Program Information
Follow our intrepid PoCC Bloggers:

Randall Dunn, Head of The Roeper School, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. (http://community.roeper.org/netcommunity/randallblog)

Sandra Chapman, Director of Diversity and Community at the Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School (LREI) in New York City. (http://blog.lrei.org/diversity)

Anthony Witte, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Chinese American International School San Francisco, California. (http://www.cais.org/en/blog/594)

Christel McGuigan, Director of Diversity Development, The Bishop’s School, La Jolla, California.  (http://www.bishops.com/Blogs/PoCC.aspx)

Click here to view the full 2008 PoCC/SDLC Program.

Click on the Virtual Preview below to find all of the 2008 PoCC/SDLC Conference details.  Look for an abbreviated Preview in the mail.

About PoCC
For 21 years, PoCC has provided people of color in independent schools a sanctuary and a “voice,” a means for support and networking, and a chance to celebrate their roles in independent schools. Speakers, affinity group work, and workshops inform and challenge participants. 

Keynote and Featured Speakers
The following inspirational speakers will address the 2008 attendees:

• Sidney Poitier, Legendary civil rights activist, humanitarian, and Academy Award winning actor;
• John Trudell, Recording artist, poet and champion of indigenous issues;
• Carmen Van Kerckhove, Co-founder of New Demographic, a consulting firm focused on understanding the real issues behind race and racism;
• Reza Aslan, Author of No God but God: the Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam;
• Wendell Pierce, Movie and television actor hailing from New Orleans
• Michael Sidney Fosberg, Actor, playwright, and founder of Small Change Original Theater in Minneapolis;
• Kira Orange Jones, Executive director of Teach For America—Greater New Orleans; and
• Mayda Alexandra del Valle, poet, playwright, and artist.

• Provide a safe environment where people who share a racial/ethnic identity can come together to build community, fellowship, and empowerment;
• Facilitate opportunities for affirming, nurturing, and celebrating; and
• Encourage discussion about issues related to racial and ethnic identity development.

• People of Color in Leadership: Pathways and Programs to Success;
• Nurturing Our Soul: Self Care, Strategies for Success;
• Expanding Our Tool Box: Curricular and Professional Skills for Excellence;
• Building Inclusive Communities for People of Color: Programs and Initiatives to Strengthen People of Color in Independent Schools; and
• Exploring Racial/Ethnic Identities for People of Color: Our Many Journeys and Stages.

Community Service 
Second Harvest Food Bank aids in acquiring and distributing food in partnership with organizations serving people in need.  Every volunteer can pack $102 worth of food for redistribution in a single hour.  Be a part of this important service to the community.  Space is limited so please sign up to participate on either Wednesday or Thursday, December 3rd or 4th from 7:15 a.m to 4:00 p.m. If you decide to participate please download, fill out and bring with you the legal waiver form.

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, built eight to ten houses a year before Hurricane Katrina.  Today it's 10 times that number under construction.  Volunteers do most of the heavy lifting, from framing to the final paint job.  Again, space is limited so please sign up for one of two opportunities on Wednesday or Thursday, December 3rd or 4th from 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  If you decide to participate please download, fill out and bring with you the legal waiver form.

St. Bernard Project (SBP) is a nonprofit, community-based organization that began rebuilding homes in August 2006 that were damaged by floodwaters from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. The St. Bernard Project's Rebuilding Program rebuilds homes for senior citizens, people with disabilities and families with children who can not afford to have their homes rebuilt by contractors. A typical rebuild project takes approximately 12 weeks and costs approximately $12,000 worth of building supplies to complete. What to wear? Please bring a long-sleeve shirt in case you are working with insulation. We recommend dressing for the weather (in layers) and wearing closed-toed shoes.  Space is limited so please register now.  For those planning to register please download the legal waiver form found on the St. Bernard website.

Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders (grades 9—12) from around the country. SDLC focuses on self reflecting, forming allies, and building community. Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participants will develop effective cross-cultural communication skills, better understand the nature and development of effective strategies for social justice, practice expression through the arts, and learn networking principles and strategies. In addition to large group sessions,  SDLC “family groups” and “home groups” allow for intense dialogue and sharing. SDLC and PoCC participants also interact in regional and intergenerational dialogue sessions.

PLEASE NOTE:  All students planning on attending SDLC need to fill out our Student Agreement and Medical Release forms which can be faxed to 301-662-9411 by Friday, November 7, 2008.

Registration Cost
Member Individual Rate for NAIS or ISAS member or subscriber schools
$525 Early Bird (if you register before October 17)
$600 Standard (if you register after October 17)

Member Group Rate (five or more adults from the same school, payment received at the same time)
$500 Early Bird (if you register before October 17)
$575 Standard (if you register after October 17)

Nonmember Individual Rate
$790 Early Bird (if you register before October 17)
$865 Standard (if you register after October 17)

SDLC Student Registration - $500

Sponsorship Opportunities 
To find out more information on how you can support this year's People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference in New Orleans please view our sponsorship flyer.

Contact Information

Please contact our Member Services Center at (202) 973-9700.