The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is combining efforts with The Ohio State University, Kentucky State University and Purdue University to offer "Tomorrow's Solutions for Today's Problems" at the fifth annual Tri-State Diversity Conference Feb. 5 and 6 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

As in past conferences, this year's event will offer participants an opportunity to network and link resources to help integrate diversity into programs, policies and practices for creating community well-being. The conference is designed specifically for extension personnel; educators, administrators, faculty and staff from private and public colleges, universities and schools; K-12 educators; community outreach leaders; health and social services professionals; employers and supervisors; human resources staff and any others wanting to empower greater diversity and cultural understanding within their communities.

Sessions will include:

• Health research: Implications for Reaching and Working with Diverse Populations
• The Healthy Divas Program
• Beyond Bridges: Class Differences in Parenting
• Customize, Don't Compromise
• Building Partners for Building Communities
• Poverty: Conjecture and Reality
• Developing Cultural Competence from the Inside Out.

Conference check-in begins at 7 a.m. Feb. 5. It will be followed at 8 a.m. by the keynote address, "Beyond Guilt and Blame," delivered by Allan Johnson, who said one of the greatest barriers to ending racism and other forms of privilege is that people are trapped in cultural ways of thinking that turn conversations about privilege and oppression into occasions for dominant groups to feel guilty and defensive. As a result, the conversations people need to have either happen badly or they don't happen at all. Johnson believes his presentation can help overcome that barrier by providing an alternative way of thinking about issues of privilege. For more information about Johnson, visit his Web site at http://www.agjohnson.us.

To qualify for an early-bird discount, please register by Jan. 14. Registration postmarked by Jan. 14 is $125. Registration postmarked Jan. 15 through 26 is $150.

To register, send name, address, phone number and e-mail address with a check or money order made out to Purdue CES Education Account to Barbara Bowman P.O. Box 7, Nashville, IN 47448-007.

The conference will take place at the Sheraton Hotel Cincinnati North at 11320 Chester Road, just 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Make hotel reservations by calling 800-325-3535 and mention the "Tri-State Conference" to ensure the conference rate of $89 per night. Participants also may reserve their room online at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/

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            For more information or to print a registration form, visit the conference Web site at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/dearborn/diversityconf.htm or call Steve Brady at 513-695-1311.