CHAUTAUQUA — As compassion is a powerful, world-changing vision proven to enrich all areas in our communities, the Olean Area Charter for Compassion has partnered with the Chautauqua Institution to present “Cultivating Compassion in Your Community,” a regional conference offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13 at the Chautauqua Institution’s historic Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua.

Marilyn Turkovich, executive director of the Charter for Compassion International, is keynote speaker at the conference. She has worked tirelessly around the world teaching and empowering communities.

The Charter is also honored Berry Behr, chairperson of Cape Town Interfaith initiative, in South Africa will share her community’s use of compassion to heal that once divided country. The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative is a Charter for Compassion International member and has recently hosted several unifying community events to strengthen acceptance of the many diverse groups post-apartheid. As a result of these extraordinary programs, Cape Town Interfaith Initiative was awarded First place during International Harmony Week last March.

The conference will feature two separate panel discussions. The morning panel discussion features representatives from four sectors of our community: business, education, law / government, and faith / non-profit. The afternoon panel will be composed of members of various Charter for Compassion local initiatives sharing about their individual programs.

The Charter for Compassion International actively works globally in more than 400 cities in 70 countries helping impoverished, war-torn countries rebound. When a community comes together compassionately to strengthen its economic, educational, government and non-profit service infrastructure with compassion, it is unstoppable.

The conference is also observing the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Charter for Compassion at Chautauqua.

The conference cost is $50 and includes a buffet lunch. Registration is on the Olean Charter’s website at www.oleancompassion.org/conference.