The following news briefs are aimed at alerting Alaskans to several ways they can make a positive difference for the common good here in Alaska.

POLAR PLUNGE TO BENEFIT SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The 11th Annual Special Olympics Alaska Polar Plunge is expected to draw thousands of people to Anchorage’s Goose Lake on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There participants will plunge into icy water to support sports training and competition for Special Olympics Alaska athletes statewide.

“We are very thankful for the sponsors, pledgers and participants that make this event possible every year and continue to support Special Olympics Alaska athletes statewide,” said Patrick Reinhart, Special Olympics Alaska Interim President/CEO. “We are hoping to have more than 800 plungers to help us reach our goal of $350,000.”

Registration is open for individuals, organizations and businesses to team up and take the plunge. The public is encouraged to come and watch plungers. Participants will be plunging non-stop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise needed dollars for Special Olympics. To register, donate or for more information, visit specialolympicsalaska.org.

2020 SEX TRAFFICKING CONFERENCE

The 2020 Sex Trafficking Conference takes place in Anchorage on Jan. 10. It is intended to help healthcare professionals identify victims of sex trafficking and intervene when appropriate, provide education on social media/pornography methods that are used to seduce victims, and to provide resources in prevention. Health providers will also learn self-help methodologies to deal with compassion fatigue which often occurs when assisting victims.

The conference counts for up to 5.5 contact hours of credit for continuing nursing education. Limited to 60 participants, the cost of the conference is $60 with lunch included.

The conference will take place at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 10. Click here for more information.

YOUNG COSPONSORS RESOLUTION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Rep. Don Young joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce a resolution recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day that is recognized every year on Dec. 3. The resolution reiterates longtime Congressional support for inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities around the world.

“People living with disabilities come from all walks of life. They are our family members, friends, and neighbors, and we should be doing all that we can to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of people living with disabilities across the globe,” Young said. “The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an important opportunity for all of us to recognize the difficulties faced by people with disabilities, particularly those struggling in the labor market or involvement in public life.”