Despite the passage of Proposal 2, the journey toward equality and inclusion continues in Michigan. We invite you to join others who are committed to fighting against discrimination and for true racial and gender equity at a special conference.

Among the topics:

Politics: We'll discuss Michigan's current attitudes toward equality and inclusion, and learn more about Ward Connerly's campaign to overturn affirmative action around the nation.

Best practices: Around the state, governments are taking new routes to inclusion and equality. Learn what is happening and how you can help ensure Michigan doesn't retreat.

New initiatives: The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion is joining with Michigan United to reach out to Michigan in new ways. You'll hear how this new project aims to help communities come together to overcome discrimination.

Diversity and Michigan's future: Demographics say Michigan's rainbow will become brighter in year's ahead. What does that mean to government policies and businesses that must become more diverse if they want to keep up with their markets.

What you can do: How can you take steps in your community to affect attitudes and improve diversity.

    9 - 9:30 AM   REGISTRATION  
             
      9:30 AM  

OPENING COMMENTS
Leon Tupper, board chair, Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Debbie Dingell, Michigan United steering committee, vice chairman, General Motors Foundation
Governor Jennifer Granholm
Thomas Costello, Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusioni President and CEO

 
             
      10-10:30 AM   REVIEW AND UPDATE: WHAT HAPPENED IN MICHIGAN; WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND THE NATION WITH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Steve Mitchell , President, Mitchell Research
Heaster Wheeler , Michigan United Steering Committee, Executive Director, Detroit Branch of the NAACP
Ellen Buchman ,National Field Director, Leadership Council on Civil Rights 		 
             
      10:30 - 11:15 AM   BEST PRACTICES: PROCEEDING TOWARD DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Linda Parker , Director, Michigan Department of Civil Rights
Judy Karandjeff ,Executive Director, Michigan Women's Commission
Lester Monts, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University of Michigan 		 
             
      11:15 - 11:30 AM   BREAK  
             
      11:30 - 12:00   MICHIGAN UNITED INITIATIVE OF MRDI NEXT PHASE: SPECIFIC STEPS IN CONTINUING THE JOURNEY TOWARD EQUALITY AND INCLUSION
Heaster Wheeler, Michigan United Initiative
Executive Director, Detroit Branch of the NAACP
Thomas Costello, Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusioni President and CEO

 
             
      12 - 12:30 PM   "SPEAK FOR YOURSELF - YOUNG MICHIGANDERS SPEAK ABOUT RACE"
Mosaic Acting Company 		 
             
      12:30 - 1:15 PM   LUNCH  
             
      1:15 - 1:45 PM   WHAT DO THE DATA SAY ABOUT DIVERSITY...ABOUT INCLUSION?
Kurt Metzger,Director of Research, United Way of Southeastern Michigan 		 
             
      1:45 - 3:00 PM   CALL TO ACTION: HOW YOU CAN WORK TO MOVE YOUR COMMUNITY TO FULL INCLUSION
Dr. Shea Howell & Kevin Earley will offer suggestions about your role in continuing Michigan's journey to equality and inclusion. 		 
             
      3:00 - 3:15 PM   BREAK  
             
      3:15 - 3:45 PM   REPORT FROM BREAKOUT GROUPS AND FINAL COMMENTS
Paul Hillegonds,Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, DTE Energy
Thomas Costello, MRDI President and CEO
 
             
      * Subject to Change