On behalf of the 2006 BPD Conference Committee, we cordially invite you to “Come See LA”. The Conference Committee in conjunction with the Local Planning Committee has been diligently working to bring this year’s very timely theme, Bridging Borders: Building Ties - Transforming Relationships, to life in the City of Angels. Participants in this year’s conference will have numerous opportunities to get out and experience how Bridging Borders and Building Ties transform not only relationships but lives as well.

Venturing out in LA may sound daunting, but we can assure that getting around LA is a snap. Located just across the street from the Wilshire Grand Hotel is an entrance to LA’s Metro rail station. The Metro system will take you just about anywhere you want to venture for only $1.25 one-way. Purchase a $3.00 Day pass and stroll the decks of the Queen Mary in Long Beach (40-minutes from the hotel), see the stars on Hollywood Boulevard (10-minutes from the hotel), eat lunch in China Town (20-minutes from the hotel), and listen to cool jazz, blues, rock or country while you dine in Universal City (20-minutes from the hotel). With only three lines from which to travel, the Metro is a simple speedy way around the city. If you want to stick closer to “home” just walk out of the hotel, cross the street and ride one of the city buses for only a quarter.

We are excited to announce that Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., Founder / Executive Director of Jobs For A Future / Homeboy Industries, has agreed to present a Special Plenary on Friday morning. Father Boyle’s nationally recognized programs offer unique and multi-service approaches to at-risk youth. After hearing Father Boyle’s story, participants will have the opportunity to visit his newest venture, Homegirl’s Café. Opened April 2005, the café is a training facility for hundreds of at-risks who want to enter the restaurant business.  http://www.homeboy-industries.org/father_gregg.php

Participants will also want to reserve their spot early for this year’s Jim Wahlberg Walk-Run early. This year’s event is an outing to Historic Venice Beach. So whether you run, walk, or just want to site see reserve your spot on the bus. We will also have numerous other health, wellness, and spirituality opportunities to help re-charge your mind, body, and spirit.

The Local Planning Committee has secured a timely CEU opportunity for Sunday Morning's final session.  In cooperation with the California Chapter of  NASW, JanLee Wong, Executive Director NASWCA, and Sally Bell will present "Immigration: The Interplay of Economics, Ethics, Immigration Policy development and the Social Work Profession”.      

From the Pre-conference activities on Wednesday to the final session on Sunday, this year’s BPD conference promises to refresh, recharge and rejuvenate while living up to the expectations that BPD’ers have come to expect in our annual meeting. So, on behalf of the Conference Committee, “We’ll See You in LA!!”

Don’t forget to check out the website at www.bpdonline.org for all of the conference details.

Kim Womack, 2006 Conference Chair