In order to be intentional about supporting and fostering cultural and ethnic diversity at the triennial Episcopal Youth Event (EYE14), the Ethnic Missioners from the Diversity and Ethnic Ministries Team are hosting a pre-conference where registered EYE14 participants from diocesan delegations may arrive early to build relationships with their peers and leaders.

The pre-conference, which will be held July 7 to 9, 2014, will focus on leadership development and preserving ethnic and cultural identity while engaging our common Christian identity.

This invitation is specifically for youth and adult chaperones who identify as Native American/Indigenous, Asian/AsiaAmerican, Black, or Latino/a/Hispanic.

Here are some of the details:

• Each diocese may choose to send one or two participants to the pre-conference without a chaperone, or three or four participants with a chaperone.
• The cost per person, including chaperones, is $175 (EYE14 registration is an additional $325; 3 Days of Mission is $275). The pre-conference registration fee includes all programming and lodging as well as dinner on Monday evening, three meals on Tuesday, and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday. Pre-conference participants will join the rest of their diocesan delegation once their full group has arrived on campus for registration and dinner on Wednesday, July 9.
• Diocesan registrars can register pre-conference participants as part of the online EYE14 registration process.

Throughout EYE14, there will likely be opportunities for pre-conference participants to meet to check-in and compare their EYE14 experiences.

Inquiries about the pre-conference should be directed to the Team Associate, Angie Cabanban, or to the individual Ethnic Missioners:

• Sarah Eagle Heart, Team Leader and Native American/Indigenous Ministries;
• The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, AsiaAmerican Ministries;
• Angela Ifill, Black Ministries; or
• The Rev. Canon Anthony Guillén, Latino/a/Hispanic Ministries.