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 major 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 HatchKennedy 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-Nesbit, 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, Womens
Health related issues, Education Reform of the No Child Left Behind Law, Pay Equity, and
Funding for Public Schools.
2010 International Convention
Dr. Angela Bedenbaugh, MS, was elected chair for the '10-'12 biennium.
2012 International Convention
LaWalta (Wally) Turner, AZ, was elected chair in New York City in 2012-2014. A new
theme and logo was created. Theme: Legislation: a view of the future, keep informed.
Started Facebook page for discussion of issues. Dr. Beverly Helms, International President,
became the liasion from the Administrative Board to Forum Committee. 2012
International By Law changed proposed and passed in NYC saying the IP was liaison to
Forum Committee.

Logo:

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.

2014 International Convention

Judy Fox Jackson, TN, was elected chair in Indianapolis for the 2014-2016 biennium.