Breaux Act Newsflash - 2009 UUP Symposium UPDATES!

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jerome Ringo will deliver the Keynote
Address at the 2009 Gulf of Mexico Alliance Diversity Project Symposium!

"Jerome Ringo is a dedicated champion of environmental justice and vocal
advocate of clean energy. He has first hand experience with environmental
challenges we are face after having worked for more than 20 years in
Louisiana's petrochemical industry. Jerome spent most of his career as an
active union member working with his fellow members to secure a safe work
environment and quality jobs. Louisiana's petrochemical industry focuses on
the production of gasoline, rocket fuel, and plastics - many of which
contain cancer causing chemicals. As he began observing the negative impacts
of the industry's pollution on local communities, primarily poor, minority
communities, Ringo began organizing community environmental justice groups.

Jerome's experience organizing environmental and labor communities and his
drive to further diversify the environmental movement bridges many partners
creating a broad based coalition that provides real solutions for our energy
crisis. Ebony Magazine named Jerome Ringo one of the most influential
African Americans for 2006 in its April issue. Ebony Magazine is one of the
oldest and most successful African American magazines, with over 1.6 million
readers. Jerome Ringo was also highlighted in the May issue of Urban
Influence Magazine as one of the Top Ten African American Influences in the
country. Jerome is a member of the Green Group, a member of Newsweek's
Environment and Leadership Council, and serves as an official advisor to the
Sundance Channel's "The Green." In 2007, Ringo was invited to serve on the
National Parks and Conservation Association board." -from
http://www.jeromeringo.com

Space is still available, so register today!

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, and the GOMA Diversity
Mini-Grant recipients invite you to the 2009 Gulf of Mexico Alliance
Diversity Project Symposium.

Please join us at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA June 3rd, 4th,
and 5th for a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and share. This
symposium will bring together leaders from communities and environmental
organizations to help strengthen and diversify environmental education and
outreach in the five states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. There will be
workshops facilitated by participants of the 2008 GOMA Diversity symposium -
educators and youth - on each of their projects, a poster session where all
symposium participants are encouraged to bring a poster to share, an
informational session on grant opportunities for environmental education
diversity projects, a paddling/boating trip, and much more! Adults and youth
are welcome! There will be sessions specifically designed for youth, so if
you are an educator and work with youth, bring some of them along.

This link brings you to a tentative agenda and a registration form, each in
Microsoft Word and Adobe pdf:
http://www.gulfalliancediversity.org/2009%20Symposium.html

Participation is limited to the first 100 registrants. Registration, meals
and snacks are free. More information coming soon.

The Diversity Mini-Grants Project, funded by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), is a joint venture between the Barataria-Terrebonne
National Estuary Program (BTNEP) and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA). The
program was created to support diversity among community-based restoration,
outreach and education efforts in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and
Florida. Environmental groups were awarded mini-grants for projects that
engage underserved and underrepresented populations within their
communities. Through these efforts, citizens will gain a greater awareness
and understanding of issues facing the Gulf Coast, and will hopefully become
productive stewards that encourage and participate in environmental
activities within their communities.