This article addresses frequently asked questions regarding the Society for Community Research & Action’s (SCRA) 7th Biennial Conference on Community Research and Action, held in 1999. The information is organized by topic for easy navigation.
What is the Society for Community Research & Action?
The Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) is Division 27 of the American Psychological Association. It encompasses various disciplines focused on community research and action. More information is available on the SCRA website.
When was the 7th Biennial Conference on Community Research and Action?
The conference commenced with an evening poster session and reception on Wednesday, June 9, 1999, and concluded in the afternoon of Saturday, June 12, 1999. The formal welcome occurred on Thursday morning, June 10, 1999.
Where was the conference located?
The conference took place at Yale University and the Omni Hotel in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. The campus is situated in downtown New Haven, near theaters, museums, and diverse restaurants. The New Haven Green, surrounded by historic buildings, is nearby. Conference sessions were held in the renovated Linsley-Chittenden Hall and at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. Both locations were fully accessible.
Whom do I contact regarding disability accommodations?
For disability accommodations related to housing or conference facilities, contact Sheila Rogers at 203/789-7645 or [email protected] by May 1, 1999.
Was childcare available?
On-site childcare services were not provided. A list of potential childcare providers could be obtained by contacting Jane Shepard at The Consultation Center at (203) 789-7645 or via email to Sheila Rogers: [email protected].
What was the weather like in New Haven during June?
New Haven’s June weather is typically mild, around 70-80°F. Current weather conditions can be found at the National Weather Service’s Northeast Weather Center.
Whom do I contact for more information?
Refer to the contact information provided on the conference site.
How much did the conference cost?
Registration fees (excluding lodging) were:
A late fee of $30 was applied to registrations after May 7, 1999. All fees were in US funds.
What was included in the conference fee?
The fee included admission to sessions, the keynote address, the SCRA Distinguished Award address, a conversation hour, Thursday evening dinner with entertainment, all meals (except Friday dinner and Saturday lunch), refreshments, and daily continental breakfast (at conference hotels or session sites).
Where did I send my registration form and fee?
Mail to:
Biennial Conference on Community Research & Action Yale Conference Services 246 Church Street, Suite 101 New Haven, CT USA 06510
What was the registration deadline?
The deadline for on-time registration was May 7, 1999. A $30.00 late fee applied after this date. Discounted hotel rates were guaranteed for reservations made before May 7, 1999.
What was the refund policy?
Cancellations before June 2, 1999, received a full refund less a $25.00 administrative charge. No refunds were issued after June 2, 1999.
How could I obtain the registration form?
The form was available for download from the conference website. Adobe Acrobat Reader was required to view and print the form and could be downloaded from the Adobe Systems website.
When was registration confirmation sent?
Confirmations, parking information, maps, directions, and check-in details were mailed around May 7. Receipt was not guaranteed for registrations after May 7.
Was student financial assistance available?
Student travel awards were granted based on outstanding program submissions and awarded at the conference on June 10, 1999.
How do you get to New Haven, Connecticut?
New Haven is approximately 75 miles northeast of New York City, 125 miles southwest of Providence, and 175 miles southwest of Boston. Train service is available via Amtrak and Metro North Commuter Railroad. Tweed-New Haven Airport is the closest airport, served by US Airways Express. Bradley International Airport near Hartford is about 1 hour away. New York area airports (LaGuardia, Kennedy, or Newark) are 2-3 hours away, with shuttle services available. T. F. Green in Providence, RI, is 1.5 hours away and served by major airlines, including Southwest. Car rentals are available from Providence.
What ground transportation options were available without renting a car?
Connecticut Limousines (1-800-472-5466) provided shuttle service to Bradley International Airport (approximately $25 each way) and New York area airports (approximately $40.00 each way). Prime Time Shuttle (800-RED-VANS) also served Kennedy and LaGuardia airports. Reservations were recommended for both.
Were discounted airfares available?
Yes, Yale Travel Services at 1-800-858-YALE offered discounted fares on United Airlines and US Airways, and could assist with air and car rental needs.
What accommodation options were available?
Rooms were available on the Yale campus and at two nearby hotels with negotiated discount rates and accessible rooms. The Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale ($115 per night, including continental breakfast) was the site of several conference events (call 1-800-THE-OMNI). The Holiday Inn - New Haven ($75 per night single, $79 double, including continental breakfast) was a 15-minute walk from Old Campus (call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit www.holiday-inn.com). Specify the conference name when booking. Hotel reservations had to be made by May 7, 1999, to guarantee the rates. On-campus dormitory housing ($28 per night) was available on the Old Campus. Rooms shared a bath with 4-5 rooms, were not air-conditioned, and had spartan furnishings. There were no elevators in the four-story buildings. Linens and towels were provided. On-campus room reservations were made via the Conference Registration Form.
What area attractions were available?
New Haven and surrounding areas offered various attractions. Visit the State of Connecticut’s Tourism website and the City of New Haven’s Guide to New Haven website for information.
Was public parking available?
For those in campus housing, parking was available in a nearby public garage for approximately $7.00 per night. Parking was also available at the Omni and other public lots.
Who delivered the keynote address?
Frances Moore Lappe and Paul Martin DuBois, Co-Founders and Co-Directors of the Center for Living Democracy and the American News Service, delivered the keynote address. Dr. DuBois was also the National Director of the Institute for Racial and Ethnic Relations. Their keynote address on Thursday morning was entitled: “Bringing Democracy to Life.”
Were there other plenary sessions?
Yes. Seymour Sarason, a pioneer in community psychology and founder of the Yale Psychoeducational Clinic, spoke on Friday evening. Irwin Sandler also gave an address on Saturday morning as he accepted the SCRA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Theory and Research in Community Psychology.
How many conference sessions were there?
The conference included almost 200 posters and over 100 symposia, roundtable discussions, workshops, town meetings, exhibits, and innovative sessions.
Were continuing education units awarded?
Yes. The conference was approved for continuing education units from the American Psychological Association through the co-sponsorship of the Connecticut Psychological Association. The cost was $15; application materials were included in the conference packet. Certification units were also available for prevention specialists through the Connecticut Certification Board (no charge).
How could I obtain a copy of the conference program schedule?
An overview and final copy of the program were available for download from the conference website.
What special activities were scheduled for students?
There were mentoring breakfasts with fellows of SCRA each morning, a student meeting and social hour on Friday, and several sessions focused on student training and professional development.
What interest group meetings were scheduled?
All SCRA interest groups had scheduled meetings on the first two days of the conference during breakfast and lunch. Saturday allowed for follow-up meetings.