Schedule of Events

Breakfast 7:45 - 8:30 am

We provide a light breakfast in the West Cafeteria and then usher participants to the main auditorium to register. We urge all schools to arrive as early as possible.

Registration and Morning Entertainment 8:30 - 9:00 am

Faculty advisors will register their schools as they enter the main auditorium; registration takes a matter of minutes. Each school receives a packet containing materials for the conference day, nametags, and diversity and educational items.

An emcee and various student groups from around the state keep participants entertained as we get closer to starting the day's events. Past performers include the Northglenn Step Team and the Denver East Angels Drum Line.

Opening Ceremonies 9:00 - 10:00 am

Opening Ceremonies begin with welcome speeches by the conference co-chairs and educational leaders.

Conference Scholarship

Each year we award a $500 scholarship for post-high school studies to a well-deserving conference attendee. For information on applying for the 2011 Conference Scholarship, visit the scholarship information page.

Keynote Speaker

Each year our Executive Committee works hard to identify and invite a notable public speaker to address the conference during opening ceremonies. In 2011 the conference was addressed by three young women from the Abrahamic Initiative, a forum for dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims and to foster mutual understanding and appreciation for the faith perspectives of each tradition. For more information about these women and other keynote speakers, visit the Get Involved section of this website.

Discussion Groups and Lunch 10:10 - 11:45 am

The first interactive session of the conference day involves informal group discussions of students from all over the state led by trained student facilitators. In these discussion groups, students have a chance to speak their mind about diversity issues they are facing in their schools and communities. It is also the best opportunity during the day for students to meet one-on-one with other conference participants.

Volunteer student facilitators lead discussions on school climate, diversity, cliques, socio-economic issues, and stereotypes. Lunch is served at this time as well. Due to security reasons an adult must sit in on every discussion; however, this adult will not participate.

While students are in their discussion groups, faculty advisors meet to have their own discussion on diversity, education, and other school issues. Lunch is provided to them at this time as well.

Workshops 12:00 - 1:15 pm / 1:25 - 2:40 pm

Both students and faculty advisors attend two workshops of their choice, chosen in advance.

School Meetings 2:50 - 3:20 pm

At the end of the conference day, each school or organization regroups in their own area to discuss the day's events and what they have experienced. This time is provided so school groups may immediately begin building on the excitement of the conference day and plan for their own diversity events in the upcoming semester. A light snack is provided at this time.

Some examples of events planned by schools at our conference:

• Columbine High School attended our workshop Living as a Latino in Today's World, which prompted them to recognize the need for Hispanic mentoring of new and existing students, and they created an organization to do just that.
• St. Mary's Academy participants started a monthly roundtable of teachers and students discussing controversial issues, especially those surrounding diversity.
• Windsor High School attendees, all from their Student Council, were inspired by our conference to pass a unanimous resolution calling on their administration to include sexual orientation, age, and physical appearance in their non-discrimination policy.
• Numerous schools and diversity clubs were prompted to host their own diversity week or diversity day events based largely on our conference's framework and contacts.

If your school is looking for ideas on how to improve diversity and tolerance in your community, visit the Get Involved section for examples and links to contact information of those who can help.

Closing Ceremonies 3:30 - 4:00 pm

We finish the day by awarding the Human Rights Award, viewing a video montage, and hearing from an exceptional musical performer.

Human Rights Award

Also at this time the Conference announces the Human Rights Award, given to one person or organization in the community for their work with young people.

The 2011 recipient of this award was Prax(us), the only organization in Colorado dedicated to serving individuals, particularly homeless youth, in domestic human trafficking situations.

Closing Performance

Our executive committee works very hard to find a very unique and special closing performance to capture the excitement of the day.