2024 NCFR Annual Conference

Wed.–Sat., Nov. 20–23, 2024 | Preconference workshops: Tues., Nov. 19 - Wed., Nov. 20
Bellevue, Washington | Hyatt Regency

Program Chair: Karina M. Shreffler, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma

The goal for the 2024 NCFR Annual Conference is for it to be a national model for building resilience and unity following heightened societal strain, division, and political tension that accompanied the global pandemic. The pandemic has been linked to myriad consequences for children and families such as increased economic strain and food insecurity; increased depression and suicide ideation; increased substance abuse and drug overdose deaths; and increased violence. Moreover, existing disparities in areas including education and wealth, family formation, and health and life expectancy widened during the pandemic. The long-term impacts of the pandemic on physical health, mental health, educational attainment, family formation, and so forth are not yet fully known, and families and communities with historical disadvantages might be particularly at risk for long lasting and severe implications. The long-term impacts of the pandemic might have profound consequences that will shape generations. 

This is a time of crisis for many families. NCFR is the national professional organization that contains top researchers and practitioners with the expertise needed to address these multifaceted adversities and to help foster resilience among families and communities. We have learned much about the state of families and communities in a post-pandemic world, and now is the time to focus on healing, hence the theme, “Building Resilience among Individuals, Families, and Communities.” NCFR has historically been an organization of diverse voices and viewpoints with a shared mission to understand and strengthen families. The need for a professional organization with this lens has potentially never been greater. The 2024 conference will be a critical time for NCFR members to come together for the benefit of society. It is essential that Family Science theory, research, and practice inform efforts to support families and communities to heal and be resilient. NCFR members are encouraged to consider engaging in civil discourse on polarizing topics for the benefit of society.

The conference theme allows for a wide variety of topics. Of particular interest are those that focus on healing from the pandemic and societal division. Plenary speakers will present evidence-based solutions on topics including bridging ideological divides, implementing restorative practices, and honoring cultural differences when conducting research or delivering programs. 

To that end, William J. Doherty, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, will discuss the rise in and effects of political polarization on families and communities along with specific strategies to help bridge those divides.

Velma McBride Murry, Ph.D., Lois Autrey Betts Endowed Chair at Vanderbilt University, will present how African American families have developed resilience and engage in resistance to navigate and swim in toxic oppressive waters.

Lancer Stephens, Ph.D., an enrolled member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and associate dean and associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, will examine the intersection of community partnerships and public health with the historical differences and barriers faced by tribal populations and ways to increase these community partnerships.

Jennifer Hays-Grudo, Ph.D., Regents Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the director of the Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity, will discuss the lasting impacts of adversity in childhood and restorative practices to promote healing.

Find examples and more information about submitting your proposal at ncfr.org/ncfr-2024. The online proposal submission system is now closed.
 

Conference Goals

1. To be the national model for building resilience and unity following heightened societal strain and division.
2. To feature high-quality research focused on resilience among individuals, families, and communities.
3. To demonstrate how the work of practitioners, Family Life Educators, family therapists, and others can foster resilience among families and communities.
4. To encourage discussion and networking throughout the conference

Criteria for Proposals

The proposal describes work that meets BOTH of the following criteria:

(a) The work is sufficiently developed.
(b) Regardless of focus (e.g., research, practice), an appropriate, rigorous approach is used

The proposal is written clearly, logically organized, and includes references.

Proposals can be based on qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods; analyses of a theoretical, pedagogical, or policy nature, and must include:

(a) A strong connection to existing research.
(b) A strong connection to theory.
(c) The potential to stimulate new knowledge and or innovative practices

Submission Questions

May I submit a previously published/ presented paper?
No. Papers that have been published or previously presented are not accepted.

When will I know if my proposal has been accepted?
You will be notified by June 1, 2024.

If my proposal is accepted, what is expected of me?
At least one author of accepted proposals must attend the conference, register, and pay the registration fee to present.

Upload copies of the PowerPoint slides you will be using to the NCFR website by one week prior to the conference.

If your presentation is accepted as a paper, symposium, or lightning paper, a copy of your presentation must be sent to the session facilitator and/or discussant by Oct. 30, 2024. You are also required to upload your presentation PowerPoint slides to the NCFR website.

2024 Conference Program Committee

Program Chair: 
Karina Shreffler, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 

Program Chair-elect: 
Sadguna Anasuri, Alabama A & M University

Advancing Family Science Section Chair: 
Silvia Bartolic, University of British Columbia

Families and Health Section Chair: 
Jeremy Yorgason, Brigham Young University 

Family and Community Education Section
Chair-Elect: 
Sarah Kuborn, Southeast Missouri State University

Family Policy Section Chair: 
Sharon Obasi, University of Nebraska-Kearney

Family Therapy Section Chair: 
Nathan Hardy, Oklahoma State University

Feminism and Family Science Section Chair: 
Erin Lavender-Stott, South Dakota State University 

International Section Chair: 
Gizem Erdem, Koç University 

Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Families Section Chair: 
Shardé McNeil Smith, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Religion, Spirituality, and Family Section Chair: 
Andrew Rose, Texas Tech University

Research and Theory Section Chair:
Isaac Washburn, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Students and New Professionals Rep:
Allen Mallory, Ohio State University

Affiliate Councils Program Rep: 
Janis Henderson, J. Henderson Education Services

TCRM Co-Chairs: 
Robin Yaure, Penn State University, Mont Alto 
Kelly Munly, Penn State University, Altoona 

Inclusion and Diversity Committee Rep: 
Yolanda Mitchell, University of North Texas

Ex Officio:
NCFR Executive Director: 
Diane Cushman

NCFR Senior Director of Research, Family, and Policy Education: 
Jennifer Crosswhite

NCFR Conference Consultant: 
Cindy Winter

NCFR Conference and Meeting Planner:
Judy Schutz