Welcome

Welcome to the International Symposium on Human Rights and Quality of Life of the Portuguese-Speaking Communities in the United States of America and Canada, an initiative promoted by the Government of the Azores (Portugal) which will take place on November 9 and 10, 2011 at the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) and Lesley University.

We are very pleased to welcome our keynote-speaker, Craig Mello, The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2006, and Professor at the UMass Medicine School. The International Symposium will focus on the Portuguese-speaking communities in North-America and Human Rights issues related to Health, Deportation, Education, Community Advocacy and Leadership. The International symposium will grant participation certificates.

You are welcome to a variety of sessions, workshops and poster presentations led by a diverse group of experts in Human Rights and Quality of Life issues in the Portuguese-speaking communities in the U.S. and Canada. This is a great opportunity to hear about the work being done on behalf of Portuguese-speaking Communities by community organizations and to learn how to became a leader and serve the Portuguese-speaking communities in the U.S. and Canada. We welcome you to join us and learn about the initiatives and impact of these organizations.

The International Symposium will host an evening cocktail on Wednesday November 9 at 05:00 PM. This event will include recognition of those leaders and organizations from the U.S. and Canada who have shown excellence in advocating for the Portuguese-speaking communities in those countries. It will also provide a great opportunity for networking and socializing.

By attending the International Symposium on Human Rights and Quality of Life of the Portuguese-Speaking Communities in the U.S. and Canada, you will become a part of our communities’ history and help create a new vision for our future. We look forward to seeing you there!