By Victoria Harrison, Executive Director

Center for the Study of Natural Systems and the Family (CSNSF) was incorporated in October 1998 to provide educational and training programs in Texas, to connect research, and to offer clinical and community services based upon Bowen theory, the study of natural systems, and the family.  It has a particular mission to contribute toward integration of this knowledge by individuals within their fields and organizations.  Center programs will make unique contributions locally, throughout, the state, to Georgetown Family Center, and in the network of programs by people who study this theory.

The Board of Directors includes Victoria Harrison, Susan Munson, Louise Rauseo, and Elizabeth Smith.  An Advisory Board of leaders from various fields is in formation and currently includes Michael Kerr, M.D., Director of the Georgetown Family Center, Anne Jacobson, Ph.D., Dean of Cognitive Sciences Initiative at University of Houston, and Daryl Koehn, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Business Ethics at University of St. Thomas.  Tax-exempt status is pending IRS approval.

The number of individuals who want to study theory and contribute toward CSNSF is growing.  Sixty people have attended the first three conferences in the conference series, Future Tense: Factors that Impact Future Generations.  Louise Rauseo is directing a postgraduate training program in El Paso and teaching a class in Cd. Juarez, Mexico, with students who contribute toward developing programs there.  Individuals have volunteered leadership in guiding and funding non-profit incorporation, for producing the newsletter, Family Systems Forum, for investigating the formation of a training and demonstration clinic for health and mental health services, for developing a website for the Center, for funding video production, and for organizing publicity for the programs.

There are many ways where an individual can make contributions to CSNSF.  The most important contributions truly arise from using CSNSF as a resource to develop new knowledge, to address family and societal concerns, and to apply Bowen theory in one's own field.  People are welcome to contact members of the Board to talk about ways they may wish to put the Center to work.

Certainly, financial contributions are welcome.  While registration fees pay most of the program costs, contributions will allow research and demonstration projects to move more quickly.  The library of literature and audio and video material is expanding.  A location for Center programs will soon be possible.

Public information is the most expensive and perhaps most perplexing of challenges.  The best source of information about these programs is someone who has found them valuable.  I plan to dedicate more time to expanding contacts with people, as must others.  This will leave administrative tasks for those who want to do them.

Contributions of time and leadership are welcome.

The first year will be one of "trial and error," rich with learning.  It is vital that leadership at the Center for the Study of Natural Systems and the Family be directed by theory and by work on differentiation of self.  That starts with me.  I proceed with gratitude for the work ahead.