First, some details on the race relations conference I am coordinating: Aspects of Color: Race and Racism in Appalachia October 2-3, 1998 Southwest Virginia 4-H Center, Abingdon, VA Contact: Michelle Ferrier, conference coordinator, (540) 944-6152.

Community groups from Eastern Kentucky, Western North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, and Southeastern West Virginia who have been addressing issues of racism will join us for a regional look at race relations and a local look at effective strategies for building racial harmony.

Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Nikki Giovanni, poet and professor of English at Virginia Tech and author of Racism 101. Conference sessions will include:
>From Words to Action Facilitation, Listening, Group Dynamics Recruitment/Retention of Members Fundraising Enrolling Media as Advocates Through the Stained Glass: Color in Our Churches Effecting Change in Public Schools The Economics of Exclusion Race in Appalachia: A Historical Perspective and Healing Racism in Everyday Life

Conference fees: Group Participants $15/each; Individuals $35/each. Registration fee includes meals for the two days (dinner, breakfast, lunch). Registration deadline: September 25, 1998. Early bird deadline: The first 60 participants to register by September 15 will be guaranteed free, double-occupancy lodging for their Friday night stay.

Sponsored by the Appalachian Peace Education Center, Abingdon, VA.

Now, for some help. I'm having trouble locating local (or distant) speakers to assist us with the following sessions: From Words to Action; Facilitation, Listening, Group Dynamics; Recruitment/Retention of Members; and Fundraising. I mentioned facilitator/speaker because I suspect that the teams themselves will have ideas on what can be done to sustain their groups, thus the facilitator role, but also a speaker to frame the discussion and provide some background information.

Any ideas on people/groups that do this type of work?

I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Thanks so much and please feel free to copy and paste the conference information and send it out to those you think might be interested. Thanks again.

Michelle.