FCS Experts Tackle
Challenges and Opportunities of
“America’s Cultural
Kaleidoscope”
at June 21 - 24 Conference in Reno
(Alexandria, VA - June 12, 2007) — Experts in multicultural
education, diversity, personal finance, health and
wellness, human development, food and nutrition, and
other areas of family and consumer sciences (FCS)
will present research and devise strategies related
to dramatic shifts in U.S. demographics and complex
cultural challenges at the American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) 98th Annual
Conference, America’s Cultural Kaleidoscope: Challenges
and Opportunities, in Reno, Nevada, June 21 -
24, 2007.
Some 1,000 professionals and students in family and
consumer sciences and allied fields from across the
U.S. will convene at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.
The meeting will feature prominent keynote speakers
and sessions on a variety of topics, such as teaching
personal finance from a multicultural perspective,
preparing for the challenges and opportunities of
our growing population of older Americans, and bringing
health education to rural communities, as well as
special events to honor award, grant, and fellowship
recipients.
Mary Kay Mueller, international trainer,
coach, and author, will kick off the conference on
June 21st with “Shift Happens: Tools for Transition.”
On Summit Day, June 22nd, conference participants
will learn from keynote speakers Dr. James
A. Banks, “father of multicultural education
in the U.S.” and professor at the University of Washington,
and Dr. Eugene García, VP
for education partnerships at Arizona State University
and researcher in effective schooling for linguistically
and culturally diverse student populations. Dr.
Arthur C. Brooks, professor and nonprofit
studies program director at Syracuse University, will
present “Generations and the Future of Association
Participation” and “Our Giving Culture” on Saturday,
June 23rd.
After Mueller’s keynote address on Thursday, AAFCS
will name Carolyn W. Jackson as AAFCS executive director.
The AAFCS Board of Directors selected Jackson based
on her rich professional background, proven record
in association administration, and highly developed
abilities to serve AAFCS during its transition and
Centennial celebration. As AAFCS transitional executive
director for more than a year, Jackson effectively
demonstrated her exemplary communication skills and
experience in relationship management and development.
With more than 30 exhibitors, attendees will also
be able to learn about the latest FCS products and
resources at the Expo. As a special note, four
of AAFCS’ exhibitors have exhibited for at least 60
years, and 13 of AAFCS’ exhibitors have been
participating in the Expo for more than 15 years.
About AAFCS
Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the only national not-for-profit
501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support
to FCS professionals in multiple practice settings
and students. FCS professionals help individuals,
families, and communities make informed decisions
about their well-being, relationships, and resources
to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ 8,000 members
are elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators,
researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension
educators; and other professionals in business and
industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government.
With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va.,
AAFCS has 52 state affiliates located across the United
States and Puerto Rico.
Interviews/Quotes
For more information or quotes, please contact Gwynn
Mason at 703-706-4600, ext. 4621, or gmason@aafcs.org.
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