Extension’s David Self Will Speak at Take Pride Statewide Conference Aug. 12

David Self, a 4-H energy educator with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, will discuss alternative sources to conserve energy at the Take Pride Statewide Conference Aug. 12 and 13 at Samford University in Birmingham. Conference sponsor is Auntie Litter, Inc.

Alabama first lady Patsy Riley, football legend Bart Starr and others have teamed up with Pat Mitchell, executive director and founder of Auntie Litter, Inc. to promote the kickoff of a three-year litter-prevention initiative. The initiative also has been endorsed by Gov. Bob Riley.

“Our goal is to empower attendees with the necessary tools to conduct successful litter prevention programs that will ensure a clean and healthy environment for Alabama cities and communities,” Mitchell said.

Experts will teach conference participants various anti-litter strategies, such as reducing waste in the workplace, determining sources of funding and recruiting volunteers. Attendees will also receive educational materials to help them begin recycling efforts in their communities. They also will have an opportunity to develop a regional network for idea sharing and problem solving.

The conference will feature educational workshops, roundtable discussions and keynote speakers including Senator Jeff Sessions; Starr; coach Pat Dye; Sen. J.T. Jabo Waggoner; Rep. Greg Canfield; Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos; Bill Johnson, director for ADECA and Willard Bowers of Alabama Power Company. More than 50 cities in Alabama and Mississippi will have representatives at the conference.

Auntie Litter, Inc., a national 501©(3) nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, is dedicated to promoting a clean and healthy environment. Founded in 1990, the organization has received numerous awards for innovative educational programs based on the anti-litter character, Auntie Litter.

Through live presentations, educational workshops and comprehensive teaching strategies and tools, young people, their families and educators learn how to conserve natural resources, eliminate litter in communities and practice the environmental 3 R’s – reuse, reduce waste and recycle.

Posted by dreynold at August 11, 2008 04:41 PM | TrackBack