The Committee on Affiliate Societies, recently reconstituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. Haskell Norman, carried out two new functions, at the Annual Meeting, which were enthusiastically received.
At the first, 22 of the 29 Societies were represented at a dinner meeting of the Presidents of Affiliate Societies with the Officers of the Association, the Committee members, and the Executive Secretary. There was concensus that the meeting was long overdue and that increased communication between the Societies and the Association would be helpful in improving scientific programs, treatment centers, and postgraduate activities. The assembly recommended regular and continuing meetings of this nature, to include Program Chairmen and representatives of Extension Divisions and various post-graduate study groups.
The second function, designed especially for new members, attracted 17 of the 22 who had joined the Association in 1970. The Committee had arranged a seminar on psychoanalytic technique, conducted by Dr. Rudolph Loewenstein, for Thursday morning, and the Executive Committee met with the new members at a luncheon to explain the complex structure and functions of the Association and to invite their active participation. The group of new members decided to meet on their own in the future.
There was widespread feeling that these innovations will be useful for bringing about a closer relationship between the central organization and its Affiliate Societies and enlisting the early participation of younger members.