Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences
Themes and Deadlines

Check the AAFCS Web site for updates and additional information on these themes.

VOLUME 100 ISSUE 4, NOVEMBER 2008
Consumers: Pawns or Power Brokers in Today’s and Tomorrow’s Marketplace?

Internationally, there are recognized consumer rights. We also hear of patients’ rights, students’ rights, etc. in the context of seeking goods and services in the marketplace. Yet, is the consumer role, whether individual or collective, given credence in today’s dynamic marketplace, as producers and suppliers are often distant and sustainability is dominated by economics? How is FCS advocating, empowering, and educating today’s and tomorrow’s consumers?

Manuscripts due: April 7, 2008

VOLUME 101, ISSUE 1, JANUARY/WINTER 2009
Giving as a Way of Life: Its Benefits, Not its Costs

A former U.S. President recently wrote a book Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World. FCS professionals, individually and collectively, give generously of their time and talents. Giving is usually reciprocated with understanding from others and satisfaction for the giver. As AAFCS enters its second century, it is time to showcase our stories of giving, receiving, and changing the world (or one small part of it). Remember those in need of or grateful for what you can give or have given. What is their message?

Manuscripts due: May 5, 2008

VOLUME 101, ISSUE 2, APRIL/SPRING 2009 (Conference issue)
100 years of AAFCS—Reflections from the Past, Images for the Future

Pearl Buck said “One faces the future with one’s past.”  AAFCS’ first 100 years warrants reflection and vision for what has been accomplished, what needs to be accomplished and what will always be our challenges.  How can the first century be capsulated as the foundation for the next century?  What projects and events are being celebrated to recognize and respect our heritage?  What is written in 2009 will be our legacy to those in 2109.

Manuscripts due: August 4, 2008

VOLUME 101, ISSUE 3, SEPTEMBER/SUMMER 2009
Health and Wealth—Literacy a Prerequisite to Achieving Both

Research has linked health and wellness to adequacy of resources. Home Economics was founded, in part, to address critical public health issues of a growing population. More recently financial literacy for all periods of the life span and all groups has become the watchword of educators, policy makers, corporations, and organizations. Similarly, a proactive, responsible perspective for one’s health and wellness is advocated. It is time for FCS to forge a strong link between health and wealth as individuals and families are challenged daily to balance short term and the long-term needs and resources within their families and their communities. How is FCS forging the linkage that recognizes that the fullness of life is not measured in currency?

Manuscripts due: January 2, 2009

VOLUME 101, ISSUE 4, NOVEMBER/FALL 2009
Resiliency: Bouncing Back, Bouncing Higher—FCS Makes a Difference

Resiliency is bouncing back from stresses, shocks, risks, and challenges—both internal and external. Individuals, families, communities, and organizations need the capacity to gain strength, guidance, and learning from adversity. FCS research, programs, education, and advocacy have sought to build human capital via understanding, opportunities, and tools that explore and develop resilience over the long term. FCS has been a proponent of resiliency—how is resiliency being advanced by FCS professionals?

Manuscripts due: April 6, 2009