Free seminar on serving hispanics in western NC

Learn "How to Reach Out and Serve Hispanics in Western North Carolina" during a free seminar at the Bryson City United Methodist Church on Wednesday November 7, 2007. The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Guayabitos in Bryson City.

The workshop is geared for service providers, agencies, the Faith Community and individuals working with Hispanics in Swain, Graham, Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Jackson or Haywood Counties. It will provide training and educational materials on how to improve services to Hispanics through a better understanding of their culture and why they come to the United States. In addition, the program will address Hispanic immigration issues and domestic violence and sexual assault occurring in the Hispanic Community. The workshop is sponsored by the Mujer de Mujer Project of the Thirtieth Judicial District Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Alliance.

The Reverend Dr. Mark Sills will be presenting this interactive program.

Rev. Mark Sills is executive director of Greensboro's FaithAction International House, an interfaith, multi-cultural organization working to create understanding about other cultures. Dr. Sills is native North Carolinian who graduated from high school in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He earned his bachelor's degree in religion and philosophy from Greensboro College, his master's in World Christianity from Duke University, and his doctorate in Comparative Social Ethics from the Wesley Theological Seminary of American University in Washington, D.C. He presents educational programs for residents of North Carolina.

The church is located on 76 Main Street in Bryson City. Space is limited to 30 participants. For more information about the training or to register, please contact Karen Arias at 828-452-2122.