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A History of CAPS West

This purpose of this history is to provide a record of the activities of CAPS West in order to help members gain a deeper and broader understanding of the organization. Hopefully, those who are entrusted with leading CAPS West in the present will be assisted by understanding its past.

This history is a perpetually changing document, as it is updated on an ongoing basis. This document was originally treated as one file, with each update integrated into the body of the narrative. The 1973-1993 narrative is actually a compilation of four different histories having several contributors. Each contributor would rewrite and edit the entire history each time. After that, however, it was decided to simply add new sections to the document for each period of time from that point on, because (a) with all of the editing and research, the description of CAPS West’s first 20 years now stands well on its own as an unique and foundational part of CAPS West history, and because (b) this format will make historical referencing easier for the reader. Since 1999, the Board’s current Past-President functions as historian for that year, each, in turn, makes an annual contribution to this document.

Contributors:

WACPS History: Don Tweedie, PhD, compiling; Craig Ellison, PhD, editing
1983: Frank Hamilton, PhD, amplification and updating
1988: Bob King, PhD, editing and updating; Len Cerny, PhD, compiling
1993: John Free, PhD, updating
1999: John Townsend, PhD, and Mack Goldsmith, PhD, editing and updating
2001: W. Mack Goldsmith, PhD, updating

This is a history of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Western Region (CAPS West), which had previously been established and existed for approximately six years as the Western Association of Christians for Psychological Studies (WACPS, of "Wack-puss," according to Donald F. Tweedie, Jr., PhD) The Board is grateful for this "labor of love" from all its contributors, because it was no easy job to dig though records and interview people to develop a written record of our past. If any members of CAPS, particularly charter members of WACPS/CAPS West, have an interest in history and wish to add to, amend or correct this history, they are encouraged to contact the Board of CAPS West.

Thank you. We hope you enjoy reading about our historical heritage.

Since the beginning of psychology as an academic discipline, there has been a cleavage between the rigorous, scientific and "hard-headed" psychological discipline on the one hand and Christian faith on the other. Not so long ago, contributor Frank Hamilton, PhD was asked how it was possible to be a "born-again Christian" and a psychologist at the same time. The two identities appeared to the questioner, as to many persons, to be like oil and water. Not only was psychology in the main non-religious, it was in part anti-religious and in particular anti-Christian. In America this was due to the influence of experimental psychologists such as Watson, those who followed him and clinicians such as Freud. However, in 1952 in Grand Rapids, Michigan there was a conference called the "Calvinistic Conference on Christianity, Psychiatry and Psychology." This was the beginning of an organized group which soon became the Christian Association for Psychological Studies. CAPS grew and had members spread far and wide geographically and across theological positions. Its roots were significantly based in the Christian Reformed and Reformed Church groups. CAPS was based primarily in the Midwest, even though there were many Christians interested in psychology on the western side of the Continental Divide. While there were a few CAPS members west of the Rockies, there was no organized group or chapter of CAPS in the region.

In February, 1973 an invitation was extended to Craig Ellison, PhD, who was at that time a teacher at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, to join the newly formed National Advisory Council of CAPS in regards to the then current emphasis of CAPS towards becoming a nationally representative organization of Christians who were professionally interested in psychology. Craig accepted the invitation and felt that he should actively explore the desires of the Christian professionals in the Western United States regarding 1) their desire for any kind of organized affiliation and 2) which specific form of organization they wished. Willard Harley, Sr., M.A., has in his possession a list which was a roster of Christians interested in psychiatry and psychology. That list, combined with a list of names contributed by CAPS, became the initial mailing list. Funding for mailing the notice about a "West Coast Conference of Christian Psychologists/Counselors" and others interested in the mental health disciplines was authorized by Carl Dodrill, PhD, who somehow found the funds in the Psychology Department at Westmont College.

