Jackson Free Press

Sept. 13, 2011

The William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi is hosting a conference for progressive service and advocacy groups Sept 22.

The 2011 Mississippi Actively Reaching Communities fall conference is at the Jackson State University E-Center begins at 8 a.m. Legislators, community leaders and the general public are invited.

"The purpose of this conference is to educate public officials and local leaders about issues that affect people in their communities," Darrol Woods, Winter Institute project coordinator, said in a statement. "These issues include juvenile justice and child welfare, educational equity and gaps in student achievement and public health."

Speakers include former Gov. William Winter and Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner Hank Bounds. Winter will discuss the institute's involvement with Mississippi ARC. Bounds will focus on public education.

The Mississippi ARC has more than 60 member organizations and is funded through a $220,000 grant from the Open Society Institute. Its mission is "to advance just, honest and equitable opportunities toward an enriched life for all Mississippians."

For information about the Mississippi ARC or to register for the conference, visit http://www.mississippiarc.org/. For information about the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, go to http://www.winterinstitute.org/ or call 662-915-6734.