and practices from various international contexts;
• how varying political positions, religious perspectives, and value orientations affect family experiences around the globe; and
• theoretical orientations and practices which enhance effective practice for global families.

The IN Section seeks to attract submissions from colleagues from around the world and have a wide geographical representation at the conference. We encourage our colleagues who are submitting and attending the conference from outside the United State and Canada to apply for the IN Section travel awards. Established scholars, early career professionals and students are encouraged to submit proposals.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Families

Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Families (REDF)

Anthony James, Chair

The REDF Section, previously known as the Ethnic Minorities Section, examines child, youth,
individual, family, and community issues within the sociopolitical, historical, economic, and cultural context and through the lens of ethnicity, race, and other social addresses. We specifically focus on the social, cultural, biological, regional and ancestral characteristics, traditions, learned behaviors, customs, and adaptive tendencies found at all levels of the human ecology. Our section strives to continue the legacy of our past section members Marie F. Peters and John L. and Harriette P. McAdoo, who recognized the importance of human capital in ensuring resilience over adversity in families of color.

The theme of the 2022 conference, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives in Families,” asks the key question of “What does it mean for individuals and families to be in shadow or in the light?”

Conference proposals should align with Conference Program Chair Dr. Debra Berke’s vision of considering how the defining of objects through light and shadow can illumine fresh perspectives on defining families. More specifically, how families are defined across a multitude of disciplines and practices (e.g., education, research, policymaking). A framework of light and shadow compels us to consider how and why Family Scientists may privilege certain family structures and/or processes to the “light” while placing (or condemning) other family structures and/or processes to the “shadows”?  Such a system ushers in an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to consider what it means for individuals and families to be in the light (e.g., seen, recognized, valued) or shadows (e.g., unseen, recognized, unvalued).  

When thinking of this year’s conference theme, in the context of REDF Section values, one might consider how this artistic approach to the understanding of, and practice with, families can impact Families of Color. What are some ways these ideas—light land shadow—can fuel different (i.e., more effective, less harmful) approaches to studying and working with Families of Color? Additionally, one may consider focusing on whether and how this approach of defining families reveal (light) previously unseen (shadow) resiliency in Families of Color?

We encourage and welcome other research, theory, practices, and policies that provide a cultural perspective on any aspect of the 2022 conference theme while centering children, youth, and families from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Scholars, practitioners, and new professionals of all ethnic, racial, and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to submit proposals. Accepted proposals submitted by Students or New Professionals (SNP)—who are also REDF Section members—will be considered for the SNP Best Proposal Award for the section. The submission must demonstrate research that is completed and focused on a topic that has direct relevance to ethnically diverse families.

Religion, Spirituality, & Family

Religion, Spirituality, & Family (RSF)

Pamela B. Payne, Chair

The RSF Section furthers the cause and study of religion and its relationship to the family. The study and examination of the impact of religion on family life is examined as well as the relationship of religion to other family-related disciplines and NCFR Sections.

The 2022 NCFR conference theme, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families,” is rich with meaning, with a broad goal of using engagement with each other to better understand the dynamic nature of family life in ways that are inclusive, innovative, and waiting to be discovered. The conference theme lends itself to many themes around religion, spirituality, and family life.

Light and shadow can also define families; how educators, researchers, theorists, practitioners, and policymakers describe, make sense out of, study, and work with families determines which facets are in light and which are in shadow (or not the focus). But do we as Family Scientists ever take time to reflect on questions such as “What does it mean for individuals and families to be in shadow or in the light?” If they are in shadow, are they unseen, unrecognized, emerging, not valued, the underdog, and/or stigmatized? What if families are “in the light”? Are they perceived as mainstream, normal, and/or privileged?” Specifically, how do religion and spirituality exist in both the light and/or shadows for families? Can religion and spirituality be the hope and inspiration for some while a place of darkness and despair for others?

