This Free conference will bring new vision to violence prevention along the Texas Mexico border and promote best practices to motivate parents, youth, community workers, and professionals in response to growing community violence. With national, bi-national, state, and local resources we can bring… El buen ojo al mal de ojo - violencia en la comunidad fronteriza A BOUT Eyeglass-Nuevas ÓPticas Border Violence Prevention Conference The Rio Grande Valley Council Inc . was awarded a SSGB grant through the Texas Department of State Health Services Mental Health and Substance Abuse Division for the purpose of addressing border violence issues, substance abuse, and disaster planning. This conference is designed especially for parents, youth, and community level providers and will offer sessions in English and Spanish. All Keynote sessions will have translation services available. Participants be prepared for some fun interaction, wear comfortable clothes and be ready to move with some low ropes activities. GOALS The goals of the conference are to increase community awareness and readiness of the current state of border violence, substance abuse and disastrous events. It will bring into focus the unique circumstances of the border area and disseminate resources to aid families, youth, and community providers in building an Antiviolence Alliance . PURPOSE The purpose of bringing parents, youth, and community providers together is to provide networking opportunities, skill-building for all participants, readiness for response to violence, substance abuse, and disaster exposure and promote an Antiviolence Alliance. TARGET AUDIENCE Parents Youth Community Health Workers Promotoras Community Advocates A Commodations The McAllen Convention Center is conveniently located near the McAllen Miller International Airport and not far from its’ sister city of Reynosa with a border crossing into Mexico. It is in close proximity to hotels, shopping center, restaurants, and many cultural and entertainment establishments. Hotel accommodations are available at: Transportation from designated pick-up sites in Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties has been arranged through Valley Transit Bus Services. Please contact Nora Alvarez at (956) 787-7111 ext. 232 for more information or by e-mail at nalvarez@rgvcouncil.org EXHIBITORS The Eyeglass-Nuevas ÓPticas Border Violence Prevention Conference could not be possible without the support of exhibitors. We appreciate your support in building a strong Antiviolence Alliance. To participate as an exhibitor and increase your organization’s visibility during this conference please download the Exhibitor form and e-mail it to nalvarez@rgvcouncil.org C ONTINUING EDUCATION Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded to participants who request credits. Not all sessions will be eligible for Ceu credit, please check the agenda for eligibility of each session.