EUGENE–The social issues of children and violence, the media’s role in drugs and sex, and relationship boundaries will be examined in a trio of conferences organized by the University of Oregon Substance Abuse Prevention Program on three consecutive Sundays in November.

All will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 150 of Columbia Hall, 1215 E. 13th Ave. on the UO campus. Registration for each one-day conference is $35. Early registration is encouraged.

"Kids Killing Kids," scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, will examine historical as well as present-day perspectives on this timely topic. The presentation also will include techniques for working with kids, such as prevention and safety issues. Featured speaker is Vi’Ance Easter, a specialist in juvenile anger management and family/community resource skills.

"Drugs, Sex and the Media" on Sunday, Nov. 15, will challenge students to critique and explore the subtle and overt messages contained in advertising, radio, television and other mass media. Addiction counselor and consultant Jay Wurscher will present this controversial topic with a humorous approach that has made him a favorite among students.

"Concepts of Boundaries," slated for Sunday, Nov. 22, will introduce the concept of boundaries in interpersonal relationships, which involves the dynamics of power, fear and control. Therapists and consultants Tom Broeker and Dianna Rodgers will focus on codependency and developmental theories that provide a useful model for scrutinizing healthy and unhealthy boundary establishment.

These weekend conferences offer one unit of college credit to graduate and undergraduate UO students who attend all sessions and complete all assignments, final examinations or projects.

Community professionals and others also are welcome. Certificates are available that serve as proof of attendance for application toward professional development hours or for re-certification purposes.

For information, browse http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~kwiant/index.html or call Karen Wiant, UO Substance Abuse Prevention Program education coordinator, at (541) 346-4136.

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