Thus, in 1973 an initial conference of Christian psychologists and counselors took place at Westmont. It was primarily workshop-oriented with addresses by Bruce Narramore, PhD and Robert Baker, PhD. Dr. Baker was a CAPS board member who was flown out from Michigan by CAPS to represent them. At that conference a provisional board of directors of the Western Association was named. The following people made up the provisional Board of Directors: Chairman: Craig Ellison, PhD; Vice-Chairman: Bruce Narramore, PhD; Secretary-Treasurer: Joe Schuyler, PhD; plus Willard Harley, Sr., M.A., Vernon Lewis, PhD, Keith Olson, PhD, Lloyd Schoen, PhD, Ken Shrable, PhD, Judd Swihart, PhD, Leroy Train, PhD, and Don Tweedie, PhD Also, a few area coordinators were appointed at that time, such as Keith Olson, PhD, in San Diego; Lloyd Schoen, PhD in Los Angeles; Bruce Trotter, PhD, in South Central California; Eugene Gibbs, PhD, in Central California and Bay area, and Carl Dodrill, PhD, in Northern Oregon and Washington.

The dominant feeling at that time among the WACPS Provisional Board of Directors was a desire for at least partial autonomy from the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). It was felt that there was much value in having membership in a group with more direct member benefits than seemed available through the national organization. At the same time, however, there was a positive desire to cooperate and affiliate with CAPS. Thus, during the summer of 1973 communications were made with CAPS regarding the proposal for affiliate status. CAPS rejected this proposal primarily due to its own constitutional and financial structures, but the CAPS Board of Directors gave a cordial invitation to the West Coast group to become a full chapter of CAPS. After discussing, praying, discussing further, consulting with CAPS, more prayer and finally more discussion the West Coast group decided unanimously that a completely separate organization should be established. Further, it was felt that CAPS needed more clearly to develop its notion of regional chapters and that CAPS should consider reconstruction of its association.

The decision to form an independent association was made with the idea that the fullest cooperation was to be extended towards CAPS with recognition of the possibility of future merger. The original name of the West Coast group was the Western Association of Christians in the Behavioral Sciences (WACBS). The purpose of this organization was to be the vehicle for a) communication between professionals and practitioners, b) fellowship, c) professional exchange and d) education and service. During subsequent monthly meetings of the provisional board, the association's by-laws were drawn up as well as a slate of candidates for board positions. In December of 1973 the name was changed to Western Association of Christians for Psychological Studies (WACPS) because of possible negative connotations with the term "behavioral science" and because the Association's purposes seemed to be restricted primarily to the understanding and assistance of human beings as psycho-spiritual entities. The concept of WACPS was an idea whose time had come, as indicated by the fact that there were 286 members by the end of the first business year, June 1974-May 1975!

The first WACPS Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1, was published in January 1974. However, it was not the very first newsletter in that there was an unofficial yet informative one done by Marilyn Marsic, who reported on the first (1973) West Coast Conference. The first editor of the official WACPS Newsletter was Phil Sutherland, PhD

On May 5, 1974 the first election results were announced at the convention, which was held that year at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Academic Representative to the Board was Newton Malony, PhD; Applied Representative was Rex Rook, PhD; Research Representative; Keith Edwards, PhD; President, Ken Shrable, PhD; President-Elect, Bruce Narramore, PhD; Secretary- Treasurer, Judd Swihart, PhD; Regional Representatives, Doug Bol, PhD, Will Harley, Sr., MA, Stanley Lindquist, PhD, Keith Olson, PhD, and Dene Simpson, PhD The new organization owed much to Craig Ellison for its existence and, in years to come, for its viability and growth. He served faithfully and effectively as Regional Director until May 1983, when he left to serve on the faculty of Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York. Thus CAPS West became the recipient of his labor of love in this capacity for an entire decade.

As previously mentioned, there was a continuing desire to unite in some way with the national CAPS organization. Cooperation between CAPS and WACPS was demonstrated tangibly in the joint convention of 1976, which took place at the Francisco Torres Hotel in Santa Barbara. That convention had the largest attendance (more than 450) of any CAPS convention to that date from 1952, when CAPS first formed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an attendance figure which was not surpassed until 1991. The excellence of the convention, the professional growth and warm fellowship experienced there, all combined to reinforce the idea of WACPS and CAPS merging. Thus, a liaison committee headed by Don Tweedie was set up by the WACPS Board of Directors to interact with a committee of CAPS on this idea. The committees were to explore the desirability and possibility of merger of the two organizations. Problem areas to be addressed included theological, economic and geographical issues. It was felt very strongly by the WACPS board that those areas of concern had to be faced directly as the WACPS membership would want to feel comfortable in those areas. Also, it was felt that WACPS should continue unabated in its activities and development even while exploring the possibility of merger. To say the least, there was ambivalence on some of these issues at the WACPS Board meetings held during that time.

