I think the best kept secret in town is that The American has become a very friendly place. It is important for us to get this message across to our many members who do not attend the meetings. But see for yourselves: Come visit us in San Diego.
The meetings of The American are well worth the time and money. We offer the most comprehensive psychoanalytic program in the country. In addition to our wonderful panels there are eighty discussion groups from which to select.
Everyone who attends, analysts and candidates alike, has the possibility of actively discussing issues that are important to our field. That is what makes our meetings unique. People can choose to participate at whatever level they feel comfortable. Some may simply wish to listen to scholars in the field discussing a topic of interest. Others may want to participate directly in the debate and still others may want to arrange to present a case where thoughtful and valuable feedback will certainly be given. There is an opportunity for every body to take part.
The Arrangements Committee, along with the Program Committee, is committed to being user-friendly. Because of the comprehensive nature of our program, which includes discussion groups, workshops, panels, and precirculated papers, we realize it might be a lot to take in for a newcomer.
Faculty members of the various institutes will be encouraged to go over the program with their candidates and members who are interested, to help them learn their way around, and to feel less intimidated and more welcome at the meetings. Also, someone from both the Program Committee and the Arrangements Committee will be available at the meetings for an hour on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the program with anyone who wants advice about what to attend.
We believe that participation in these meetings help consolidate an analyst's identity, stimulate creativity and continued interest in the field, and promote positive feelings that are taken back to individual institutes. They are also great sources of friendships with colleagues from all over the world, and often of referrals.
Since newcomers might be a bit overwhelmed at first, we are looking for the social antidote. In addition to the events planned by The American, the Arrangements Committee is hoping to encourage each institute to find its own way of welcoming their own members to the meetings. For example, what we from Los Angeles did during the Fall Meeting, was have a Dutch treat dinner Wednesday night in New York.
Candidates, members, training analysts from both the Los Angeles and Southern California Psychoanalytic Institutes attended. Everyone had a great time. There was a sense of regional identity. The dinner allowed new attendees to feel at home in a distant city.
As you might imagine we are already planning our second semiannual event for this next meeting in San Diego.
We are interested in hearing any ideas about making the meetings more user-friendly. If you have any ideas or questions, please telephone me at 310-826-1281 or E-mail me at . Hope to see you in San Diego!
Sharon Zalusky is the Arrangements Committee co-chair.