We're delighted to announce that we're holding our inaugural northern hemisphere conference in Atlanta in conjunction with Spelman College.

We are expecting counsellors, therapists and community workers from many different countries to attend in order to explore the latest thinking in relation to narrative therapy and community work.

As with our previous conferences, the program will be skills-based and will provide participants with ideas for creative ways of working with individuals, families and communities.

Within the conference there will be a range of forums for conversations including: keynote addresses, skills-based seminars, practice-based workshops, tent sessions, and discussions under the trees.

We are still in the process of confirming speakers and presentations but we already know that highly respected clinical practitioners from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, Israel, Scandinavia, Canada, Mexico and the USA will be sharing their work.

We are taking care to ensure that the conference retains the spirit of those that we have held in Australia, although, the local context and histories will produce a unique event. Spelman College is an historically black women's college with a rich, vibrant history. The generosity and enthusiasm of local African-American counsellors will significantly shape the event as will the participation of representatives from the Cherokee and Muscogee Nations who are looking forward to being a part of the Indigenous welcome to land and country.

Experienced therapists and teachers will also be holding one, two and five day workshops prior to the conference. Other events that will surround the conference include a women's gathering and a range of dinners and welcome lunches. A number of free events will also take place before the conference - afternoon sessions to assist visitors to orientate themselves to the history and current context of Atlanta (and Spelman College), and a free introductory workshop on narrative therapy. We suggest you book in for a number of events and so make the most of your time in Atlanta.

Registrations are already taking place. Discounted rates apply for those who register prior to December 1st 2001. We are also trying to arrange inexpensive accommodation to keep costs down. Due to the practicalities at the venue at Spelman College we will have to strictly limit the numbers of participants who will be able to attend. We really recommend that people book early to avoid disappointment. For registration forms please email us at dulwich@senet.com.au or contact us by phone: (61-8) 8223 3966 or fax: (61-8) 8232 4441.

We hope to see you in Atlanta in June next year!!