By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – “Advocating for Gender Equality” is the theme for the 11th annual Kent Estes Justice for All Conference at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The event is Friday (Feb. 28) in the Ponderosa Room in the Nebraskan Student Union. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Curt Brungardt, professor of leadership studies at Fort Hays State University, will present the keynote address “Masculinity and Jana’s Campaign” at 8:30 a.m. Brungardt is an expert in political leadership, social change and community organizing.
In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims of domestic violence, a group of activists created Jana’s Campaign. The mission of the organization is to reduce gender and relationship violence.
“What’s great about the conference is that there are many different perspectives represented,” said Hannah Vontz, a graduate student in clinical and mental health. “From transgender issues, substance abuse, how the media influences gender, the perks of masculinity, and gender roles in the Latino/Latina culture – there’s a good mix of information and knowledge to be gained.”
Additional presentations scheduled include:
1 to 2:15 p.m. – “Gender, The Media and You” keynote by Heather Lambert. The presentation will address the influence of media on gender and society.
3:30 to 4:45 p.m. – Kearney Musician Brody Runge will share his personal story transitioning from female to male in “A New Life Journey.” His presentation will feature video footage and photos from his journey, and information about the surgical process he went through.
Breakout sessions include:
10 to 10:50 a.m. – “Evaluating Gender Roles Personally and Professionally” by Anna Hain, and Ashley Swartz will share her personal story regarding her sex reassignment, including barriers she faced while undergoing the transformation.
11 to 11:50 a.m. – “Gender Based Substance Abuse Trends” by Faithe Kroll, and “Traditional Gender Roles in Latino/Latina Culture” by Monica Mueller and Juan Guzman.
2:30 to 3:20 p.m. – “Women and Equality” by Donna Fegler Daiss. Christine Chasek also will present diagnostic changes related to gender identity and how clinicians can use the information to advocate for gender equality.
“This is such a great opportunity for students because they don’t have to travel – the conference is on campus in the student union – and the conference is affordable,” Vontz said.
The conference is sponsored by the UNK Department of Counseling and School Psychology, Chi Sigma Iota, Graduate Association of School Psychologists and the Nebraska Counseling Association.
The cost is $30 for UNK faculty, staff and students; $65 for NSPA, NCA, CSI and GrASP members; $85 for other professionals; and $95 at the door. Professionals can earn 7.5 continuing education units through the NBCC.
Send registration to UNK, Justice for All Conference, Attn. Nan Johnson-COE B114, 1615 W. 24th St., Kearney, NE 68849-5501 or register the day of the event. For more information, contact Johnson at 308-865-8508 or johnsonnm@unk.edu.
ABOUT KENT ESTES
Kent Estes began teaching in 1975 at Kearney State College and served as chair for the counseling and school psychology department for more than 30 years. Estes battled leukemia throughout the later part of his life and died in 2005. According to the Department of Counseling and School Psychology, students who graduated under his tutelage still talk about him with respect and admiration. The conference aims to honor his legacy.
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Source: Nan Johnson, 308.865.8508, johnsonnm@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
