The Advocacy Committee was established in 1999 in response to numerous suggestions from members that SPEP take a more active role in promoting and furthering their interests in relation to the wider philosophical community. Current Committee Members (with year term began): John McCumber, UCLA (2004- ) Noëlle McAfee, American University (2005- ) Sharon Meagher, Scranton University (2007- ) Background In the years since its inception SPEP has grown into the largest and most inclusive philosophical organization devoted to the pursuit of continental philosophy in its full scope of philosophical directions and interests. In addition, SPEP has helped to foster the enormous impact that continental philosophy in this country has had on academic fields other than philosophy, such as theology, literary studies, anthropology, and political theory. As one of the main vehicles for the work of a significant group of philosophers, SPEP is in a position to play a role far beyond its current focus on organizing the annual meeting of its members. For this reason the Executive Committee, after a vote of the membership, constituted the Advocacy Committee to act as a liaison between SPEP and other groups, including the American Philosophical Association. The Mission of the Advocacy Committee The Advocacy Committee is established as an advisory committee to the Executive Committee of SPEP. Its mission is to explore and suggest ways in which SPEP can become more active in furthering the interests of its members and in representing those interests to the wider philosophical community. The committee will attempt to assist SPEP members and the organization in attaining greater visibility and recognition in the profession. The committee is constituted to foster an open-minded community of inquiry and therefore rejects the framing of issues in divisive, "us versus them," terms. Respecting all philosophical directions, and motivated by a spirit of pluralism, the Advocacy Committee shall help SPEP become a more effective forum for the voice of the SPEP membership. The Structure of the Committee The Advocacy Committee will consist of four members. There will be three elected members, serving staggered terms of three years. The fourth member will be appointed by the Executive Committee, from among its current members, to serve a variable term of not more than three years. Each year the Advocacy Committee will nominate someone for the elected position, and other nominations will be accepted from the floor at the business meeting. Indication of the nominee's willingness to serve must be received by the Executive Committee prior to the business meeting. Members are encouraged to contact any member of the Advocacy Committee with ideas about how to further the Committee's goals. Previous Members: Robert Bernasconi (1999-2000) Steven Crowell (1999-2001) Merold Westphal (1999-2001) Edward S. Casey (1999-2002) Kelly Oliver (2001-2002) Mitchell Aboulafia (2001-2003) Walter Brogan (2001-2004) Daniel O. Dahlstrom (2002-2005) John Lysaker (2003-2006)