In any case, correspondence and conferences of the CAPS and WACPS committees led to a review of the CAPS Constitution, with special reference to WACPS theological concerns. The outcome of the liaison was a revision to the CAPS Constitution that met all the concerns of the WACPS committee, the Board and, as it turned out, from a special election, the vast majority of the membership. The statement of faith, as it now exists, was hammered out at WACPS Board meetings and later at CAPS committee meetings. It says:

The basis of CAPS is belief in God, the Father, who creates and sustains us; Jesus Christ, the Son, who redeems and rules us; the Holy Spirit, who guides us personally and professionally, through God's inspired Word, the Bible, our infallible guide of faith and conduct, and through the communion with Christians.

The financial arrangements between WACPS and CAPS were seen as almost equally important to a successful and mutually beneficial merger. WACPS suggested that if it were to become an official CAPS region, this would necessitate a refund from CAPS annual dues to our local budget of $20 for each regular member and $8 for each associate member. At first this seemed impossible to the CAPS Board, as they felt that their budget could not sustain regional refunds. Also, a rebate could be seen by other regions as a special privilege that they did not have at that time. However, after much prayer and discussion, the CAPS Board and subsequently the CAPS members voted unanimously to accept this proposal. Don Tweedie, PhD, then wrote an historical summery which was published in the May-June, 1978 issue of the WACPS Newsletter to explain the merger proposal. Soon after this, the WACPS membership voted to join with CAPS, effective on January 1, 1979. Thereafter WACPS became known as CAPS West. During that time of transition Stan Lindquist, PhD, was serving our organization as the President of WACPS and ended his term as President of CAPS West.

The steady, encouraging growth of WACPS continued after it became the Western Region of CAPS, even though there were some difficulties, stresses and tribulations during the early years of the "marriage" that followed the "courtship" between WACPS and CAPS. Also, the inflationary cycle in our national economy during the late 1970's and early 1980's caused increases in operating costs and services to members, with resultant increases in dues, which nobody wanted, especially in a non-profit organization whose elected officers and Board members serve without pay. CAPS West (along with CAPS) has grown primarily because it is an association of Christians in the helping professions that earnestly desires to be within the will of God while carrying out its purposes (paraphrased from the constitutions of CAPS/CAPS West):

1. Communicating academic, scientific and personal information and action about the interface between Christian faith and psychology.
2. Enjoying fellowship with other Christians in the helping professions.
3. Promoting and providing professional and educational services in the Christian community.
4. Witnessing about our faith and profession to the community with love.

The membership data for WACPS/CAPS West illustrate that the purposes of our association have been meeting the needs, and the desire to serve, of the membership (see membership figures in data section).

While CAPS West represented about 40% of the CAPS International membership upon merging (effective 1979) and for several years after that, the entire membership has been pleased to note that the other five regions have been growing rapidly during the last few years, especially those which have borrowed some ideas from the CAPS West model for regional organization, area chapters, activities and services to members.

Speaking of services and activities, during 1981-1982, Bob King, PhD, surveyed the CAPS West membership for opinions on the relative importance of the purposes of CAPS West. From a response sample (N= 272 out of approximately 500 persons), the results were as follows: (refer to the more complete description of purposes above, if desired).

1. Communications/integration: 34.6%
2. Fellowship: 17.6%
3. Educational services: 16.5%
4. Witnessing: 5.1 %
5. All of the above, because sharing faith is interwoven with all the purposes: 37.1%

(The sum exceeds 100% because a vote for choice number 5 was permitted in addition to a vote for one of the preceding choices).

