You are invited to join your friends and colleagues at Extension's 2008 Annual Family Conference as we explore avenues to help individuals and families make wise health and financial decisions. This professional development conference offers an array of dynamic speakers, workshops, and exhibits to inspire you to develop or renew community outreach programs that strengthen family-centered communities.

About the Conference

The Annual Family Conference is an Extension medium to address timely issues affecting families, children, and individuals. The Family Conference combines communities and the voices of professionals in a number of fields with an interest in families and children.

2008 Conference Objectives

• To raise awareness about key health and financial issues that adversely impact family-centered communities.
• To promote effective research-based strategies that will help families and individuals to combat obesity, infectious diseases, and financial insecurities.
• To promote health literacy through ESP ­ Education, Sustainability, and Proactive Choices.

Confirmed Conference Speakers

Extension has invited some outstanding guests:

• Dr. Pamela Foster, Preventive Medicine & Public Health Physician & Deputy Director of the Institute for Rural Health Research at The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Ms. Debra S. Jones, Extension Health Specialist, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
• Ms. Mary Fant, State Specialist, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY
• Dr. Georgia Jones, Extension Food Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Ms. Sandra Brazelton, Real Estate Broker, Certified Residential Specialist & Credit Counselor, Quali-Tech Properties, Huntsville, AL
• Dr. Vivian Aboko-Cole Hicks, Center For Adult Medicine & Hypertension, Huntsville, AL
• Dr. Saundra Glover, Associate Dean for Health Disparities & Social Justice, University of South Carolina, Orangeburg, SC
• Dr. Roger Richardson, Extension Specialist, Housing & Urban CRD, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL
• Dr. Leonard L. Williams, Research Associate Professor, Department of Food & Animal Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL

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Conference Program

The Conference will feature engaging speakers, stimulating information and exhibits, special honored guests, and a chance to network with other family care professionals. Continue to visit this sited for updated information.

Wednesday, October 15
James I. Dawson Building Auditorium
Alabama A&M University

Registration
12:00-4:30 p.m.

Session 1: Infectious Diseases
1:00-5:00 p.m.

It's rare to turn on the radio or television today without hearing about infectious or pandemic diseases around the world, which now includes the common cold and the flu. Here is a chance to get an update on infectious diseases that could strike without warning, and how you can help families and communities to become better prepared.

Networking Reception
5:00-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 16
Von Braun Center, North Hall

Registration
7:30-9:00 a.m.

Session 2: Obesity
8:00 a.m. ­ 12:00 p.m.

According to Trust for America's annual report F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007, Alabama has the 3rd highest rate of obesity in the nation among adults (29.4 percent) and 11th among youth ages 10-17. What's even more alarming is that a public opinion poll believes that obesity is now an epidemic. Find out how you can help individuals and families combat one of America's more controllable epidemics and develop healthier lifestyles.

Distinguished Public Service Awards Luncheon
12:00-1:30 p.m.

The Distinguished Public Service Awards is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a great meal, hear a dynamic speaker, and share with Extension in honoring individuals that have made significant impacts in strengthening family-centered communities across the state of Alabama. [Reserved Table Form]

Session 3: Financial Insecurities
1:30-3:30 p.m.

Good money management is considered a skill like other skills-the more you practice the better you become in handling finances. In this session, participants will learn about identity theft, reverse mortgages, what it takes to be financially sound as an entrepreneur, and engage in an interactive financial exercise with money management experts.

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Who Should Attend?

This Conference is designed to engage family service providers such as social and case workers, family counselors, educators, health professionals, advocates, administrators, faith-based communities, the public, and Extension staff.

Registration for Conference is $75 [Registration Form]

Note: Social work contact hours, Family and Consumer Science contact hours, and professional development and continuing education units will be awarded at the close of the conference.

Travel & Hotels

Hotel Accommodations
Holiday Inn across from the Von Braun Civic Center ­ 1-256-533-1400

Click here for a map to Von Braun Center

Contact Information

Conference Chair:
Dr. Donnie Cook, 256-372-4983
dcook@aces.edu

Conference Co-Chair:
Ms. Ann Warren, 256-372-4103
ann.warren@aamu.edu

Registration:
Ms. Erica James, 256-372-4951
jameser@aces.edu

Ms. Susan Glover, 256-372-4946
sglover@aces.edu

Urban Family Networking Reception:
Dr. Jannie Carter, 256-372-4943
cartej1@aces.edu

Exhibits:
Dr. Wilma Ruffin, 256-372-4960
ruffiwj@aces.edu

Ms. Tonya Wood, 256-876-2112
tonyae@knology.net

Continuing Education Credits:
Ms. Jackie Collier, 256-372-4947
collija@aces.edu

Distinguished Public Service Awards:
Ms. Clarene Johnson, 256-372-4971
johnsct@aces.edu

Publicity:
Wendi Williams, 256-372-4953
williw1@aces.edu