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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma's Office of Policy, Planning and Development announces its first annual Community Empowerment Conference, to be held July 15 - 16, 2000, at Sequoyah High School. The conference is targeted toward rural Cherokee communities who would like to organize and develop themselves, but need tools and technical assistance to do so.

Community involvement is critical to the perpetuation of the modern Cherokee Nation, according to Principal Chief Chad Smith. "We have survived historically, and will thrive in the future based upon the strength of our communities," Smith says.

Nine interactive workshops will be offered, on topics including grant writing proposals, finding funding opportunities via the Internet, successful local fundraising ideas, incorporating and becoming a non-profit organization, volunteer management and running meetings effectively. The Cherokee Nation's Office of Policy, Planning and Development and members of NSU's staff will teach the workshops. Chief Smith will moderate a panel discussion on "Communities…Whose work is it?"

Conference coordinator Reva Crawford stated that there are only two qualities needed for an individual to create lasting changes and benefits to his or her community: energy and commitment. "However, in order to help prepare community members, we will supply tools and information," she says, "You bring the energy; we'll supply the information."

Sessions will begin daily at 9:00 a.m., with a special fellowship session included on Sunday morning, "How the Work We Do in Communities Connects with Christianity." There is no cost for the two-day conference, and a complimentary lunch will be served to participants on both days. Participants will receive a notebook containing useful community development materials from each of the workshop sessions. All members of Cherokee communities are invited to attend, but an RSVP is requested, as materials and space for the workshops are limited. To register for the conference, contact Brad Peak at (918) 456-0671, extension 2843 or toll-free at (800) 256-0671.