When ECDC was established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1983, our initial goal was to respond to the needs of a growing Ethiopian community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. As we observe 27 years of service to the community in 2010, we celebrate growth and achievements in our branch offices in Arlington, Denver, and Las Vegas.

Emira Woods will be giving a speech at the conference on refugee women and U.S. foreign policy – looking at U.S. militarism and the push factors for women immigrants and refugees. Others on the panel include: Lidia Schaefer, CNN Hero and Dawn Calabria, Refugee International.

The conference is designed to further those goals of ECDC by providing opportunities for leaders of the local community organizations to associate with national leaders in refugee and humanitarian affairs; give updates on policy and program issues; gather ideas from bestpractice experiences; and gain inspiration and the sense of renewal that accompanies the fellowship and networking experiences provided by such national gatherings.

The rationale for this year’s theme, “Challenges, Changes, Champions,” is that “challenge” is a word frequently used in previous conference themes, addressing most often the issues of protection and assistance for those fleeing war, torture and abuse on the continent. And “changes” in policies and practices have spawned many concurrent workshops, generally dealing with resettlement issues. “Champions” became part of this year’s theme as the conference planning committee sought to honor both the dedicated workers who champion the cause of refugees and immigrants, and those who have become champions of survival and achievement.

Join us for a rewarding experience of fellowship and renewal!

To register and learn more about the conference click here or contact Senay Gebremedhin, senay.hg [at] ecdcinternational [dot] org, phone (703) 685-0510 x250