SPONSORS OF DIVERSITY CONFERENCE AT SEMO HOPE TO FOSTER UNDERSTANDING

The United States didn't become known as a melting pot by chance. People of all races, genders and ages live and work together every day.

That's not to say they understand each other. For every person who embraces other cultures, another refuses to learn.

Sponsors of an upcoming Diversity Conference at Southeast Missouri State University want that to change. They hope participants will begin understanding the people around them and help others to do the same.

The Community Caring Council, in conjunction with the university, will present the conference from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday at the University Center. Keynote speaker will be Richard L. Presberry Sr., Ph.D., who manages a program designed to promote minority graduates in science, engineering and mathematics.

Other lecturers include Rathael and Tonya Fambro, who will present "The Culturally Diverse Child." Dr. Shelba Branscum will speak on Ageism and James Davis, LPC, LCSW, will talk about sexism.

While Southeast Missourians have taken steps toward inclusion, Tonya Fambro said there still is work to be done. Fambro, who is black, said she has been affected by a lack of acceptance in a primarily white community.

She and her husband started the program Working Educating Toward Everyone Accepting Cultures Holistically, or WE TEACH. A panel of racially diverse people involved with WE TEACH regularly conduct seminars on cultural understanding.

"We want to let everyone know that all cultures are of equal value," Fambro said. "All of them should be acknowledged, and none of them should be considered the norm or the right way to be."

Lori Hayden, LCSW, is moderating Friday's event. She is the director of social services for the Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Hayden said centers for the elderly aren't the only place she sees ageism manifested.

"You see it everywhere," she said. "It's in our families -- in our dealings with parents and grandparents."

Fambro and Hayden said the conference will be ideal for community leaders, educators, social workers and nursing home staff. However, anyone interested in understanding people of different races, cultures, ages or gender will benefit.

The cost is $25 per person and $10 for students, and attendance is limited to 100 people. To register, contact the Community Caring Council at 651-2099.