Networking opportunity for those working with migrant farmworkers
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A conference later this month in Indianapolis will bring together business leaders, community advocates, lawmakers and others to learn about issues related to migrant farmworkers in Indiana.
The Indiana Task Force on Migrant Affairs will sponsor the Indiana Migrant Farm Worker Conference on June 25 at the Fort Harrison State Park Conference Center.
Most of the people attending will be current employers of migrant workers and those interested in hiring them. But the conference is open to anyone interested in learning about the employment and training trends, labor and immigration issues, and the mental health and education needs of migrant workers, among other issues to be explored.
"June is typically when migrant farmworkers start to show up in Indiana," said Kimber Nicoletti, Purdue University's director of Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault program and member of the Indiana Task Force on Migrant Affairs. "This conference has been held for more than 20 years and offers information and networking opportunities for those interested in hiring or working with them." It also is a way for those new to the subject to see what kind of services are provided by migrant farmworkers.
The keynote speaker is Norma Flores, who grew up in a migrant farmworker family and is now the project director for the Children in the Field campaign. She travels the nation to raise awareness of migrant farmworker issues in national conferences and workshops.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the closing session starting at 2:30 p.m. The conference will include a keynote speaker and award programs among other sessions.
A registration fee of $50 per person includes continental breakfast and a lunch. To register or for more information contact Jose Perez at 317-576-1335.
The Fort Harrison State Park Conference Center is located at 6002 N. Post Road, Indianapolis.
Writer: Jeanne Gibson, 765-496-7481, jegibson@purdue.edu
Source: Kimber Nicoletti, 765-494-6871, knicolet@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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