Greetings!

It is with great pride and humble sincerity that I greet you as your new President. As we begin our second century of service as a profession, let us pledge to work together to raise the bar of accomplishment and visibility.

My goals for this year are few:

1. Increase the active membership.
2. Increase the visibility of our contributions as professionals in our various arenas.
3. Establish regional and statewide advisory boards to support teachers in our association to comply with the Carl Perkins Federal Funding Act.
4. Join together to support the initiatives of educators servicing youth in FCCLA, 4-H Clubs, and the family and consumer sciences classrooms across the state.
5. Use our website and other technology to share our great ideas and successes.

I realize that one year is such a short time to effect these many changes and to carry out already established business. In order to achieve progress I must ask for your help.

Timing is right for us to reassert the importance of our skill set to help ease the burden of those across the state feeling the pinch of the economic crisis.

The time honored skills of our profession are again re-emerging as an important part of everyday living. Each of us must take an activist role to give credit to those in our profession who contribute to the research upon which public policy and funding is planned affecting the families and consumers of the state.

I look forward to meeting with you and encouraging you to move the business of our profession forward. Check the website for upcoming meetings, conferences, and opportunities for participation. Remember, the newsletter has moved from paper to the website. Please share our web address with others to encourage membership and partnership with like minded organizations. I look forward to greeting you at our Fall Conference in December. Please spread the word and check the website for registration information.

Sincerely Yours,

Karen Tanner-Oliphant
President of NJ-Affiliate of AAFCS