Released Feb. 21, 2008

Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs unit is gearing up for its 2008 Urban-Rural Interface Conference (URIC) April 24. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown Huntsville. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

This event is designed to educate urban and rural service organizations and citizens about linguistic and cultural barriers many immigrants face, particularly the nation’s growing Hispanic population. Invited keynote and guest speakers will engage the audience in discussions about problems and potential solutions on how to develop and enhance products and services for these audiences.

“Urban Affairs is doing something different this year,” said Dr. Julio Correa, event chair. “Instead of the typical panel discussion where speakers give a short presentation followed by a question and answer period, these panels will function more like public forums. We want the audience to have time to ask our expert panelists about specific immigrant concerns in the areas of health, education, economics and community relations.”

Like the rest of the nation, Alabama has seen an influx of Hispanic and other immigrants that poses numerous challenges for organizations. As America’s population continues to become more diverse,organizations need to develop products and services that help these individuals adjust and find the help they need to function in their daily lives.

Early-bird registration is $55 until April 1 and $75 thereafter. Registration fees include lunch.

Additional conference and registration information is available online at http://www.aces.edu/urban/.

-30-

http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003553.php

Contact: Donna Reynolds, (334) 844-5677, reynodl@aces.edu