Hastings College will host the two-day, statewide conference “Inspiring Community: Building a Better Nebraska for LGBTQ People,” Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23 on campus. The conference, which aims to promote the advancement of LGBTQ friendly communities, schools and workplaces, will include presentations by awareness professionals, film screenings, skill-building workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions and more.
Ann Craig, the Director of Religion, Faith and Values for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), will provide the conference keynote address at 11:45-1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 in Hazelrigg Student Union. The conference will also feature an improv performance by the Omaha Pride Players, a teen theatre troupe from the Rose Theater in Omaha, at 5 p.m., Saturday in HSU.
Those interested in attending can register by visiting www.inspiringcommunity.eventbrite.com or may register at the door on Friday or Saturday. Registration is $45 general and $20 for students. The registration fee includes access to all conference events and meals for both days.
A full schedule of conference events is provided below.

Inspiring Community conference - October 22-23, 2010 – Hastings College
Event times and locations may be subject to change.

Friday, October 22
6:45 PM On-site Registration

7:30 PM Barrett Alumni Center
Plenary Dinner w Panel - Randy Kottwitz, moderator
People from across Nebraska talking about the most pressing issues in their community.

Panelists: Jeff Schamp, Omaha, goGLBT and Michael Mahanes, HC alum

 9:00 PM Barrett Alumni Center: Speed Greeting

10:00 PM Wilson Auditorium:  Film screening: “Transgeneration”
 
Saturday, October 23
8:15 AM On-site Registration
9:00 AM Room A - HSU
“Midlands LGBT Community Needs Assessment: A Conversation on Preliminary Findings” by Christopher Fisher, Ph.D. and Jay Irwin, Ph.D.
The Midlands LGBT Needs Assessment was a survey focused on the mental, physical, social and sexual health of the community in Nebraska. Initial findings include topics such as HIV testing behaviors, general health, social engagement, and discrimination. Contents of the survey will be provided along with some initial findings, followed by a conversation on how the data can be used to inspire LGBT communities in Nebraska as well as next steps in the research process.
 
9:00 AM Room B - HSU
“From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid” - Lisa Borchardt, MSW and Soni Fabry, MBA
Have you ever thought about or been concerned with your (or someone you love) substance (alcohol, drugs, food, etc.) intake? If so, come and listen to a couple who continues to move through the journey from addiction to recovery. 

9:00 AM Room C - HSU
“Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight in Mid-Life” - Loren A. Olson, MD, DLFAPA
Much attention has been given to the needs of LGBT youth. But what happens when a person doesn’t come out until mid-life and beyond? Dr. Loren Olsen, M.D. will share his experiences and research with other mature men who have come out.
 
9:00 AM Wilson/Steinhart
"Taking Abuse out of the Closet: Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ Community" - Michele Miller

This program will discuss what Intimate Partner Violence is, and will look at a joint report from earlier this year (Why It Matters) by the National Center For Victims of Crime and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. This report is the foundation for the LGBTQ community and the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Programs to begin working together to better serve the community and to broaden services. We will also discuss existing services in the state of Nebraska.

10:00 AM Visit Booths & Art Display - HSU
 
10:15 AM Room A - HSU
“Exercising Your Power” - Heath Harding
If you want to influence the decisions being made in your community, you need to understand power and influence.  In today's culture having the power to influence people to change their beliefs and behavior is important. This session will be focused on influence, power and authority.  Power is the ability to influence people's behavior without the use of force.  Authority is the legitimate use of force for compliance - laws. There are five predominant sources of power that influence people: expert, referent, legitimate, coercive and reward. We experience power and influence every day. It is important to be aware of how power, our own and others, influences the choices we make.
 
10:15 AM Room B - HSU
“Two Faith Journeys: Seeking and Starting Sacred Spaces and Welcoming Communities for ALL of God's Children” - Maureen Vetter & Brian Whitecalf
Two friends, Brian and Maureen, share their faith journeys coming out as gay and straight, the need for finding and creating safe places in faith communities, support groups, affirming worship, and reaching out to all God's children in service and justice.
 
10:15 AM Room C - HSU
“Reflections on HRC's DADT Repeal Campaign” - Nic Swiercek
In the spring of 2010, the Human Rights Campaign deployed field organizers to six states and hired local organizers to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Within two months, HRC organizers identified thousands of repeal supporters, mobilized dozens of volunteers, and organized veterans -- gay and straight -- to advocate for repeal. This workshop will discuss HRC's rapid supporter identification and mobilization campaign including: the strategy from the national level, the tactics created and employed by its organizers, building bridges with untapped communities, and a reflection on the campaign.
 
10:15 AM Wilson/Steinhart
“Taking Control of Your Health” - Ryan Sallans
This interactive workshop will explore the various areas where stigma exists in health care related to LGBTQA individuals.
 
11:15 AM Visit Booths & Art Display - HSU
 
11:45 AM Rooms A & B - HSU
Plenary Brunch with Ann Craig
 
1:15 PM Networking & Discussion Groups
Room A and B

Political Action - Randy Kottwitz, facilitator
Room C

Workplace - Jeff Schamp, facilitator

Steinhart

Intersections where LGBT isn't the only label

Wilson Auditorium

Youth

2:00 PM Room B - HSU
“Mobilizing for Change” - Bri McLarty
Can individuals actually affect policy? Are there techniques and methods that have been shown to actually get things done? The answer to these questions is yes. This workshop will explore the details of how to change policy (and politics).
 
2:00 PM Room C - HSU
“Does Nebraska get a High Five on HIV Work?” - Jordan Delmundo & Erin Cantrell
This presentation will review the state of HIV/AIDS in Nebraska from both the rural and urban perspective while delineating who, how and why people continue to be infected with HIV. Learn practical ways of becoming involved with the HIV movement at the local, state and national level.
 
2:00 PM Wilson/Steinhart
“Oh, I'd Love to Attend That!” - Tyler Richard
Simple steps to having an event that will move your organization's goals forward and make a lasting impact on participants. Included in this presentation will be: 1) Developing Your Great Event. 2) Getting Event Participants 3) Securing Sponsorships and Recruiting Volunteers

3:45 PM Wilson Auditorium

Closing Discussion/Reflection/Activity - Pride Players

5:00 PM Rooms A & B
Plenary Dinner with Pride Players Performance

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Amber Medina at (402) 461-7757 or amedina@hastings.edu or Dr. Constance Malloy at (402) 461-7417.