---Diversity training grows by 10% in 2004---
Corporate diversity programs are expected to grow by ten percent in 2004 and to maintain that pace during the year ahead, according to Mike Hyter, President & CEO of Boston consulting firm Novations/J. Howard Associates. "Inclusion and diversity training declined somewhat due to the recession, but has clearly regained momentum this year."
Hyter cited trends key to expanded diversity training:
Development of all Employees-More organizations integrate their diversity efforts with overall development programs. While the focus is still on the needs of specific groups, the new trend is to ensure that all employees are given equal access to skills training and other career opportunities.
Growing Age Bias-Despite gains by women, African-Americans and others in the workforce, bias complaints by older employees continue to rise and are now at their highest level in ten years.
Advancement of Women-While women's needs still hold the attention of top management, the emphasis has shifted from recruitment and retention to career development and the advancement of women into the upper executive ranks, including C-level and corporate board positions.
Workforce Globalization-No single factor has done more to transform and expand diversity training than accelerating globalization of the workforce. International trade competition, the Internet, economic integration and dynamics have combined to redefine diversity. Today global organizations need global solutions, even when issues and demographics vary by country and region. "Training and consulting on diversity have been around for more than a quarter century," Hyter observed. "But during the past two or three years the innovation and change in the field have been unprecedented. We foresee not just healthy growth in inclusion efforts, but also continuing adaptation to shifting employee populations and business conditions." J. Howard & Associates is among the country's leading resources on diversity, inclusion and human resource development and serves client organizations in North and South America as well as Europe and Asia. For more information, go to www.jhoward.com or send email to: pfitzgerald@jhoward.com .

---Blanche Williams talks with Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis this week on "GREATNESS BY DESIGN"- XM CHANNEL 169---On Monday, November 22, 2004 Blanche Williams, XM Satellite Radio Talk Show Host, welcomes RUBY DEE & OSSIE DAVIS, one of the most revered and acclaimed artists on the eve of their Kennedy Center Honors. On Wednesday, November 24 enjoy an array of special guests stopping by to share their favorite Thanksgiving memories and recipes including MONIQUE GREENWOOD, Owner Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast, ELAINE BROWN, Author of Lemon City, and JANINE FONDON, Publisher UnityFirst.com. GREATNESS BY DESIGN with Blanche airs live coast-to-coast every Monday & Wednesday from 12:00noon-1:00pm/EST and 9:00-10:00am/PST on XM Channel 169-THE POWER, XM Satellite Radio's premiere 24 hour African-American Talk Channel. "Every show is a blank canvass waiting to be transformed. I'm excited to be working in one of the most penetrating and engaging mediums, add to that the most authentic and prolific minds of our time, and the result is nothing short of magic," Blanche says of her second XM talk season which premiered on Sept 13, 2004. Blanche Williams launched her broadcasting career with cutting edge XM Satellite Radio in January 2003 as the host of GREATNESS BY DESIGN on Channel 169-THE POWER, the first and only national 24 hour African-American Talk Channel. Since her debut Blanche has conducted interviews with stellar personalities including; Dr. Maya Angelou, Patti LaBelle, Phylicia Rashad, Nikki Giovanni, CeCe Winans, Tracy Chapman, and Kimberly Elise. For more information, send email to: blanche@blanchewilliams.com

---Go to UnityFirst.com for the following stories:
1) ANDREA BROOKS, A CHAMPION OF CIVIL RIGHTS FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS by Sylvia Thomas Ballinger. Mrs. Andrea E. Brooks is a champion of civil rights for federal government workers.
As National Vice President for the 600,000-member American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Brooks is always fighting for fairness and equality for the masses -particularly women. Go to Unityfirst.com for the full story.
2) Life Lessons From "Ray" by Kirk Jones. Ray, a movie that brings to the big screen the big life of Ray Charles, has drawn rave reviews. The impact goes beyond Jamie Foxx's stunning performance, and even Charles' life itself. The movie presents life lessons that can be used to greatly enhance one's own living. For the full story, go to UnityFirst.com.

---Update: International Arms Trade Fuelling Human Rights Abuses in Darfur, Sudan---
"Two Antonov airplanes, five helicopters and two MiGs attacked our village at around 6am. Five tanks came into town. The attack lasted until 7pm ... Eighteen men and two children from our family were killed when fleeing." - Testimony provided to Amnesty International by Aziza Abdel Jaber Mohammed and her half sister Zahra Adam Arja about an attack in North Darfur Amnesty International (AI) revealed details of an uncontrolled international arms trade that is fuelling massive human rights abuses, including the killing, rape, torture and displacement of more than one million civilians in Darfur. In a 43-page report, Sudan: Arming the Perpetrators of Grave Abuses in Darfur, the organization identifies recent arms transfers and accuses foreign governments of enabling the Sudanese government to arm and deploy untrained and unaccountable militias in Darfur. Amnesty International is recommending that the United Nations (UN) Security Council impose a mandatory arms embargo- accompanied by rigorous UN monitoring both inside and outside Sudan-to halt exports of arms likely to be used to commit human rights violations. The embargo should remain in effect until safeguards exist to protect civilians from grave human rights abuses. For a full copy of the report, "Sudan: Arming the Perpetrators of Grave Abuses in Darfur," please contact Michelle Linder: mlinder@aiusa.org .

---Job of the Week: SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS---The Randolph School Committee is seeking an experienced educational leader to serve as Superintendent of Schools. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to academic excellence for students and teachers. The Town of Randolph is ten miles south of Boston with a population of 30,000. The Randolph School District serves approximately 4,000 students in eight schools. Candidates must be certified or eligible for certification as a Massachusetts Superintendent of Schools. A three-year contract with a comprehensive salary and benefits package in the range of $125,000-$140,000 will be offered. Screening will begin December 6, 2004. For information and an application form contact: Dr. James Walsh, NESDEC, 28 Lord Road, Marlborough, MA01752; (508) 481-9444; search@nesdec.org; www.nesdec.org.

---Visit New York's Museum for African Art---
The New York Museum for African Art will hold events through December 2004, designed to build awareness, understanding, and appreciation of African culture through the arts. On December 4, 2004 (1:30), there will be a presentation about the Ndebele women in Central South Africa are famous for their use of asymmetrical designs on houses. In this workshop, led by artist Sandra A.M. Bell, attendees use traditional Ndebele techniques and styles, as well their own designs to create innovative pieces on canvas. Children of all ages are welcome. The Museum for African Art is located at 36-01 43rd Avenue Long Island City, New York 11101.On December 18, 2004, the museum will hold the Third Annual Kwanzaa Celebration 2:00pm-3:00 pm Celebrate the history, practice, and seven principles of Kwanzaa as Andrew P. Jackson and drummer Willie Ajibilu White present an interactive lesson. For children of all ages.