Call for Papers Issued for 3rd Annual New York State Rise to Freedom Conference in Buffalo

Plenary speakers and workshop presenters are being sought for the 3rd annual New York State Rise to Freedom Conference, July 20 - 22, 2007, in Buffalo, NY. This year's conference theme - The Role of the Church in the African American Rise to Freedom.

Buffalo, NY, April 26, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. and the Buffalo Local Action Committee of the Millions More Movement have issued a Call for Papers for their 3rd annual New York State Rise to Freedom Conference, July 20 - 22, 2007, at the former Stepping Stone School site on the campus of the True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 East Ferry in Buffalo, New York. “The Role of the Church in the African American Rise to Freedom” will be the theme of the three-day event. Church leaders, community organizers, educators, activists and local chapters of the Millions More Movement are invited to submit abstracts. Presentations will focus on the resurgence of the church in its historic role as the principal organizing and resource mobilization tool of the African American community.

Abstracts may include but are not limited to the following workshop topics: Historic Contributions, Education Initiatives, Job Creation and Community Ventures, Economic Development, Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, Church Development, Community Chest, Youth Initiatives, Safe Communities, The Leadership Challenge, The Millions More Movement and Where Do We Go from Here?

Leading off on July 20, the regional conference will focus on plenaries and workshops on the challenges facing our communities. Keynote speakers and workshop presenters are sought to help build the framework for the repositioning of the church in the central strategy by which we organize our people into mutual action. The sessions will also feature roundtable discussions and an exchange of ideas and resources to help re-connect African American people to the leadership and community cohesion that has historically been provided by the church. The evening will end with a “Sounds of the Gospel” music program and keynote address.

On July 21, the conversation continues with additional workshops that address the church as a driving force for change in underserved communities in addition to its role in economic development both in our neighborhoods and in African commerce. A fundraising dinner for the Buffalo Local Action Committee will also be held that evening. On Sunday, July 22, attendees are invited to True Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Darius G. Pridgen for a special service to commemorate the role of the church in the African American Rise to Freedom!

The deadline for submission of abstracts for the New York State Rise to Freedom Conference is May 11, 2007. Abstracts must be no longer than 250 – 300 words and can be sent electronically to lnhare@caoec.org. Accepted papers may be considered for publication in the “Return to Promise: The Role of the Church in the African American Rise to Freedom,” by L. Nathan Hare.

For general information on the conference or vending opportunities, please contact L. Nathan Hare, Executive Director of the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. and Co-Chair of the Buffalo Local Action Committee of the Millions More Movement at lnhare@caoec.org or at (716) 881-5150 ext. 4305.

About Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO)
Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. is a private, non-profit human service organization founded in 1965 and its mission is to promote self-sufficiency through advocacy, partnerships and services. Each year, the CAO helps more than 21,000 individuals and 9,000 families gain access to programs or services through a network of more than 50 locations throughout Erie County. The overall goal of the CAO is to reach out to low-income people in their communities, address their multiple needs and administer a full range of coordinated programs designed to have a measurable impact on poverty.

About Buffalo Local Action Committee (BLAC)
The Buffalo Local Action Committee of the Millions More Movement (MMM) is the official group that represents the mission, aim and programs of the Millions More Movement in the city of Buffalo. The organization works with Buffalo churches, grassroots organizations, businesses, community leaders, government officials, individuals and local organizing committees across the state that support this effort to assist in the success of creating collaborative working committees around the challenges that have been identified in our communities.

The Buffalo Local Action Committee of the Millions Move Movement will develop agendas and take action towards mobilizing communities to maximize their power and create positive changes in their homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and politics, social and religious organizations. Also, hold accountable those that are fundamentally responsible for such concerns as safety, entrepreneurship, healthy lifestyles, and proactive legislation in the educational, political and criminal justice systems.

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Contact
Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc.
Catherine M. Roberts
716-881-5150 X4305
www.caoec.org
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