The AFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Conference will be held at the Loews New Orleans Hotel, Oct. 26-28. This year’s conference promises to explore issues such as the healthcare funding crisis, mobilizing for the 2008 elections, and the growing economic and education disparities that affect our communities.

The conference theme is "Rebuilding the Labor Movement Through Civil, Human and Women’s Rights." Workshops will cover a wide range of topics, including the resegregation of schools, HIV/AIDS awareness, the war on workers’ rights, and community coalition building.

Attendees will be introduced to two traditions of the "Big Easy" culture: Mardi Gras Indians, the response of New Orleans’ black residents to the Mardi Gras parades; and the New Orleans Brass Band, often seen in funeral processions.

Participants also can see the realities of New Orleans post-Katrina on a tour of the city’s Ninth Ward. For more information, call the AFT human rights and community relations department at 202/879-4434.