MISSION
The United States Forum seeks to serve the interests of members and reflects the purposes and mission of the Society. Emphasis is on sharing information and ideas that explore solutions to common problems.

PURPOSE
The purpose of the United States Forum is to identify and select mahor issues affecting women, children, and education upon which the U.S. members may take action. At the national, regional, state, and chapter levels, it serves as a viable vehicle through which members may participate in efforts to make the Purposes of the Society come to fruition through action.

ADVOCACY STATEMENT
The U.S. Forum is dedicated to being an advocate for children by implementing actions which enable change and improvement in social institutions, systems, legislation, and practices that impose hardships or impacts negatively on individuals, groups or families.

HISTORY
1986 International Convention
Accepted proposal for the establishment of the United States Forum. Ad hoc committee appointed to study the procedures and policies for the Forum.

1987 Regional Conferences
U.S. Forum sessions were held and work was begun to identify and address issues of concern.

1988 International Convention
Standing Rule (7.06) adopted permitting a specific time for all forums to meet during the International Conventions. First U.S. Forum Steering Committee formed to plan and coordinate activities of the Forum. Steering Committee Chair elected for '88-'90 biennium - Sharon Henderson, IN Dr. Isabel Wheeler represented the Southeast Region.

1989 Regional Conferences
Pre-school Programs, Teacher Involvement in Decision Making and Special Programs for Children with Identified Needs were identified as issues of concern.

1990 International Convention
Changes to Constitution allowed all forums (United States, Canadian, Latin American, European) to become part of the structure of the Society. Funding provided through a standing rule change. Steering Committee Chair elected for '90-'92 biennium - Dr. Loin Holland, MI, Linda McCrary, TN represented the Southeast Region.

1992
The U.S. Forum adopted a resolution calling for each state organization to formalize, within its organizational structure, a strong legislative program that addressed legislation at local, state, and federal levels. Steering Committee Chair elected for '92-'94 biennium - Dr. Lois Holland, MI, Linda McCrary, TN, represented the Southeast Region. In an unprecedented move, the entire Steering Committee was retained for a second biennium.

1993 Regional Conferences
Issues for focus included Educational Funding, School Environment, and the Multicultural Community. The U.S. Forum of the Southeast Region joined the U.S. Forum of the Northeast Region to support actions for the passage of legislation supporting insurance funding for neuro-biological disorders.

1994 International Convention
The U.S. Forum adopted a resolution to support the National Education Goals (aka Year 2000 Goals) and participate in advocacy efforts to implement programs to achieve the goals at all levels of education. Steering Committee Chair elected for '94 - '96 biennium - Linda McCrary, TN. Dr. Elizabeth Tamer, VA, represented the Southeast Region.

1995 Regional Conferences
Child Advocacy was addressed as the major topic.

1996 International Convention
The U.S. Forum was responsible for the following: established partnerships with the Coalition of Goals 2000, Children's Defense Fund, Department of Education, and members of Congress; continued focus on children's advocacy projects; presented a resolution to support a national legislative seminar; and coordinated the first Open Forum in cooperation with Canadian, Latin American, and European Forums. Dr. Elizabeth Tarner, VA, was elected chair for the '96-'98 biennium. Dr. Judith Carlson, SC, represented the Southeast Region.

1997 Regional Conferences
The program, "A Safe Environment Legislation on the Move for Children," it eluded a keynote address, focus groups that discussed and developed resolutions centering on safe and caring environments, and the passage of two resolutions for support of the Hatch-Kennedy CHILD Act and for the United States to sign at the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Becoming a legislative advocate was emphasized.

March 1998
National Legislative Seminar - Washington, D.C. The first national legislative seminar, scheduled over four days, featured over 25 speakers, over 100 attendees from 31 states, visits to 49 representatives and 37 senators. Senate and House committee hearings, skills development workshops, and a session of the full Senate in action.

1998 International Convention
Dr. Lois Hanison-Jones called members to action to become involved in coalitions with other groups and to take a stand on policy issues. The following resolutions and action items were passed: On the Convention of The Rights Of The Child; Society of Promise; Support The Ribbon of Promise Campaign to End School Violence; Support the Issuance of the "Stop the Violence" Stamp Design; Study a Legislative Advocate for the United States Members; Support New York State Organization in their Mission for Annie Webb Blanton to be inducted into the Hall of Fame; and Proposal for Reorganizing The Steering Committee for the U.S. Forum. Dr. Jackie Abbott, CT, was elected Chair '98-'00. In 1998, Dr. Angela Bedenbaugh, Editor, began the U.S. Forum Connection.

2000 International Convention
Joy Lauderbaugh, WA, elected Chair for the '00-'02 biennium. Recommended U.S. Forum State Representative and State Legislative Chair be the same person. Proposed a National Legislative Advocate. Scheduled A National Legislative Seminar for March 2002

2002 National Legislative Seminar
Co-chairs were Dr. Jacqueline Abbott, CT, and Linda McCrary, TN

2002 International Convention
Dr. Mona Chang Bierra, HI, was elected chair for the '02-'04 biennium.

2004 International Convention
Doris Parsons-Nexbit, FL, was elected chair for the '04-'06 biennium.

2006 International Convention
Peggy King, LA, was elected chair for the '06-'08 biennium. Sharing a passion for Civic Action.

2008 International Convention
Dr. MaryAnn Roldan, CO, was elected chair for the '08-'10 Platform issues: The repeal of WEP/GPO pension offsets that take away Social Security earned benefits, Women’s Health related issues, Education Reform of the No Child Left Behind Law, Pay Equity, and Funding for Public Schools.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR STATES/CHAPTERS

• Provide information through speakers, panel discussion, handouts, etc
• Visit organizations or facilities that relate to the identified need or issue.
• Contact local and state representatives/legislators.
• Involve members in lobbying efforts at all levels.
• Build coalitions with other organizations or civic/community groups which are concerned with the same issues.
• Invite chapters to study, plan, and execute actions.
• Network, volunteer expertise, advocate for education.
• Attend the NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SEMINARS
• Provide regular communication with states/regions/headquarters.