SCRA 7th Biennial Conference: Call for Programs
The Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) invites you to participate in its 7th Biennial Conference, a dynamic forum for professionals and community members to present innovative work. The conference theme is: Ideas to Action, Action to Ideas.
We encourage proposals relevant to all facets of community research and action. Submissions that align with the conference theme or address the following areas are particularly welcome:
The deadline for program proposal submissions is December 7, 1998.
Instructions for Preparing Program Submissions
The conference prioritizes program formats that stimulate constructive discussion, interaction, and the exchange of ideas related to community research and action. We strongly encourage proposals that emphasize active engagement between presenters and the audience, as well as the integration of diverse perspectives.
We welcome submissions representing all areas of community research and action, including:
- New contributions to theory, methodology, and practice
- Contributions toward the implementation and dissemination of innovative programs
- Analysis of public policy issues
Program presentations encompassing the broad scope of community research and action are encouraged, including:
- Prevention of problems in living
- Promotion of emotional and physical health
- Empowerment of historically disenfranchised groups
- Evaluation of community-based programs and services
- Collective social action
- Self and mutual help
- Descriptions of community-based interventions, such as advocacy, consultation, and training
- Interactions of groups in the larger community
- Institutional and organizational change
- Research or action that incorporates an understanding of human diversity and/or social ecology
Submissions highlighting the interdependence between ideas and action are highly encouraged. Furthermore, we specifically invite program submissions in the following areas:
- Symposia/Roundtable Discussions: Forums for discussion, debate, and explication of diverse perspectives on significant issues in the field. These should allow ample time for audience participation.
- Workshops: Sessions designed to teach new skills relevant to the field. Workshops will be allotted up to one-half day.
- Town Meetings: Discussions of critical issues pertaining to community research and action.
- Resource Fair/Exhibits: Display and exchange of materials from innovative programs, new community initiatives, training materials, etc., displayed at Poster sessions.
- Innovative Session Formats: Simulations, experiential sessions, or other formats that promote interaction and exchange. These formats may incorporate the arts, technology, literature, athletics, politics, leisure, religion, or other areas of interest to present material relevant to community research and action in an innovative way.
Guidelines for Completing Proposals
- Cover Sheet: Proposals must include a Program Submission Cover Sheet. Information for the conference program will be drawn from this sheet, so completeness and accuracy are essential. The cover sheet must include:
- The name of the person submitting the proposal.
- That person’s mailing address and additional contact information.
- The format proposed (i.e., poster, symposium, workshop, etc.) and the amount of time requested.
- The program title and affiliation of the author(s).
- Proposal Summary: In addition to the Program Submission Cover Sheet, proposals must include a Proposal Summary following the guidelines below for each program format. Unless otherwise noted, proposals should be limited to 1,000 words (3-4 typed, double-spaced pages).
- Poster proposals: Include a summary of the work, including a statement of the problem, methods used, results, discussion, and references.
- Symposium/Roundtable proposals: Describe the areas of debate or discussion within the field to be addressed, summarize each presenter’s remarks, and discuss how audience participation will be initiated. The symposium/roundtable chair should complete an overall summary of the program that is no longer than 1000 words. In addition to the overall summary, proposals should include brief summaries of 300 words for each presentation (not including Discussant remarks).
- Workshop proposals: Include a summary of the learning activities planned and outcomes to be produced. These proposals should provide a clear timeline of training activities, as well as information about handouts and other materials that may be needed by participants.
- Town Meeting proposals: Include a description of the areas of debate or discussion within the field to be addressed, a description of how the meeting will be run, and how audience participation will be solicited and maintained.
- Resource Fair/Exhibit proposals: Include a brief description of the program or agency, a list of the types of materials to be displayed, and a description of any equipment needed. Tables will be provided for the display of materials. Contact the local planning committee to discuss other needs.
- Innovative session formats: Include a description of how the presentation and the format proposed will inform issues relevant to community research and action. Proposals should include a description of the person(s) responsible for the program and logistical needs. Individuals considering submission of a proposal that may require specific resources should check with the local committee to determine its feasibility.
Cover sheets for all proposals will be removed to allow blind review of submissions. There is a limit of no more than two first-author submissions.
Checklist for Submission of Proposals:
Each proposal must contain:
- 4 copies of the Program Submission Cover Sheet
- 4 copies of the Proposal Summary
- 2 self-addressed, stamped envelopes for notification of receipt and review of proposals.
Proposals should be sent to:
SCRA 7th Biennial Conference
Yale University
The Consultation Center
389 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
Deadline for receipt of proposals is December 7, 1998
Notification regarding receipt of proposals will be made in December 1998. Proposal submissions will be reviewed in December and January, and notification regarding review decisions will be made in February.
Several campus sites have been identified for Pre- and/or Post-Conference activities. Interested groups should contact the local committee to make arrangements.
Questions about program submissions should be directed to the Planning Committee Co-Chairs: