Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

In 2006-2007, NCCC-52 continued to focus on setting research priorities for multi-state and national work in 3 key focus areas  (1) planning for a secure future, (2) household food and health, and (3) loss in times of disaster. This year the committee held a mini-conference at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and brought in national experts to speak at their 2007 meeting on the economic and financial consequences of natural disasters. Key speakers included Roy Alston from The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, which was created in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita to provide relief and long-term recovery assistance to Louisiana residents. Sheila Freeze and Billy Jo Perart from Money Management International, the largest consumer credit counseling agency in the U.S., also spoke about the economic and financial challenges that individuals and families face following a natural disaster. This mini-conference was a follow-up to the committees 2005 national conference call which encouraged national research on the economic consequences and adjustments for households following natural disasters, terrorism, and wars. Another goal of the NCCC052 committee has been to help foster more rigorous research in the field of family economics. To facilitate this, the committee also held a session at the 2007 meeting related to using national longitudinal data. This year the committee asked Dr. Craig Gundersen (Iowa State University) to conduct a workshop on the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) and the Current Population Survey (CPS). The workshop helped researchers identify potential opportunities for conducting more rigorous research in family economics using these data sets. In addition to these activities, committee members worked throughout the year to disseminate research publications, make presentations, and obtain grant funding in the three key focus areas. The committee put in place a more standardized and consistent process for reporting research activities at their respective institutions. The new reporting system is based on the outcomes and indicators identified by the committee at last years meeting. With the new reporting system, the committee is able to more quickly and easily compile outcome data on research in the area of family economics. The committee also began developing a 1-page flyer and a template for preparing research briefs. The flyer and research briefs will be used to communicate and disseminate research priorities to family economists nationwide and possibly expand the network. The committee's anticipated activities for 2007-2008 include: Review and revise last year's guidelines/benchmarks for measuring the aggregate impact and rigor of family economics research being conducted at committee members institutions. Finish creating the 1-page flyer identifying (a) the key research focus areas,(b) who we are, and (c) who to contact for more information. Disseminate the flyer via list serves and personal websites. The objective will be to communicate and disseminate research priorities to family economists and possibly expand the network. Prepare and publish research briefs. During 2007-2008, all committee members will submit a research brief written by themselves and/or their colleagues. The briefs will be distributed to the family and consumer economics network and other stakeholders including: other colleagues, Agricultural Experiment Station Directors, educators (extension and resident instructors), funders/partners, government, and private institutions. Organize another session related to using large data sets at the 2008 NCCC052 meeting to expand researchers opportunities for conducting more rigorous research in the three focus areas. Provide a list of research needs to be considered by the Social Sciences Subcommittee of the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP). Present research at relevant and appropriate conferences. Look for opportunities to host special research sessions in the three focus areas.