The following questions may be helpful in formulating proposals to be submitted to the RSF Section for the 2022 conference:

• How do religion/spirituality exist in the light and dark of families?
• Are there ways in which religion/spirituality can illuminate the dark side of family engagement and functioning?
• What elements of family life are yet to be explored by religion/spirituality?
• How do religion/spirituality help us understand families?
• How do religion/spirituality work against or erode family functioning?
• How can understanding religion/spirituality help us understand families in different ways?
• How have religion/spirituality been dark spaces for families?
• What are ways in which religion/spirituality impacts the ways families interact in societies?
• Why have religion/spirituality influenced the ways families engage?

As stated at the beginning, our theme is truly rich with meaning, and I am confident you will find the same richness and meaning at this year’s conference! The RSF Section has a great deal to contribute to this theme!

Research and Theory

Research and Theory (RT)

Beth Russell, Chair

The RT Section focuses on promoting work that effectively integrates research and theory about families and the context in which families live, work, interact, and develop. All theoretical perspectives and styles of research that emphasize both conceptual and empirical rigor are welcome.

Consistent with the purpose of RT, we invite proposals that:

• rigorously explore the links between theory and the research process or methodologies; and
• anchor research questions or hypotheses in a clearly articulated theoretical perspective.

This year’s theme, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families,”  provides a much-needed opportunity to reevaluate the state of our science. From our theories to our methods, this year’s conference challenges us as scholars to consider the unseen, under-represented, or otherwise marginalized voices in our research. We welcome submissions that seek to widen our lens, be it through critical examinations of Family Science and/or through incorporating innovative theories, methods, and perspectives (e.g., new sampling approaches, or within-group variability) that push our discipline forward to a more inclusive and representative future. We underscore a call for presentations that present rigorous cutting-edge aspects of a content area, theory, methodology, or analytic procedure. We invite you to submit a proposal and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

Symposium proposals are strengthened by including scholars who are from diverse disciplines or who approach the topic with innovative methodological strategies or theoretical perspectives and should include a maximum of four papers organized around a common theme, with a named discussant. In addition, formats
other than symposia are welcome. Presentations by senior scholars as well as rising new scholars are encouraged, as are presentations by scholars from outside of North America.

NEW: Late-Breaking Sessions! In addition to the regular submission process, RT is excited to announce that we will host a late-breaking poster session during the 2022 conference RT Section meeting. This session will be reserved for emerging high-quality research that was not available at the time of the general proposal submission deadline. A call for submissions using an abbreviated proposal format and instructions for the late-breaker posters will be posted in early summer. Proposals will be due on Sept. 1, 2022, and will be rigorously peer-reviewed by RT to select a small number for presentation during the section meeting. We welcome submissions from all scholars regardless of section membership, as our goal is to ensure the timely dissemination of cutting-edge family-based research. Please contact Beth Russell ([email protected]) if you have questions about whether your work is better suited for submission to the regular conference or for the late-breaker poster session.

We look forward to putting together another great selection of RT Section sessions!

Affiliate Councils (State/Regional and Student Interests)

Affiliate Councils (AC)

Student and State/Regional Affiliate Workshops

Janis L. Henderson, Affiliate Councils Conference Program Chair

The AC serves as a governing body for the NCFR state/regional and student affiliates. The AC and its governing body, the Affiliate Councils Board (ACB), provide support to affiliate organizations. Strong state/regional and student affiliates are vital to the long-term viability of NCFR, as they play an important role in connecting national, state/regional, and local perspectives. State/regional affiliate membership includes professionals engaged as Family Science researchers, scholars, and practitioners as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Student affiliate membership consist of students who anticipate careers engaged in aspects of Family Science as well as university staff/faculty that serve as advisors to university affiliates. Active engagement in an NCFR affiliate provides opportunities to interact within communities at the state, regional, or university level, spurs new initiatives within those communities, and allows for members to develop new and expanded perspectives on a variety of topics important to families.

