News Release 08-053-D

Many, varied and multi-media presentations will help us UNLEARN harmful “-isms”

	News Release 08-053-D	For more information:
	Release date: 11/03/08	Bentley Gilbert
	For immediate release	(541) 440-7747
	http://www.umpqua.edu/ 

Winchester — Umpqua Community College is the host of the 15th annual, region-wide Oregon Diversity Institute on Thursday, November 6, through Saturday, November 8.

This year’s Oregon Diversity Institute theme, “UNLEARN,” is focused on bringing about individual self awareness and the opportunities to “unlearn” the biases, stereotypes, prejudices, hate, and –isms that one may unconsciously carry.

This conference draws youth, community members, and staff from community college and university campuses to come together to discuss common issues, success and challenges.

The Institute will focus on topics for those in education beginning the afternoon of Friday, November 7 and going through Saturday.

Among the many diverse presentations is one called “Visual Vitriol,” a punk poster exhibit that opened today (Nov. 3) at the UCC Fine Arts Gallery in Whipple, curated by University of Oregon forklorist and graduate student David Ensminger. In conjunction with this exhibit, he will speak at the conference on “The Shape of Youth Narratives: Rethinking the Power of Street Art” at 11 am and 1 pm, on Thursday, November 5, and “Practicing Histiory from Below: Real Power to the People” at 1:15 pm and 2:45 pm.

[Editors & Reporters: The poster exhibit in the fine arts gallery in Whipple makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Additionally, David Ensminger and UCC fine arts instructor Susan Rochester are willing to be interviewed by e-mail or over the phone prior to the opening of the conference. You may reach him at 541.346.7339 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and you may reach her at 541.440.4693 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .]

The Oregon Diversity Institute (ODI), since its beginning in 1994, has steadily evolved into one of the leading and progressive forces for presenting, discussing, and addressing diversity issues in Oregon. ODI responds to contemporary issues and events that have a direct impact on Oregonians, drawing upon the wealth of expertise and resources located within the state. The conference draws over 200 participants from colleges, universities, private businesses, non-profits and community organizations.

To accommodate partial day attendees, ODI has created a few options at reduced rates: Friday Lunch + Two (2) sessions - $45; Two (2) sessions + Friday Dinner - $45; Saturday Breakfast + Two (2) sessions - $45; Saturday Lunch + Two (2) sessions - $45; Saturday Breakfast and Lunch and all Saturday sessions - $65

To register, call registration and then email Michele Harris a completed registration form; you can also call her at 440.7651 to let her know which option you’ve selected.

For additional information, please visit the UCC-ODI website at www.umpqua.edu/ODI or contact Marjan Coester, 541-440-7749 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .