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vitalvoices 2015-2016

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Journey of Hope... from Violence to Healing

The Journey of Hope... From Violence to Healing is an organization that is lead by murder victim family members that conduct public education speaking tours and addresses alternatives tot he death penalty.

October 12, 2015 from 1:10 - 2:30 p.m. at the Robertson Auditorium (A350)

 

The Story That Changed Texas Justice

Presented by Pulitzer Prize Winner Lisa Falkenberg

Houston Chronicle columnist Lisa Falkenberg explains how a series of powerful columns on one man's wrongful conviction helped free him from death row, ban Texas' archaic grand jury system and won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in commentary. Come learn how to harness great stories to influence opinions and achieve a social change. 

Lisa Falkenberg will also be receiving the Person of the Year Award from the Program in Social Work. 

November 18, 2015 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Robertson Auditorium (A350)

 

Not in Our Backyard: A Conversation With Local Experts About Combating Modern-Day Slavery in Houston

  • Cheryl Briggs, CEO, Mission at Serenity Ranch and Human Trafficking Survivor
  • Minal Davis, Special Advisor to the Mayor on Human Trafficking
  • Ed Gallagher, Assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Dan Harris, Captain, Houston Police Department Vice Unit
  • Constance Rossiter, Director of Trafficked Persons Assistance Program, YMCA International

This event features dialogue between local experts about human trafficking in Houston. Topics will include the scope of the problem, the strategies local and federal lawn enforcement partners are taking to address the problem, and the important ways that police, prosecutors, and victim service providers work together to restore victims' lives and bring traffickers to justice. The panel will also discuss the unique needs of human trafficking survivors and the services available in Houston for them, as well as to explain what we can do as community members to stop this crime from occurring in our city. 

January 27, 2016 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the Robertson Auditorium (A350)

 

Understanding Autism

 

Through Student's Eyes

Presented by Dr. Kristien Zenkov

What do students think are the purposes of school?
Why do youth go to -- and stay -- in school?

What do they believe helps them to succeed in School and what gets in the way of this success?

Founded in 2004, the "Through Students' Eyes" (TSE) project works with high school and middle school youth to address these questions through photographs and written reflections

April 20, 2016 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the Robertson Auditorium (A350)

 

The Restorative Justice: Strenthening Our Communities

 

For further information contact Steven Villano, director of the Center for Public Service and Community Research at villanos@uhd.edu.