Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists
(Founded in 1935 as the Association of Social Science Teachers)
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The
theme of this year’s conference, "Social Scientists: Facilitating
Social, Economic, Business, and Political Change" calls our attention
to very important issues confronting the United States of America. Never
before, to my knowledge, has there been a greater need to address such
important and timely issues. We are at a point in time where not only must
we investigate from a scholarly perspective such issues but we must move our
agenda forward to act on them.
As ASBS president, I am confident that this year’s annual meeting in Pooler, Georgia, will allow the opportunity to interact with each other, exchange research findings, and develop strategies that will assist communities to achieve goals that are important to and defined by them. It is our moral responsibility to lend our knowledge and expertise to help improve the lives of all oppressed peoples but particularly peoples of African descent. The cross that we must bear is no less important today than it has been in the past. Some would even argue and there is empirical data to support the contention, that the cross has become heavier, the light dimmer, and the future more problematic. However, I am convinced that through our collective efforts change can and must be effectively instituted. The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, Inc. has been a trailblazer in bringing to the public's attention the horrendous social conditions that influence and define people's lives. We must continue in that tradition by demanding that our elected officials take a proactive stance in improving the lives of millions of U.S. citizens. It is unacceptable for us to sit passively and revel in our personal laurels; we must stand up, speak out, and take a stand. Furthermore, we must let that stand be known to all that we will no longer tolerate the indignities, injustices, and oppression leveled against people euphemistically referred to as "outsiders." This is our call, this is our challenge, the decision has to be made -what will it be?
This program could not have been effectively planned without the assistance of many individuals including Dr. Chigbo Ofong and his local arrangements committee, Dr. Mary Myles, Executive Director of ASBS, the Executive Committee of ASBS, and Dr. Alton R. Kirk, President-Elect of our organization. The social and research activities and presentations planned for this year's program are a direct result of their efforts and I commend them for their dedication and commitment to the organization.
Welcome to the sixty-sixth meeting of the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, Incorporated.
Thomas C. Calhoun
ASBS President - 2000-2001
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska