All indications are that wedge issues designed to create a divisive, rather than an inclusive society, will continue to play a role in future elections.  Unless those supporting an inclusive and just society begin to build statewide alliances to pursue an agenda that will help society progress, the work of organizations concerned with human relations and civil rights will remain defensive battles to maintain the status quo. This is why CAHRO considers the development of statewide alliances of organizations concerned with preserving and promoting human and civil rights critical to its work.

Organizations serving specific segments of the population have found that they lack the economic and political power to move their vision of social justice on their own, or even in coalition with organizations with similar constituents.  What is becoming clear is that it will take inclusive alliances comprised of organizations serving different constituencies and organizations addressing differenct aspects of social justice to come together in order to create a critical mass for charging forward.  Presenters and participants will be asked not only to discuss their own immediate interest and activities, but how they could participate in a broader alliance that incorporated their goals. 

CAHRO is working with major organizations throughout California to ensure the conference serves as the base for organizing multidisciplinary statewide alliances.  It is up to the participants to define the ultimate mission and the role of each organization in the development of an action plan.  The faith community, business, philanthropy, academia, the environmental community, and civil rights groups will all be represented.  More importantly, this year we are seeking to involve youth in all aspects of the conference and will have workshops that are specifically designed to meet some of their needs. There will also be a plenary workshop by California Tomorrow designed to illustrate how participants can build effective cross-generational alliances.

CAHRO recognizes that not every community or human relations commission has the capacity to contribute to a statewide social justice alliance. The conference provides an opportunity to provide needed skills to people working in human relations, human services and civil rights.  Fundraising, use of the internet, use of the media, basic community organizing and other relevant training will be available to participants at the conference.

This event will be different from past CAHRO conferences in that it is being planned as part of a continuum rather than a one-time activity.  Tony Massengale, who has trained staff of the Los Angeles City and Orange County human relations commissions on how to think strategically about community assets and build relationships with key players in cities and counties, will team up with CAHRO staff to offer follow-up training with selected commissions and similar organizations in the ensuing months.  Civil rights organizations also are working with CAHRO to plan organizational meetings for inclusive statewide social justice alliances to follow the conference.  Dates and places are expected to be announced during the conference.  Whether the conference is successful will be primarily judged by whether it is used by participants to build for the future. 

CAHRO will also be holding its annual Civil Rights Awards Luncheon on Saturday, March 3rd.   CAHRO will be honoring and awarding people who are nominated for their lifetime achievements in promoting social justice and meeting human needs.

Another highlight of the conference will be the reception and dinner with Dr. Cornel West, Harvard professor of Afro-American studies and philosophy of religion.  Dr. West is one of the first black scholars to be appointed to Harvard's highest faculty position of university professor.  He has also written numerous articles and fifteen books, including Race Matters and The Future of American Progressivism, which addresses how the growing divisions in our society foster the despair and distrust that undermine our democratic process.

CAHRO is always concerned with being inclusive and making the conference accessible to those who do not enjoy the luxury of being able to cover the cost of leaving work and attending a three day conference in San Francisco.  This year for the first time, the conference fees, which have remained stable for several years, will just cover the costs of providing meals for participants.  CAHRO will be dependent on outside fundraising to cover the myriad of other expenses.  CAHRO is looking for sponsorship from human relations commissions, corporations, and philanthropic foundations to cover its costs for the conference and to make the event accessible to those who would otherwise be barred from attending because of the fees.  CAHRO has also identified several people who are willing to put people up in their homes and alternative, lower priced accommodations within a short distance from the hotel site for those who are unable to afford the room rates at the conference site.  We recommend that people who are interested in attending the conference make hotel arrangements and register early in order to receive better rates.