Global Citizens Institute to Hold Conference in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Global Citizens Institute will host its inaugural conference in Buffalo, bringing together 250 teachers, school administrators, musicians, dancers and other community members to promote global understanding, literacy and social responsibility.

The conference will be held Oct. 6-7 at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 120 Church St., in the heart of downtown Buffalo's business district.

It will focus on two major themes: social justice and cross-cultural education. Included in the program are presentations and discussions on international partnerships and exchanges, study abroad programs and internships. The conference will also feature service and learning opportunities for students and educators on both the local and international levels.

The conference will begin at 5:15 p.m. Oct. 6, and will feature two keynote speakers:

• Mary Gresham PhD, dean of the Graduate School of Education at University at Buffalo.

• Aimable Twagilimana PhD, professor of English and director of African and African-American Studies at Buffalo State College.

The conference will continue on Oct. 7 with 14 hour-long seminars on topics relating to the conference themes. Also featured will be the "Global Marketplace," an area reserved for local and international companies and non-profits to display goods and promote their organizations.

Student musicians and dancers from Western New York and China will perform at the conference. The Oct. 6 dinner will feature the Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra from Lancaster High School. The Oct. 7 luncheon will include performances by students from the College of Music at Capital Normal University in Beijing, UB's longstanding partner in China, and middle school students from Changchun, China, who are visiting the Lake Shore school district on an academic exchange.

The conference is sponsored by UB, Buffalo State College and Harris Beach, PLLC, a legal firm with offices throughout New York State, Connecticut and New Jersey.

Those interested in attending can contact the Western New York Educational Service Council at 716-645-2932 or debrabri@buffalo.edu. More information and a registration brochure are available at http://www.wnyesc.org/docs/2010Global_Citizens_Conference_Brochure.pdf. Advance registration is required.