The UNC Asheville Women's Studies Program and the Key Center for Service Learning have teamed up to host a conference with local non-profit agencies to examine the efforts, challenges and perspectives of women's issues and related issues in our community. The conference will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 20, in UNC Asheville's Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Following a welcoming address by Alice Weldon, UNC Asheville Women's Studies Program Co-Chair, three break-out sessions will be offered. The morning session will focus on "Creating Paths Out of Violence and Crime." After lunch, participants will explore "Building the Future with and for Children." The final session will take a look at "Sowing Seeds of Change." A reception will conclude the program.

Speakers from a number of different agencies are scheduled to give presentations and share their expertise. Those currently scheduled include the Center for Participatory Change, Children First, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Helpmate, I Have a Dream Foundation, Manna Food Bank, The Mediation Center, North Carolina Council for Women, Western Alliance Center for Independent Living and Women at Risk.

For more information, call the UNC Asheville Women's Studies Program at 828/251-6419 or email ghindina@unca.edu.