News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715, mrankin@k-state.edu

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN RURAL KANSAS TOPIC OF DAYLONG DIALOGUE

MANHATTAN -- The Consortium for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability and its partners are host to the sixth annual Dialogue on Sustainability: Building Sustainable Communities. The event is Thursday, July 14, in Fiedler Hall at Kansas State University.

Administrative leadership of the consortium, with headquarters at K-State, is provided by the Center for Hazardous Substance Research in the College of Engineering.

The one-day dialogue will center on building sustainable communities in rural Kansas. Sessions throughout the day will focus on the PRIDE Community Voluntary Improvement Program, exploring relationships between climate and rural sustainability, and using community assets effectively.

Activities will include discussions, small group dialogues, posters, exhibits and more. During the afternoon breakout session, resource specialists on a variety of issues will be available to answer questions and help attendees develop ideas to implement change in their communities.

Exhibits and posters, including information on courses related to sustainability, are welcome. Those interested in presenting a poster at the event or who would like to set up an exhibit should contact the Center for Hazardous Substance Research at chsr@k-state.edu or 785-532-6519.

Travel scholarships are available for community representatives, and continuing education credits are available.

The public is invited to attend any or all of the sessions at no charge, but preregistration is encouraged. For further information, contact Sheree Walsh at chsr@k-state.edu or visit www.engg.ksu.edu/CHSR/sustainability .