Public Administration Theory Network (PAT-net) Conference

Dates: May 29-30, 2008
Location: Omni Richmond Hotel,Richmond, Virginia

Public Administration Theory Network (PAT-net) Conference: “Public Administration at the Margin”

Hosted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University

"Public Administration at the Margin” is a two-day symposium designed to explore issues of marginalization in human service delivery and policy. Unique in its approach, The PAT-net Conference is an annual dialogue that attracts an international audience of scholars and administrators while providing a counterbalance to mainstream theoretical approaches to administrative reform. This year’s conference will address issues of inclusion and will be held. Participants will explore the following questions: 

• Is public administration marginal as a discipline marginal to present day social-thought and consciousness? 
• How can the field of public administration open paths for inclusion of the marginalized other, evolving beyond a supporting role for the cause of social justice? 
• Can practitioners resist ideological totalitarianism? How are administrators addressing practical difficulties in today’s political climate? How effective are we at engaging diverse backgrounds and countering American exceptionalism derived from ethnocentrism and xenophobia?

For more information about registration or accommodations visit www.pubapps.vcu.edu/gov/.