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Annual Human Services Conference

The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS):

The field of Human Services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.

This year the Annual Human Services Conference is:
When: October 21-24, 2009
Where: PORTLAND MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT, PORTLAND, OREGON
Conference Title: PEOPLE IN CONTEXTS: FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES, AND CULTURES

All of us live and work in multiple contexts. We identify ourselves by our roles, group and cultural identities, and other memberships and characteristics. The field of contemporary human services may include interventions with families, school, and work settings, but also focuses on people’s relationships with larger environments such as the infrastructures associated with service delivery, laws, and cultural beliefs and practices. Human services professionals are curious about the ways that people manage their many identities and contexts, and how each person interacts with other people, institutions, and society. We examine issues such as the ways that family structures change over time, how migration and immigration affect communities, and how racism and other forms of disempowerment restrict people’s opportunities and resources. We learn not only that every community is multicultural, but also that every person participates in multiple cultures.

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Amanda Blount

I love this post. In years gone by, I have worked in many Human Services positions. They were all very rewarding positions. When you take the time to realize that every culture, no matter race or religion, is just doing what they need to do to survive this crazy world, and all they want is what we all want; house, food, and a better future fro our children, you then realize how close we all really are. I am seriously jealous. This sounds like a very interesting conference. When you come to Nashville, or Atlanta, let me know.

Cindy Lou Baker

Wow Diana, This sounds like something alot of Job Corps employees could use. Students are so completely different in cultural terms yet we treat them as if they should all behave in the same way when they arrive. I’m guilty of this myself. I would love to attend this conference. Portland is a beautiful city too!