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When developing a team to work on SoF reports, there are a number of considerations that should be taken into account, including:

  • Expertise: Team members should have expertise in families and in the defined geographic area that the SoF report will focus on.
  • Interdisciplinarity: Teams should be interdisciplinary, with members from different disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, and public policy.
  • Collaboration: Team members should be able to collaborate effectively with each other.
  • Leadership: Teams should be led by a PhD-level scholar or advanced doctoral candidate with experience in writing SoF reports.

In addition to these considerations, it is also important to consider the following when developing a team for SoF reports:

  • Team size: The size of the team will depend on the scope of the SoF report. Smaller teams may be more efficient, but larger teams may be able to cover a wider range of topics and perspectives.
  • Team composition: It is important to have a diverse team that includes scholars from different backgrounds and with different perspectives. This will help to ensure that the SoF report is comprehensive and inclusive.
  • Team dynamics: It is important to create a team environment that is supportive and collaborative. This will help to ensure that all team members feel valued and that they are able to contribute to the best of their ability.

Here are some tips for developing a team to work on SoF reports:

  • Identify potential team members: Start by identifying potential team members who have expertise in families and in the defined geographic area that the SoF report will focus on. You can do this by searching for scholars who have published in relevant journals, presented at conferences, or taught courses on the topic.
  • Reach out to potential team members: Once you have identified potential team members, reach out to them to see if they are interested in joining the team. Be sure to provide them with information about the project, including the scope of the SoF report, the timeline, and the expected contributions of team members.
  • Assemble the team: Once you have identified team members who are interested in joining the project, assemble the team and have a meeting to discuss the project and to develop a plan. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
  • Provide support and guidance: Throughout the project, it is important to provide support and guidance to team members. This may include providing feedback on drafts, helping to troubleshoot problems, and connecting team members with resources.

By following these considerations and tips, you can develop a team that is well-equipped to write a comprehensive and informative SoF report.

Anthony G. James, Jr. holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Sociology (with a minor in Military Science) from Lincoln University (MO). He is an associate professor in the Department of Family Science & Social Work at Miami University. He is the editor-in-chief of Marriage and Family Review. Dr. Jamesโ€™s research and thought leadership has appeared in Diverse Issue in Higher Education, TIME, and the Thrive Center for Human Development blog. He is the editor of Black Families: A Systems Approach, co-editor of Essays of Advice, and author of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Practical Guide.