Several persons who were instrumental in founding and supporting WACPS/CAPS West have already been mentioned. Those persons would be quick to agree that the strength of our association, at least in human terms, has been the membership. Without the membership sharing and supporting the vision of the association's founders, WACPS would have withered and faded away. The members have contributed countless hours in supporting local area activities, taking part in min-conventions and annual conventions, providing both up-front and behind-the-scenes service voluntarily at conventions, and contributing both time and money. It would thus be impossible to name all the persons who have made WACPS/CAPS West a vibrant association of Christians in the helping professions. Even so, several noteworthy contributors of service need to be mentioned. For example, our Newsletter Editors have served faithfully and often without remuneration, truly a "labor of love.” Information on Editors is listed in the data section.

Paul Poelstra, PhD, maintained the address list and “tamed” the computer for CAPS West from 1975-87. His unsung and dedicate service was invaluable. Another area of service, also unpaid, had been Secretary-Treasurer. Persons who have filled this post are listed in the data section.

Initial vision for WACPS and ongoing service and continuity was provided by Craig Ellison, PhD, who was Chairman of the Provisional Board of Directors, then Executive Director of WACPS, with his title next changing to Regional Director in 1979, when WACPS became CAPS West. The responsibility of leading and serving remained the same, only the job title changed. Craig served until summer, 1983. Bob King, PhD, became Regional Director at that time, serving until spring, 1988, when he became the Executive Secretary of CAPS International and Leonard J. Cerny, II, PhD, became the CAPS West Regional Director. Since the position has typically required the equivalent time and efforts of a quarter-time job, and since continuity has been desired as elected Board members have changed to keep the position impartial, the Director has been/is an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Board. The Regional Director had been a paid position on the Board or among convention workers since the origin of WACPS/CAPS West.

Two others areas of service deserve mention of names: the President and the Distinguished Member. The President serves a three-year, elected term of office, one year as President-Elect, one year as President and thus Chair of the Board, then one year as Past-President and Historian. The Distinguished Member is a person honored, when appropriate, for "significant contribution to CAPS as an organization" and for making a "significant contribution in the area of publications, inspirational spirit, organizational activity, or professional presentations to the scientific community or to the public at large.” He or she must also have been a member of CAPS for five years (except the first two recipients). Presidents and Distinguished Members are listed in the data section.

In 1983, the CAPS West Board, acting on suggestions from the membership, established the Art Rech Memorial Award to recognize meritorious service in pastoral counseling. The award was named in honor of past member Arthur P. Rech, who passed away in December 1982 from cancer. The recipient of the Art Rech Memorial Award is a parish minister who emphasizes pastoral counseling in both training and practice, and "exemplifies Christian love" in his or her ministry. He or she must also have been a member of CAPS for three or more years. Recipients are listed in the data section.

A special, one time award designated the Meritorious Service Award was presented in 1986 to Larry Ferguson, PhD, for ten years of volunteer, elected service as Secretary-Treasurer. A unique award was merited for unique and selfless service, not only to CAPS West, but also to CAPS.

An important, ongoing feature of WACPS/CAPS West from its inception has been an annual convention. In fact, the formal birth of WACPS took place at a workshop-oriented conference in Santa Barbara in May 1973. While the locations and themes of the conventions throughout the history of WACPS/CAPS West have varied widely, the conventions traditionally have been designed to meet the need of our membership. Those needs, not necessarily in the order of importance, have been and continue to be for (a) fellowship with Christians in the helping professions, (b) professional education and growth, (c) fun and frolic with colleagues, friends and families, (d) worship opportunities, and (e) encouraging students.

The conventions have also provided a convenient opportunity to hold our annual business meeting and to announce the results of the yearly election, since WACPS/CAPS West had traditionally desired to be sensitive to the needs of the members and thus to be governed by elected representatives of the membership to the Board. Also, the conventions have been the ideal forum to recognize the person who receives the Distinguished Member Award and Art Rech Memorial Award when given, as discussed previously.

CAPS West, as one of six geographical regions of CAPS International, now includes the following states and provinces, listed in alphabetical order: Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Manitoba, Nevada, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah and Washington. By 1990, there were 23 local areas defined for CAPS West plus four specialized chapters at hospitals or graduate schools. The groups, led by an Area Coordinator, get together for regular fellowship, professional growth and service to members and communities. Some, however, were quite small in membership and met infrequently.

