The West Virginia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is committed to the development and support of members in their roles to strengthen and support families and communities in rapidly changing and uncertain times. Since the plan of work is a lengthy document, highlights only are shared below for your review. If you have questions do contact President Miles (milesnichols@aol.com, (304) 599-8040) or any of the other members of the WVAFCS Board of Directors.

The overall goals are to:

1. Support members in their work with families and communities by providing education and encouragement for involvement in initiatives to address key issues. Strategies include:

*Supporting members to serve as leaders and be the source of research and education related to critical issues,

*Strengthening community and state partnerships to impact the needs of West Virginia’s families and communities.

*Increasing communications with newsletters, e-mail, a frequently updated website, division and subject matter communications and a relevant and fun annual meeting.

2.Influence the development of policy and the direction of social change by improving family conditions and addressing the issues by:

* Distributing a Family Issues Brochure to legislators informing them of the expertise WVAFCS members can provide on issues affecting family life.

*Offering workshops to members to increase their knowledge and skill in being proactive in public policy that promotes the well-being and enhancement of family and community stability.

3. Integrate and utilize resources and expertise across the knowledge base of Family and Consumer Sciences to provide prevention education and address contemporary societal issues by

*Engaging in quality professional development experiences in Family and Consumer Sciences and providing current research based education in government, research, extension, business, community based organizations and homes, and

*Assuming key leadership roles in community, state and national organizations by developing leadership abilities and serving in professional leadership positions.

4. Continue to develop the research base of Family and Consumer Sciences and provide quality professional development education and communications for WVAFCS members, community partners and families by

*Encouraging members to support new members or new professionals by serving as mentors,

*Supporting student members through the HUGS program,

*Supporting the Mary Lou Schmidt Scholarship Fund that provides diabetes education and scholarship help for FACS students,

*Seeking life-long opportunities that promote continued professional growth and development,

*Providing and attending professional meetings to disseminate results of quality research and educational programs that are making a difference within our communities, and

*Encouraging member leadership and involvement in issue forums, partnering with other organizations to provide development experiences to WVAFCS and their partner members to build expertise in public policy.

5. Provide leadership for WVAFCS to move through the transition with AAFCS, changing policy and opening membership and actively identifying new members and new partnerships to address program and member needs.