Jan. 16, 1998 Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 EUGENE--The positive elements of love and sex are the focus of a two-day conference organized by the University of Oregon Substance Abuse Prevention Program in late January. "Positive Sexuality: Relationships for the `90s and Beyond" is set from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30-31, in the Wheeler Pavilion at the Lane County Fairgrounds, 796 W. 13th Ave. Conference organizers say the event is designed to further understanding of the difference between love and sex; identify conditions for having sex; and increase awareness of sexual messages transmitted through various mechanisms. Keynote presenter will be Jay Friedman, executive director of Sex Matters. Former director of education for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and a private consultant on sex education for the past nine years, Friedman returns to the university after lecturing here in 1996. Other presenters include Julia Boyd, author of "Waiting to Exhale"; Jay Wurscher, trainer for the State of Oregon's STARS program; and Ken Magid, Colorado author and consultant on childhood, adolescence and families' sexuality. "The effect of healthy relationships on one's academic, personal and professional performance is one of the fundamental messages of this conference," says Miki Mace, UO Substance Abuse Prevention Program administrator. "Society's trouble talking about sex often provides inadequate or inaccurate sex education." Participants will discover a wide range of sexual issues confronting campuses today, as well as discuss and experience ideas on love, sex and dating that help create a sexually healthy society. 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-2071/Local/eb