At one time, WACPS/CAPS West also included Colorado, Montana, North Dakota (western half), South Dakota (western half) and Wyoming, which became part of the CAPS Rocky Mountains/Plains Region (formerly called "North Central"). Also, New Mexico was part of CAPS West, but was transferred to the CAPS Southwest Region (formerly called "South Central"). While such divestitures of territory and members have helped the other contiguous CAPS regions to grow and have made it more convenient for members to attend regional conventions, CAPS West has missed its "western" neighbors and has experience concomitant disruptions of its membership growth pattern.

While CAPS West has the largest membership (approximately 750 persons) of any of the six CAPS regions, the relatively short life of WACPS/CAPS West (only 21 years old, barely the age of "majority") has illustrated from the very beginning that resting on laurels or getting complacent because of success is not one of the characteristics of our associations. Thus, it is typical of our CAPS West Board that during 1982-83 it considered and approved some forward looking ideas of Craig Ellison, PhD, which have since been designated "New Directions." The "new directions," which have received modest funding, plus support and encouragement from interested members, include: (1) becoming actively involved in the formation of public policy and legislative decision making processes in the areas in which we have expertise; (2) working with groups such as the Family Research Council and the North American Social Science Network to strengthen individual and family life and directions, consistent with conservative Judeo-Christian values; (3) working cooperatively with other groups to provide strength and resources to Christian students who face challenges to their faith in secular colleges and universities; and (4) encouraging and participating in sharing one's Christian faith in the professional setting.

This brief history of WACPS/CAPS West ends on such a note; that is, a look into the future with "new directions" or -- perhaps more appropriately -- "additional directions," because the needs that caused the formation of WACPS in Santa Barbara in 1973 are still relevant. We still enjoy fellowship, professional growth, and integration of our Christian faith with our helping ministries, and reaching out in love to others. As we consider our past, present and future as an association of Christians in the helping professions, let us agree with each other and with God to see His guidance and protection in all the decisions made and actions taken. Further, let us heed the scriptural injunction that whatever we do, let us do it heartily as unto the Lord.

The next five years (1993-1998) brought about significant changes for CAPS West, affecting several different aspects of the organization.

Membership decrease. First, membership declined during this period, a trend that brought about much thought, concern and study. Three factors seemed to have had major influence: (a) Managed care deeply affected the entire clinical industry. Clinicians encountered financial constraints, which in turn affected their choices of what professional organizations they could afford to join. Managed care also influenced how clinicians spent their discretionary time. Many found themselves attending seminars on attaining panel membership and developing insurance-based relationships, which affected how available they were for CAPS-based activities. (b) Mandatory Continuing Education requirements affected membership also. Individuals often had to decide whether or not to be involved in an organization based not on clinical, integrational or relational interests, but on whether or not they could acquire CE units for their licensure. (c) Other Christian counseling professional organizations, such as the American Association for Christian Counselors, necessitated more decisions of which organizations to join. (d) The initial excitement of the 50’s-70’s about the prospects for a sound, productive integration of psychology and theology waned as the task proved more daunting than early proponents thought.

CAPS West became aggressive in dealing with all these issues. By 1998, the trend seemed to have changed. Hopefully, membership increase will continue.

Convention changes. Annual conventions have historically been a foundational part of CAPS West. However, in 1996, for the first time in the organization’s history, there was no convention held. This was due to a lack of available personnel to handle the event. Additionally, convention profits suffered during this time, due to either low attendance or high operations. As conventions are an important revenue source for CAPS West, this has been an issue of much enquiry and study.

The “Troika.” A crisis in leadership of sorts occurred in 1995 when Regional Director John Free, PhD, who had served faithfully for several years following Len Cerny, PhD, announced his upcoming resignation. The function of the Regional Director is a critical one. The Director implements many of the decisions of the Board. Without the “glue” of the Regional Director, CAPS West would have had an extremely difficult time functioning. It is relevant that membership and convention issues were in turmoil at this time period. In addition, no one person was found both competent and available to take on this position for CAPS West.

