Hi All!

Since Emily (our esteemed student rep) was dealing with a canceled
flight, I took some notes from the student meeting on the last day of
SI in Chicago. I'm especially glad to see members joining who were not
able to make the meeting!! Way to spread the word!

Here's what was discussed:

1) The importance of different perspectives in our work. Many of us
are being trained in programs with other orientations, so finding ways
to talk to those coming from different traditions will be something
for us to practice. Not only will it be important for us to invite
those from other traditions to ACBS conferences, but it will also be
important for us to continue to move into other traditions by
attending other conferences continually (e.g., ABCT, APA, other
specific topic area conferences such as ISTSS, etc.).

2) Expanding the community beyond specific schools for research
collaboration, general supervision support, etc. The first step of
this is to create this listserv! Specific issues mentioned were
duplications of research projects, not knowing who might be able to
support others in research ideas, etc. This is where informal
mentoring can be our best asset. Rather than burden individuals, let's
use each other and share our knowledge in the true spirit of ACBS.

3) Continue open discussion of how to fit ACT/RFT into our other
training traditions, especially when some students are getting very
little supervision.

4) Discussion of the possibility of having shared lab meetings,
visiting other labs, etc. in order to get a larger flavor for the work.

5) Keeping in touch about ACT-friendly internships -- and posting our
general impression of them (let's be respectful but honest) on this
listserv.

6) Discussion about future conferences. Emily agreed to let us know
when ACBS is making moves for the structure of the SI/World
conferences and to allow us a voice through her. Sharing our ideas
with each other about how to afford conferences (sharing
hotels/hostels, recommendations for cheap lodging, fundraisers, etc.).

7) Childcare at conferences. Possibility of grass roots childcare
options if people wanted to bring their families to conferences.

8) I propose the list to be a place for us to post questions, ask for
help, etc. There might be cross-posting on the ACT or RFT listservs,
but I think that's probably a good thing. We don't want to disappear
on those lists because we're talking here, or vice versa. Let's use
this student community for specific needs and post to the larger
community when relevant. Other thoughts?

It was a lively discussion and I know Chad, Lindsay, Emily and I were
especially excited to see so much involvement. Let's keep our voices
heard in this community. We have so much to contribute, and we're in
such a great position to affect change. Please let others know about
this community who are students... we're very much open to growth!

Peace,
Jen Plumb