Diversity issues are the focus as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Empowerment Forum opens March 3.

The free event, which includes keynote addresses by Sam Offer, vice president and senior consultant with the Washington Consulting Group, a multicultural organizational development firm in Baltimore, is open to anyone in the campus community with an interest in discussing the challenges UNL faces in dealing with diversity issues. The forum is designed as a way for individuals to better understand diversity and social justice while also learning what it means to be a member of an inclusive society.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with all events in the Nebraska Union. Room numbers for forum events will be posted.

Offer will deliver the keynote addresses at 9:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

A native of Maryland, Offer earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Calvary Christian College with a concentration in early childhood development studies.

Offer has worked as an educator and administrator for more than 30 years. He is a member of Maryland Black Family Alliance and an adviser to Pride and Faith, organizations that advocate for equity of all people. He has been named as one of Baltimore’s most influential “out” clergy within the black community. He travels the world advocating social justice and equity for all.

Offer’s work includes developing presentations and workshops for colleges, universities and businesses.

The forum will also include a series of breakout sessions. They include:

• “Getting Beyond ‘Nebraska Nice,’” by Helen Fagan and Todd Grier

• “Bystander Intervention,” by Jamie Porter and PREVENT

• “Witnessing Whiteness,” by Stephanie Bondi, Linda Major and Deb Mullen

• “Know Your Legal Rights,” by S. A. Mora James

• “When a Professional is also Personal: Self-care and the Social Justice Advocate,” by Tiffany Carrethers and Belinda Hinojos

• “Bystander Prevention,” by Jan Deeds

• “How to Create Local Change,” by Thien Chau, ASUN president

• “Art and Activism,” by Stacy Asher

• “Perceptions, Perspectives, Experiences and Empathy,” by Pat Tetreault

• “Getting Your Message Out There,” Tyler Thomas

The forum also includes a brown bag lunch with participating speakers.

For more information on the UNL Empowerment Forum, including a complete schedule, click here.