In response, Mack Goldsmith, PhD, a longtime CAPS West leader, had an idea. He proposed an alliance between himself, Ken Shrable, PhD, and Gerald Frincke, PhD, also longtime leaders and all present or retired professors in the California State University system. Mack’s concept was to share the duties of the Regional Director between the three of them, a.k.a. the “Troika.” The Board accepted the proposal in 1996, and they performed their duties throughout the remainder of this period.

It is difficult to overestimate the value of the Troika to CAPS West during this period. These men had already contributed greatly to the organization for many years. At a time of their lives when they could have justifiably slowed down their involvements in CAPS West, they instead volunteered to help the organization once again, for an indefinite period of time, even foregoing stipends, in order to help the difficult financial situation. CAPS West will always be deeply grateful to the Troika for holding it together during this period of struggle. When the Troika began to operate, the organization began to experience significantly more stability and growth.

The Internet. During this period, CAPS West’s use of the Internet began to become significant. Gerald Frincke, PhD, was instrumental in developing CAPS’ Web page and a discussion list group. Mack Goldsmith, PhD, acquired a list of email addresses of CAPS West members, and used this to keep them in touch with the organization on a personal and encouragement level. In addition, in 1996, the Board voted to make motions and vote by email. The Internet was beginning to become a useful tool for recruitment and operations.

Death of Dr. Bob King. The passing of Bob King, PhD, on March 7 1997 was a deep loss for all who knew and loved him, both within and without CAPS. For many years, Bob had been a foundational, creative and energetic leader in the organization, and at many levels. CAPS will always be grateful for Bob’s presence in our lives. He is survived by his wife, Mary, who partnered with him in CAPS involvement. Mary currently maintains involvement on the CAPS West Board.

This period of time, while difficult, forced CAPS West to rethink its mission and strategies. Hopefully, the changes put into place will continue to bear good fruit for God’s kingdom.

1998-1999. This was a year in which the CAPS West Board emphasized several critical aspects of growth. Much of this had to do with responding to the many issues raised in the previous five year period.

Committee development. The Board decided to develop its committee structures in order to address important issues in a more focused manner. In addition to its two standing committees, Finance and Nominations, the Board added four ad hoc ones: Membership (recruiting and retention of members); Continuing Education (developing CE from convention to chapter levels); Conventions (finding suitable sites for future conventions); and Constitution (revision issues). The formation of these groups helped to target problems, goals and strategies of CAPS West’s mission more effectively.

Chapter emphasis. The Board began emphasizing the importance of chapter development as critical to its goals. They provide integrational stimulation, relationships and are now venturing into CE as offerings that have a great deal of value to Christian mental health professionals. During this period of the organization’s history, chapters may be its lifeblood and its future. The Board committed itself to supporting chapters in several ways. For example, the Membership Committee assigned Board members to be in personal contact with the chapter area coordinators for support and problem-solving. Also, a “Round Robin Email” was introduced, in which area coordinators were able to brainstorm together about their respective chapter issues around the Western region. Chapter and membership data for 1999 are presented in the data section.

CE emphasis. As mentioned previously, CE often determines whether or not an individual will spend his or her time and money attending an event. In addition, CE requirements for California psychologists are different from others’, which makes the issue a complex one. CAPS West moved toward being a provider of CE for many licensures and states, at convention, regional and chapter levels. For example, the San Gabriel Valley chapter in southern California is currently offering CE to both psychologists and MFTs at its meetings, with significant responses. We hope to see more development here.

Newsletter issues. The Newsletter continued to increase in quality. It has consistently been an effective connection vehicle for CAPS West, and has begun generating significant revenues from advertising. The Newsletter stands to be a central point in the organization’s future development.

Quality emphasis. CAPS West is not the largest organization of its kind. However, it is striving to provide cutting-edge clinical and research expertise, integration, fellowship and service to the Christian mental health world. We hope this offering makes us unique to prospective and current members.

End of the Troika. The year1999 also signified the end of the Troika. Ken Shrable, PhD, resigned for health and family reasons. Gerry Frincke, PhD, resigned to follow a calling from God to pastoral and perhaps missionary work. Mack Goldsmith, PhD, elected to stay on as Regional Director for an indefinite period of time. Efforts are underway to assist him in his current position.

