A One-Day Conference in Edmonds, Washington May 24, 2014 to address the crisis facing the development of young boys in the United States

Contact: Beth Chapman, Dr. Jantz Media Representative, 816-835-0306, bethc@aplaceofhope.com; Aimee Baillargeon, Event Coordinator, 888-690-1837, aimee@seattleeventco.com

EDMONDS, Wash., April 4, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Gurian Institute and The Center, A Place of HOPE announce today a groundbreaking, one-day conference sure to change the way we raise, teach, and nurture the young boys in our society. The event will take place at the Edmonds Center For the Arts, located at 410 4th Avenue North, 25 minutes north of Seattle, on May 24th. Information and tickets are available at www.helpingboysthrive.com.

"Our boys need us now in ways they have not before. They are being raised in a very complex world and many of their support systems and developmental frameworks have crumbled. As we bring our passionate attention to boys today, and come together to nurture, support, and
educate them well, we give a gift not only to them, but to our families, communities, and culture," Michael Gurian, featured keynote, said.

Think about these startling facts:

• 80% of school discipline referrals are given to boys
   
• Boys are 4 ½ times more likely to be expelled from school
   
• 80% of children on Ritalin are boys
   
• 80% of children age 10-19 who commit suicide are boys
   
• Boys receive two-thirds of all D's and F's given in school

These statistics are troubling and an indication that we face major challenges in raising our young boys and young men to become strong fathers, coaches, and leaders in our communities.
 
The Helping Boys Thrive Summit will help explain the science behind boys' behavior and provide the tools that parents, teachers, coaches, mentors and counselors can use to improve their understanding and techniques while nurturing young boys. Are you raising a young boy? Do you teach young boys? Are you a coach, a grandparent or counselor? This one-day conference is for you!

The Summit will answer these questions:

• Why are boys falling behind in so many aspects of life, including school?
   
• What is normal development of a boy from infancy to college age?
   
• What do boys specifically need from moms and dads as they develop?
   
• What do boys need from grandparents and other mentors?
   
• What do boys need from their faith communities?
   
• How do we best deal with bullying and effectively end male violence?
   
• What are the best ways for counselors and therapists to work with boys?
   
• What rites of passage are needed for boys?

Seattle radio station Spirit 105.3's Sarah Taylor will emcee this exciting event that includes the Super Bowl Champion Seahawk's Richard Sherman's parents, Kevin and Beverly Sherman.

Seating is limited. For information, visit www.helpingboysthrivesummit.com. For tickets, including group, senior and educator discounts, visit Helping Boys Thrive ticket registration.

There are CEU credits available for counselors and therapists, and clock hour credits for educators in the state of Washington.

Dr. Gregg Jantz:
www.drgregoryjantz.com
www.aplaceofhope.com

Michael Gurian:
www.michaelgurian.com
www.gurianinstitute.com