Conference Circuit: Affirmative Action Takes Center Stage

A leading association in the fight for equality celebrates four decades of progress. Also: where to bone up on the latest research on aging.

For 40 years, the American Association of Affirmative Action has brought its members together each year, and 2014 is no different. Gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 3-6, the upcoming AAAA conference  (opens in a new tab) centers on the theme “Envisioning the Future.”

Speakers include Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S Department of Education; Patricia Shiu, director of the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs; and many others  (opens in a new tab).

Workshop topics align with AAAA’s longstanding goals of supporting equal opportunity programs, working with federal and state organizations to lessen the opportunity gap, and educating members on the latest developments in the field. Topics will range from leveraging big data to aid affirmative action to developing online job application best practices. Also on the agenda: a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The full list of events can be found here  (opens in a new tab) [PDF].

In addition, attendees will get the opportunity to watch a screening of Anita: Speaking Truth to Power, a documentary on Anita Hill’s life before and after her compelling Senate testimony alleging past sexual harassment by then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. Watch the film’s trailer above.

The Week Ahead

May 30-June 2: The American Aging Association’s  (opens in a new tab) 43rd Annual Meeting will highlight the latest developments in research on aging. Scientific professionals, lay members, and students will gather down in San Antonio  (opens in a new tab).

June 1-5: Travel Alliance Partners  (opens in a new tab)‘ annual TAP Dance event  (opens in a new tab), focused on fostering new relationships between tourism industry pros, will be held this year in Reno, Nevada. The event has already reached capacity, but you can keep tabs on the buildup to TAP Dance on Facebook  (opens in a new tab).

Down the Line

June 29-July 2: Professional speakers, let your voices be heard! Perform 2014, this year’s National Speakers Association conference  (opens in a new tab), will feature advice from the likes of Steve Forbes, Erik Wahl, and some “super-secret line-up” guests for the final two sessions.

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