Contact: Rebecca Neale, The White House, Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, 202-456-7348

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Thursday, November 13, 2008, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) will convene a Compassion in Action roundtable titled, "Native American/Alaska Native Positive Youth Development."  Hosted by OFBCI Acting Director Jedd Medefind, the Roundtable will explore successful youth development programs that effectively partner state, local and Federal governments with grassroots nonprofits and Native organizations.  Panelists will highlight the distinctive needs of Native American youth populations including the importance of celebrating the cultural identity of Native American communities and how cultural competence is integral to any effective youth development effort.

A complete Compassion in Action Roundtable agenda is attached.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008

WHAT:          
White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Compassion in Action roundtable on "Native American/Alaska Native Positive Youth Development"

WHERE:       
The White House
Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB)
Room 450

WHEN:          
Thursday, November 13, 2008
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Members of the press should arrive at the Northwest Appointment Gate by 2:30 p.m. EST to ensure entry.

NOTE:          
Members of the press who do not have a White House press credential must fax his or her name (as it appears on his or her driver's license), Social Security number and date of birth on company letterhead to (202) 456-7019 no later than 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008.  For additional credentialing or logistical questions, please call (202) 456-7348. 

American Indian/Alaska Native Positive Youth Development

November 13, 2008

3 p.m.                        
Welcome and Introduction

Jedd Medefind, Special Assistant to the President and Acting Director

White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Daniel Schneider, Acting Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3:15 p.m.                    
Capacity Building: Strengthening Communities and Grassroots Indian Organizations

D.J. Vanas, Motivational Storyteller and Author, Native Discovery Inc.

3:30 p.m.                    
Panel: Positive Youth Development

Moderator: Commissioner Quanah Stamps, Administration for Native Americans, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Panelists: Debra Naaqtuuq Dommek, Youth Representative, Cook Inlet Tribal Council

Juanita Toledo, Co-President, National UNITY Council Executive Committee

3:55 p.m.                    
Developing Culturally Competent Resources

Pam James, Executive Director, Native Wellness Institute

Gordon James, CEO, Culture2Culture

4:10 p.m.                    
Panel: The Role of Tribal and Grassroots Organizations

Moderator: Sheila Cooper, Director of Program Operations, Administration for Native Americans, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Panelists: Lamont Yazzie, Program Manager, Navajo Nation Office of the President/Vice President

LCDR Karen Hearod, LCSW, Project Director, Choctaw Nation Mahli Issuba Family Recovery Center

Gloria O'Neill, President and CEO, Cook Inlet Tribal Council

Julie Garreau, Executive Director, Cheyenne River Youth Project

5 p.m.                        
Adjourn