The 2022 NCFR Conference theme, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families,” suggests we seek new understandings and views of our communities and circumstances. AC conference sessions will build on the spirit of the theme, using the sessions as opportunities for affiliate leaders and members to explore organizational strategies that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. As incoming Program Chair, I encourage the larger NCFR membership to engage more fully with an affiliate. Involvement at the regional or state level can provide a smaller network of colleagues that can be empowering of the individual as well as empower the work being done in the various states or regions. NCFR members might explore the ways in which they can connect with and support student affiliates – for example, offering to speak at meetings or provide guidance (easily done virtually). Members whose homes or work is near a student affiliate might seek opportunities to engage in person.  

The AC will again host two workshops. We invite AC and NCFR members or member groups to submit proposals that are both informational and interactive, that contribute to exploring innovative strategies, or are focused on building organizational strength and sustainability for possible presentation at one of the AC workshops. The proposed presentation should facilitate attendee learning. Ideally workshop content will be applicable to state/regional and student affiliates. Individuals or collaborative groups are invited to submit.

Examples of encouraged proposal topics include:

development and/or implementation of action (strategic) plans; bylaw revisions; leadership and/or team building; recruitment and retention strategies; social media and marketing strategies; and conference and event planning strategies.

 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Three separate documents should be submitted. All documents must be in PDF format. Submitted documents should include the following information:

1. The presenter(s) information, including name, credentials, name of the state/regional or student affiliate of which you are a member (if applicable), and email address. Presenter information should be provided for all presenters. Please also include:
   • the title and topic of workshop; and
   • 3 measurable objectives;
2. A short abstract with title and topic of workshop at top of page (maximum 100 words, not including title and topic); and
3. The full workshop proposal with title (maximum 1,000 words, not including title) for peer review. The proposal should provide:
   • A summary of the content that will be shared during the workshop and how the workshop fulfills identified measurable objective(s), and
   • A brief interactive activity designed to reinforce workshop content.

Proposal documents should be emailed by March 1, 2022, 11:59 p.m. PST. Email proposals to Maddie Hansen ([email protected]), NCFR Membership Manager

Students and New Professionals

Students and New Professionals (SNP)

TeKisha Rice, Program Representative
 

SNP sessions promote skills and provide relevant information to students (graduate and undergraduate) and new professionals (within five years of their final degree). The primary emphasis for SNP sessions on promoting professional development for students, teachers, researchers, and practitioners at the early stages of their careers.

We encourage students, new professionals, and seasoned professionals to submit proposals.

The 2022 conference theme is “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives and Families.” The theme’s goal of highlighting undervalued and emerging topics will ideally be expanded to SNP sessions.

With the conference theme, goals, and the SNP mission in mind, we are particularly interested in proposals related to:

• applying for grants/funding;
• applying to graduate school;
• navigating school/academia as a member of historically excluded/underrepresented group(s);
• outreach and public scholarship: science communication, translational research, and broader impacts engagement;
• scholar-activism and/or practitioner-activism;
• setting goals for your (school) career;
• sustaining work-life integration (self-care, overcoming the imposter syndrome, etc.);
• teaching and pedagogy for new professionals;
• tips and tricks of the job market (academic and non-academic); and
• tips, tricks, and benefits of post-doctorates.

We welcome all proposals related to skill building and/or professional development relevant to students and new professionals. If you are a student or new professional with a proposal outside of those foci, it may be a better fit in one of the other sections.

The SNP program Rep is happy to answer any questions or provide feedback regarding proposal ideas.

Theory Construction & Research Methodology

Theory Construction & Research Methodology (TCRM) Workshop

Raymond Petren and Isaac Washburn, Co-Chairs

The TCRM Workshop offers a unique opportunity for scholars to discuss working papers that emphasize four goals: (1) family theory; (2) research methodology; (3) emerging/novel ideas in the study of families; and/or (4) reconsideration of long-held practices and ideas in Family Sciences.

