On January 31, 2008, an informative and exciting conference will be held at College of the Canyons - "Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America." The conference begins with registration at 8 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center followed by opening remarks at 9 a.m. Workshop and panel discussions will be held throughout the day. A capacity audience is expected to "Pack the PAC." Registration is FREE and can be done online at www.cocsdc.org

"Focus the Nation" ( http://focusthenation.org) is a national movement initiated by Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. It is "an ambitious educational initiative that will culminate in national symposia held simultaneously at over a thousand colleges, universities, high schools and other institutions"; it is to "collaboratively engage in a nationwide, interdisciplinary discussion about 'Global Warming Solutions for America.'"

In support of the national movement, the intent of College of the Canyons local conference is to focus the discussion on the growing concern in the nation about global warming and to generate national discussion on issues and solutions related to global climate change.

Educators, activities, policymakers, and concerned citizens of our community will hold panel discussions and workshops on the College of the Canyons Valencia campus to address the pressing issues regarding the environment, with a focus on the role of education in moving the nation towards a more sustainable, vibrant future.