Over the past year, a growing awareness of the negative impacts of racism in our own state and nation have led many groups and individuals to try to change how they approach issues of diversity. The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Services has had this mission at the heart of its Toward One Wisconsin Conference since its inception in 2019.

his year, the third annual conference will be hosted Oct. 12-13 in Eau Claire with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.” This year the focus is to bring support to marginalized people who have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, bridge the gaps between diverse communities, and foster community change and collaboration.

According to organizers, the conference “offers those in businesses, health care, government service, education, and other sectors the chance to discuss, learn about, and exchange ideas on how best to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.” The conference will feature four tracks: Increasing Opportunities for Inclusion in Wisconsin’s Workforce, Creating Inclusive Communities, Cultivating Equity in Education, and Building Health Equity in Wisconsin.

If the event is held in person, it will be at The Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire. If that isn’t possible because of the pandemic, it will be held virtually as it was last year.

For more information about the event, contact Sharon Hunter, the conference coordinator and the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, at (715) 261-6368. To register, become a sponsor or submit a proposal for the conference, visit inclusivity-wi.org.