Mission
The mission of UTCFR is two-fold, in that the focus is centered around 1) community involvement and outreach, and 2) professional development. Therefore, becoming involved with UTCFR is beneficial to everyone, both within and outside of the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) Community. All graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to become involved, regardless of the academic field in which they intend to graduate, and inquiries about joining can be obtained by emailing Katie Conrad. Please continue reading to see what UTCFR can offer its members and the community, in general.
What is UTCFR?
The University of Tennessee Council on Family Relations (UTKCFR) is a student affiliate of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), which is nationally recognized as the “premier professional association for the multidisciplinary understanding of families” (click the image for more details). UTCFR is a professional organization for graduate and undergraduate students who are preparing for academic and applied careers working with children and families in a variety of develop-mental contexts.
Also find us on Facebook to friend us and to see pictures of past events.
Why Join UTCFR?
- Serve your community through meaningful experiences,
- Explore career opportunities,
- Contact potential practicum organizations early,
- Network with students and professionals in the family relations profession regionally, locally, and nationally,
- Connect with other Child and Family graduate programs across country,
- Develop leadership skills and experience,
- Learn how to become a certified family life educator,
- Present your research,
- Be recognized as a member of professional organization, and
- Learn about family relations professional research and job opportunities.
Officers
- Katie Conrad, CFS, President
- Sarah Solovey, CFS, Secretary
- Rebekah Baird, CFS, Advertisement Chair
- Lauren Mourier, CFS, Communication Chair
- Salina Martin, Biology, Community Outreach Chair
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Spencer Olmstead
Committees:
UTCFR’s current initiatives and future plans are divied out among four committees, each with separate roles and responsibilities.
- Social Committee: Event planning and organization
- Recruitment Committee: Member recruitment, organization and event advertising
- Outreach Committee: Agency organization and community coordinator
- Professional Development Committee: Coordinator for professional and career development
Current Initiatives:
In the Fall of 2012, we invited various guest speakers from the community to introduce us to their affiliated organizations. We had presenters from the Metropolitan Drug Commission and The Family Justice Center . They spoke at each of our meetings, informing us about available opportunities for outreach with their organization.
In our upcoming meeting (January, 2013), we will hear from the Helen Ross McNabb Center, which is an agency that provides social services, mental health and addiction treatment, and support to children, adults, and families in the East Tennessee area. Later in the semester, we will decide as a group the organization that we will volunteer for the rest of the semester and upcoming year.
We will host a number of social events in order to build community within UTKCFR, as one of our primary goals is to build mentorship between graduate and undergraduate members. Social events may include a 5K race, board game night, and many other fun activities. We look forward to a fun and exciting semester!
Upcoming Events:
January meeting: final Thursday in January (1/31), 5:30-6:30 PM, Jessie Harris Building, room 16.
Other dates to be announced.
Links:
- Click here to see similar student-governed affiliates of NCFR at other universities nationwide.
- Click here to learn about and obtain official NCFR membership.
- Click here for details on the upcoming annual Conference on Family Relations.
- Friend us on facebook!
Downloads:
- Download the Fall 2011 UTCFR Bylaws.
- Download the NCFR Press Release on Certified Family Life Educators! Use the online UT article search to find the article mentioned in the Press Release, which gives information on how CFLE (Certified Family Life Educators) differs from other Family Life Education models.