Registration opens for local human rights conference

Registration is now open for the second Idaho-Washington regional “Finding the Center” Human Rights Conference for the Inland Pacific Northwest March 24-26 at the University of Idaho and University Inn Best Western in Moscow.

The conference is designed to provide new tools, techniques and skills for furthering the cause of human rights and dignity for all. It will bring to the area noted speakers and workshop leaders from throughout the country to share their special knowledge and insights.

“Finding the Center” represents a unique collaboration by the City of Moscow, the University of Idaho, the City of Pullman, Washington State University, the Latah County Human Rights Task Force, the YWCA of WSU and the Center for Health, Education and Economic Resources.

“A major collaboration such as this is an exceptional effort and it shows the commitment of our entire region to this important cause and topic,” said Conference Planning Committee Co-chair, Francisco Salinas. “Last year’s conference, with over 100 participants, was such a great success that all the partners were willing to come together to make it happen again.”

The conference will include an opening address, four workshops and a banquet presentation. Keynote speaker for the conference is Paul Wesselmann, founder and CEO of Stone Soup Seminars, Inc. whose topic will be “Open Hearts, Open Minds.” Wesselmann will also present conference workshops on “Higher Bridges, Lower Walls: Using Social Justice Activities to Overcome Barriers.” Corey Saylor, governmental relations director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations will lead a workshop on “Challenging Hate and Stereotypes in a Time of Crisis.”

Four members of The National Coalition Building Institute will demonstrate their national model of prevention-oriented techniques to deal with prejudice and community tension. Michael Chin, Moscow High School graduate and current Gonzaga University law student will lead a panel of area young people on the topic “Emerging Leaders: Developing and Nurturing New Leaders for Future Human Rights Efforts.”

Registration and detailed information for the two-and-a-half day conference is available online at www.uidaho.edu/ftc. Brochures are also available at the Moscow and Pullman chambers of commerce. Cost for the conference is $100 until March 10 and $125 after that date. Registration includes an hors d’oeuvres reception, two breakfasts, two lunches, a dinner banquet and all conference materials.

Scholarships for the conference are available through the University of Idaho’s Women’s Center by contacting Amy Sharp at (208) 885-6616.