June 1, 2004

Dear Rivers teachers:

Our world is changing rapidly.  Many changes are natural ones, resulting from a planet that is living and growing.  Other changes occur due to the interaction of people with our environment.  With proper care and education, detrimental changes to the world around us can be avoided or minimized.

The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois is hosting a conference concerning the environment entitled, "OUR LIVING WORLD...the Challenge of Our Time".  The conference is  for juniors and seniors in high school, their teachers, college students, their professors and interested Illinois citizens.  This conference will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2004, at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Attendees at this conference can expect to explore the environmental challenges facing us in central Illinois and the world, as well as learn about the exciting projects of regional organizations which are working to ensure the future health of our environment. State education goals in the areas of science, social science and health will be addressed.  C.P.D.U.s will be available.

The featured speaker for the conference is Denis Hayes, an environmentalist well known on of the founders of Earth Day.  Mr. Hayes is excited about the opportunity to come to Illinois to deliver his perspective on the state of the environment and what is being done to correct current damage and to avoid future damage.  In addition, he will offer conference attendees ideas on what they can do personally to help bring about environmental improvement.  Mr. Hayes will be joined that day by other environmental leaders who will present information and exhibits on various topics related to environmental concerns and efforts in Illinois and around the world.

This letter is being sent to you as advance notice of the conference.  We hope that you will be able to set aside time and funds so that you and your students can participate.  The cost of the conference is $8 per person pre-registering in September.  Lunch is included in that fee.

If you are interested in attending the conference or want to receive the conference information and registration brochure in September, then please e-mail us at gracewenz@hotmail.com.  Please include your name and school and mailing address.

Please share this information with your students and with other teachers.  Encourage them to attend this worthwhile conference.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Katie Huther, President
World Affairs Council of Central Illinois
Member of the National Council of World Affairs Organizations, Washington, D.C.