NCFR member task force reignites discussion of family science's future

 

What does the future of family science look like, and how will we get there?

Last week, a task force of NCFR members met to start discussing answers to those questions and more: What should the identity and "brand" of family science be? Should it be called family science? Is it necessary or possible to achieve a unified vision among those who have family science degrees?

The three-day discussion wasn't the very beginning of this conversation, however. Ideas about this topic have circulated before, notably 30 years ago when NCFR members and leadership did significant work on the issue. 

The current task force members, who will continue working remotely and at the 2014 NCFR Annual Conference, aim not only to rekindle the discussion but to formulate strategic and tactical plans to solidify family science’s identity, strengthen professional development and leadership resources, and increase the visibility of family science. 

But the members of the task force represent only a fraction of the people needed to advance these initiatives. We hope that many NCFR members and other family scholars are willing to get involved.

Learn more about the history of this topic, and some current thoughts, in the latest issue of NCFR's Family Relations journal.

The current task force members are: Sharon Ballard, Bonnie Barber, Lawrence Ganong, Raeann Hamon, Jason Hans, Mary Ann Hollinger, Claire Kamp Dush, B. Jan McCulloch, Ronald Sabatelli, Bahira Sherif Trask, Suzanne R. Smith, Michael Walcheski, Stephen M. Wilson, and Anisa Zvonkovic

Here are a few photos from the meeting:

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From left: Raeann Hamon, Jason Hans, and Lawrence Ganong participate in a full-group discussion.
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NCFR Executive Director Diane Cushman leads a full-group discussion. (Pictured in the background: Stephen Wilson)
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An early infographic of the state of family science and possible path to its future.
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Claire Kamp Dush shares ideas during a small-group discussion.
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The task force members split into small groups for brainstorming.