Event Includes Public Forum on Enhancing Life in Lowell
06/24/2015
Contacts: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
* M E D I A A D V I S O R Y *
Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28
WHAT: Nearly 600 leaders in education and community change, along with students from around the world, will gather at UMass Lowell this week to advance the aims of community psychology, which helps address social injustices people face where they live, work and play.
Educators, researchers, policymakers and community activists are just some of the professionals in the field, which promotes social, economic and political rights and opportunities for people in their respective communities. Hosted at UMass Lowell this week, the Society of Community Research and Action Conference is a touchstone for researchers and practitioners who gather every two years to share best methods and explore new avenues of research.
Community psychology gained its footing in Swampscott in 1965 as a challenge to traditional psychotherapy to find new ways to help solve social problems and promote well-being. A pioneer in the field, UMass Lowell is marking the 35th year of its Community Social Psychology master’s degree program, just as the discipline celebrates its 50th anniversary.
A highlight of the conference will occur on Thursday, June 25 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., when attendees will unite with leaders from Lowell’s city government, schools, UMass Lowell and neighborhood associations for the session “Facing the Challenges of Today’s Communities: A Town Meeting.” It will explore Lowell’s strengths and challenges with an eye toward enhancing the quality of life in the city. Speakers are scheduled to include Mayor Rodney Elliott and Lowell High School Headmaster Brian Martin, among others.
More than 300 presenters will lead other conference sessions on issues that include immigration reform, grassroots activism, marriage equality and advancing rights in the LGBT community. Participants will also have a chance to share their research, mentor and network with students studying to enter the field and explore Lowell during walking tours of the city and free time in the downtown.
WHERE: SCRA Conference – UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St. Lowell. “Facing the Challenges of Today’s Communities: A Town Meeting” – United Teen Equality Center (UTEC), 35 Warren St., Lowell.