Advocating for All: IAOHRA comes to Cincinnati

The International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA), providing opportunities and forums for the exchange of ideas and information among member agencies and other human rights advocates, is hosting its annual conference in Cincinnati at the end August 26–30.

The Washington-D.C.-based organization, founded in 1949, develops educational programs on human rights and civil rights issues. It provides assistance in the development of programs for eliminating illegal discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, public services, and commercial transactions, including banking and lending practices.

The conference this month will cover emerging issues and provide attendees with the necessary tools to make decisions regarding human and civil rights at the local, state, and national levels. It also will provide networking opportunities for professionals across a variety of disciplines through seminars, training, and speakers.

Aside from the opening welcome and reception being held the evening of August 26th, there will be several opportunities throughout the duration of the conference for professionals to network and hear from various speakers on combating current human and civil rights issues. During the opening ceremonies on Monday morning, attendees will hear from IAOHRA President Robin Toma, Lori Barreras from the Ohio Human Rights Commission, Mayor John Cranley, and Paul Booth from the City of Cincinnati Office of Human Relations.

Each day will include a variety of breakout sessions, seminars, regional and member meetings, plenary sessions, and luncheons with speakers from designated local, state, and federal human and civil rights positions. Topics include impacts of sexual harassment on housing and employment, managing employees with mental health issues, a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., and more.

IAOHRA will recognize exemplary people and organizations during the August 30th awards luncheon, which gathers attendees, organizations, and leaders to celebrate and honor exemplary achievements in civil and human rights.

The 69th Annual IAOHRA Conference will be held in Cincinnati from August 26–30 at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Registration for the event is as follows: $595 for members, $695 for non-members, and a $249 daily rate is available. For more information or to register for the conference, visit IAOHRA’s website.