An Action-

Oriented Human Rights

Conference

Finding the Center

The Mission and

Conference Name

“The conference mission is to provide participants with tools, best practices, and problem solving

strategies for their own issues and communities to find a common, inclusive center, a place inside each human being, on which to build a welcoming place

of respect for human rights.”

Finding the Center

Goals & Objectives• To be “Proactive” for HR Education and skills development.• Present a program of proactive and dynamic speakers and

workshops to provide new ideas, methods, & technique, (tools), to improve and enhance our work and lives.

• To focus toward students, as they are the leaders of tomorrow, although participants from all walks of life will be encouraged to attend and participate.

• To provide nationally and internationally renowned speakers and workshop presenters on issues of diversity and human rights.

• To offer a generous number of scholarships to ensure participation of students.

Finding the Center 2005 An Action-Oriented Human

Rights ConferenceConcepts of Community Which Promote Unity(Rev. Lucius Walker Jr.)

Character Education: From Violence to Virtues(Linda Kavelin Popov & Dr. Dan Popov)

Taking Action: Practical Contributions to Civility(Dr. Raymond Reyes & Sam Byrd, Owner of Diversity Works Consulting)

Finding the Center 2006

Track 1: Higher Bridges, Lower Walls: Using Social Justice Activities to Overcome Barriers (Paul Wesselmann)

Track 2: Challenging Hate and Stereotypes in a Time of Crisis(Corey Saylor)

Track 3: Building Bridges: Reducing

the Harmful Effects of Prejudice and Discrimination (NCBI— The National Coalition Building Institute)

An Action-Oriented Human Rights Conference

Track 4: Emerging Leaders: Developing and Nurturing New Leaders for Future Human Rights Efforts(Michael Chin)

Finding the Center 2007

TRACK ONE: FAMILIES AS AGENTS OF CHANGE Hosted by Anna Boluda

TRACK TWO: SOCIAL ENTERPRENEURSHIP Hosted by Balbir Mathur

TRACK THREE: EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN Hosted by Dr. Randie Gottlieb

TRACK FOUR: COMMON COMMUNITY Hosted by Reverend John L. Selders Jr.

“The Power of Transformation”

Finding the Center 2008

“HOW TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT” - Burl Barer

“PLURALISM: AN ALTERNATIVE TO EXTREMISM” - Hind Makki

“CHANGE AGENTS FOR DIVERSITY” - Tod Ewing

“CAN WE ALL GET ALONG? TOOLS FOR DIFFICULT DIALOGUES” - Libby Roderick

“BEYOND ENEMY IMAGES: FINDING STRENGTH IN CONNECTION” - Kathleen Macferran

“Resolving Differences: The Seed of Unity”

Finding the Center 2011 “Forging Alliances and Strategies for Action”

• Morning plenary address, Opening Hearts, Opening Minds: Finding the Center Without Losing Your Edge

• Educator workshop: Using Social Media Tools For Social Justice Work

• Student workshop: Veggies, Delusions & Gifts Oh My: A Different Approach to Interpersonal EffectivenessPaul Wesselmann

Cherie Buckner- Webb

Workshops for human rights advocates

• Lunchtime plenary: Being the Change Agent.

• Workshops for students and educators on leadership development and community organizing.

Chief David Duke

Kitara McClure

Law Enforcement Workshops• Hate Crimes

Investigation• Bias Incidence and

Hate Crime Response

Future Plans• Change from Spring to Fall• Become a component of

NWCHR, alternating FTC and NWCHR Conference.

• NEXT FTC – Fall 2013

What Do We Need To Do Today?

• Light the Candle – Start the Planning Process

• Call for the FTC 2013 Planning Team

• Call for Stakeholders• Target a Date

Don’t Forget

April, 2013

Finding the Center