Hispanic Leadership Council Annual Conference
Community leaders, educators, law enforcement professionals, social workers, counselors, mental health professionals, youth workers and community members recently convened for a full conference at St. Petersburg College for the 9th Annual Hispanic Leadership Council in Clearwater, Florida.
This year’s event, “Embracing Our Changing Community: Cultivating Civility,” explored uncompromised stances and threatening behaviors within the workplace, organizations, schools, faith institutions, and communities. Presenters examined strategies to mitigate negative and hostile encounters, promote diversity, increase emotional intelligence, and improve mission outcomes.
This year’s conference featured a presentation by members of the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Working Group. The USAO-MDFL panelists provided an overview of hate crimes, legal implications, the effects of bias in the educational system, and methods of mediation and conciliation. Attendees were also shown a brief demonstration of “About Face: Turning Away From Hate” - the working group’s signature national training tool for law enforcement and communities.