The TCRM workshop is scheduled to take place immediately prior to the 2022 NCFR Conference on November 15 & 16, 2022. We invite scholars to submit proposals that would be of interest to a wide range of scholars, including applied researchers. We will give preference to papers that focus on this year’s NCFR theme, “Light and Shadow: Shifting Perspectives of Families,” which challenges us as scholars to consider the unseen, under-represented, or otherwise marginalized voices and perspectives in our research. We welcome submissions that seek to widen our lens, be it through critical examinations of Family Science and/or through incorporating innovative theories, methods, and perspectives (e.g., new sampling approaches, or within-group variability) that push our discipline forward to a more inclusive and representative future.

TCRM sessions are unique from other NCFR sessions. Authors submit their papers before the meetings and leaders in the field serve as discussants, providing detailed reviews of papers, again before the meetings. Authors’ papers and extended abstracts are made available prior to TCRM so that attendees can provide their own feedback on each paper during the session. In the past, we have had presenters summarize their papers at the beginning of the session. This year, authors will not describe their papers during the TCRM session. Instead, we are asking authors to provide an extended abstract to participants to read before the TCRM session, if they cannot read the entire paper. This process will allow us to get to the discussion quicker. The extended abstract should be about 1000 words and represent what authors would have presented at the beginning of a session in previous years. Sessions will include discussant comments, author responses, and audience feedback. The goal of these sessions is to provide deep intellectual conversation and substantive feedback to authors.

Generally speaking, TCRM papers should focus on theory and/or methodology, but empirical papers highlighting emerging/novel uses of theory and/or methodology are also invited. TCRM is sponsored by NCFR’s Journal of Family Theory & Review (JFTR) who encourages the submission and publication of TCRM papers in the journal.

We will accept proposals for four types of sessions:

Working papers: special topics in theory, methodology, novel uses, or reconsideration of family frameworks. Paper proposals are submitted individually.

Paper symposium: There are two types of paper symposia. For both types of paper symposia, proposals should be submitted according to NCFR symposium guidelines (see page 4).

1.     Working paper session: 2-4 papers discussing a particular topic associated with family theory, research methodology, or other foci of TCRM.

2.    Dialogue session: sessions focused on opposing or differing viewpoints on a specific topic. Presenters and the audience will engage in a discussion around a common topic to examine conceptual similarities and differences.

Methodology or Theory workshops: open format sessions focusing on specific methodological techniques, data sources, or theories related to the qualitative or quantitative study of families. Theory workshops could focus on theory building or application.

TCRM proposals should be submitted in PDF format and include:

1. the full paper, symposium, workshop title, or dialogue session name;
2. a running page header appropriate to the topic;
3. a short abstract (approximately 100 words, for publicity);
4. a proposal of 1,750 words or less (excluding any tables, figures, or references) for peer review; and
5. 2 to 3 suggestions for discussants.

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• background, context, and significance of the topic proposal; connections to the theme are welcomed;
• relationship to one or more of the four TCRM goals listed at the beginning;
• a description of how the paper, session, or workshop addresses innovative, novel, and/or important issues in theory, methodology, or the empirical study of families; and
• a brief discussion of the paper, session, or workshop’s implications for research and/or practice. Evidence of work already underway is welcomed and encouraged.

The deadline for TCRM submission is March 15, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Authors of accepted papers will be required to submit a full version of their paper, up to 35 pages (all inclusive), by September 1, 2022, with extended abstracts and discussant reviews due by October 15, 2022.

TCRM submissions are not submitted through the NCFR online submission system.

TCRM submitters should fill out the TCRM application form and attach the proposal in PDF form. All proposals should be submitted via e-mail to TCRM co-chairs Raymond Petren and Isaac Washburn at [email protected]. Please contact the TCRM co-chairs with any questions, inquiries, or volunteer requests at the same email address.