Pastoral award. A one-time award was given to Rev. Jim Gaffney at the 1998 convention. This Pastoral Award was given to the pastor whose work reflected the best alliance with the goals and values of CAPS West.

This was an eventful year in the history of CAPS West. We have appreciated all that CAPS members have contributed in terms of support, energy and ideas this year.

During 1999-2000, led by President Claudia Grauf-Grounds, PhD, the Board began functioning regularly and effectively using the Committee structures. Several significant developments occurred to further the mission of CAPS West.

The Conventions Committee determined a schedule of future conventions through 2003, and dealt with the issue of the changing roles of conventions in terms of motivations (fellowship vs. continuing education). They devised a shortened, streamlined plan for future conventions. In addition, the Committee began exploring the idea of contracting out with Tampa-based Meeting Management Group to do conferences for CAPS-West.

The Continuing Education Committee continued to think through and refine the various models of Continuing Education credits that are needed in the profession. As mentioned earlier, licensed people were able to earn credits on both the chapter and conference levels.

The Nominations Committee maintained the essential continuity of leadership of CAPS-West, during a difficult period in which several Board members either were ending their tenures or had resigned early from their positions.

The Membership Committee took responsibility for oversight of the Newsletter and the CAPS-West Website. Both entities went through intensive developments in their effectiveness in helping retain members and reach nonmembers. The Newsletter continued to develop its advertising base, as well as becoming much more graphically appealing. In addition, the Board began focusing more on the emerging centrality of the Web to achieve its purposes, for example, with member connections, newsletter publishing, Board contact and membership recruitment. The Web’s growing importance most likely cannot be overstated.

The Finance Committee maintained a high level of responsibility over the organization’s fiscal matters. Budgeting issues became much more structured and accurate. This was also the year that Larry Ferguson, PhD, resigned as Secretary-Treasurer for the past 6 years. His contributions were much appreciated.

The Constitution Committee was fairly inactive this year, with leadership issues and the pressing nature of other matters.

The year 2000-2003 marked a productive and challenging year for CAPS-West.

Colleen Benson, long a CAPS and CAPS West leader and CAPS West’s 1997 Distinguished Member, died in June 2001. In Newsletter columns, addresses, convention emphases and personal example, President Russ Llewellyn stressed the importance and efficacy of prayer. Webmaster Ken Logan greatly expanded and improved the CAPS West website. Bill Buhrow replaced long-time Secretary-Treasurer, Larry Ferguson. The Board decided that its own Continuing Education Committee should organize and control convention CE offerings. Several local chapters, notably the San Gabriel Valley, Portland/Vancouver and San Francisco Bay chapters, also offered CE credits. Maribeth Ekey, following Paul Popper’s San Francisco Bay model, began peer Supervision in Orange County. The 2000 convention at Bethany College was small but well done and turned a profit. However, the Board decided future conventions should be in urban areas, at hotels and with base management by Meeting Management Group of Tampa, FL. The 2001 convention was streamlined to just two days and the 2002 convention in Seattle was expanded. In 2002, the Board decided to return to a full day of pre-conference workshops following the joint CAPS International/CAPS West convention in Anaheim, CA, in 2003. Mack Goldsmith resigned as Newsletter editor in 2001, and the editorship passed to Naji Abi-Hashem, PhD. As Regional Director, Mack continued to expand use of the CAPS West email list for information and prayer requests. In 2003, the list had over 400 members. In 2002, in association with Fresno’s Link Care Foundation, President Christopher Rosik arranged for CAPS West to be a sponsor for California CE credits for MFTs and LCSWs. In 2003, the Board decided on Sacramento as the site for our 2004 convention, and MMG, which had administered the 2001-2003 conventions, declined to continue as our convention administrator. In 2002, Mack Goldsmith told the Board of his intention to resign as Regional Director as of the convention in 2003. The new Regional director is Deborah L. Smith, PsyD. Debi was convention manager for our 1998 convention and has served a number of other functions in CAPS and CAPS West. In 2002, Shawn C. Horn, M.A., was appointed Area Coordinator of a new revived chapter in Spokane, WA.