Third Annual Family Conference

Normal, Ala., Sept. 14---The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s (ACES) Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs will sponsor its 3^rd Annual Family Conference Wed., Oct. 17 at the Hilton Hotel in Huntsville, Ala. This year’s conference theme is Unlocking and Sharing Resources for Urban Families.

Dr. Romando James, an associate professor and family and youth specialist at Clemson University, is the keynote speaker for this event. As an educator and counselor, Dr. James is known for his stimulating and interactive public speeches, as well as his work in cultural identities and behavior modification.

"We are very excited that Dr. James will give the keynote address," says Dr. Bernice Wilson, conference coordinator and Extension resource management specialist.

The family conference is targeted to anyone who has an interest in urban families, including social workers, family and consumer scientists, counselors, educators, clergymen, and elder and child care providers. Continuing education units and contact hours for social workers will be available to interested participants. The conference also provides professionals and volunteers who work directly with children and families an excellent opportunity to enhance their skills.

"They will have an opportunity to learn relevant and current information about family and child issues. It will also give attendees a chance to network with other professionals from across the state," says Dr. Wilma Ruffin, conference coordinator and Extension family and human development specialist.

In addition to the keynote address, participants can expect to engage in thought-provoking discussions on education, elder and domestic violence laws, shared parenting, workforce preparation, health and nutrition, resource management, the media’s influence on urban families, and a number of other topics. Conference attendees may also view exhibits from statewide organizations and various Extension programs.

The daylong event is set from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Early-bird registration on or before Sept.19 is $25 (includes lunch); registration is $30 from Sept. 20 through Oct. 3. No mail-in registration will be accepted after Oct. 3. Onsite registration is $15, but lunch is on your own.

To register, contact Susan Glover at (256) 858-5710. For general information, contact Dr. Ruffin or Dr. Wilson at (256) 858-5710 or visit the Urban Affairs Web site at www.aces/urban.edu.

Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs, housed at Alabama A&M University, provides learning opportunities that have a direct impact on family, environmental, social, economic and agricultural issues in relation to urban and nontraditional audiences.

Source: Dr. Wilma Ruffin or Dr. Bernice Wilson, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (256) 858-5710