Local conference to help LGBT victims of abuse and assault

The Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is hosting a Professional Development Institute on Sept. 22-23 at the Comfort Inn and Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
The event, called I Am For Survivors, focuses on a variety of topics examing the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault within the LGBTIQ community.
Tuesday night of the institute also features dinner and a performance by Cleveland, Ohio comdedian Karen Williams, founder of the HaHA Institute. Using her celebrity status to raise awareness and to work for social justice using humor and healing, the Healing With Humor – Freedom From Fear national comedy tour is dedicated to victory over sexual violence.
Williams will also offer a workshop called Humor and Healing, which will focus on the power of humor. She contends that the power lies in humor's ability to restore vitality, preserve sanity, strengthen self-identity and reduce stress. This workshop will provide information on the physiological benefits of laughter and offer ways to utilize humor to reduce stress and improve communications skills with others using appropriate humor.
Registration deadline for the institute is Tuesday, Sept. 8. For more information, contact Sarah Jarous at 517-347-7000 ext. 30 or e-mail her at [email protected].