Jan. 7, 1998 Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 EUGENE--Learning how to counteract the campus recruiting tactics and threats to 21st-century society of extremist groups is the focus of a two-day conference organized by the University of Oregon Substance Abuse Prevention Program in mid-January. "Destructive Cults, Conspiracies and Extremist Groups" is set from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16-17, in the Performance Hall at the Lane County Fairgrounds, 796 W. 13th Ave. Keynote presenter will be Jack Levin, a professor of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., who, for years, has studied the impact on society of extremist group activities ranging from mass suicide to terrorist bombings. Levin has written and co-authored 18 books dealing with prejudice, violence, criminal homicide and social psychology including "Overkill: Mass Murder" and "Killer on Campus." Conference organizers say the event is designed to provide insight into the shocking level of campus recruitment; to educate in the techniques that destructive cults, militias and other extremist groups employ to lure new members; and to offer insight into future challenges and possible solutions for effectively meeting those challenges. "Researchers in sociology, criminology and social psychology have long studied the impact of extremist groups upon society and, conversely, society's impact upon them," says Miki Mace, UO Substance Abuse Prevention Program administrator. "Mass suicides by destructive cults, terrorist bombings by domestic militias, and recruitment on college campuses across the nation point to the belief that violent behavior by extremist groups will only increase as we brace to enter a new millennium." The weekend conference offers two units of college credit for undergraduate UO students who attend all sessions both days and complete all assignments, final examinations or projects. Community professionals and others also are welcome, with certificates available that serve as proof of attendance for application toward professional development hours or for re-certification purposes. Registration for the two-day conference is $80. Community members may enroll for $40 per day. Early registration is encouraged. For information, browse <http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~kwiant/> or call (541) 346-4135. -30- #P-2070/Local/eb