ATLANTA....The Carter Center announces an informative and innovative series of evening discussions, open to the public and to the media. This season's schedule is designed to increase awareness of national and global issues. A distinguished panel consisting of Carter Center experts and special guests make presentations followed by question-and-answer periods with the audience. Here is the exciting lineup of all five events:

A Conversation With President and Mrs. Carter
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
7-8:30 p.m.

This is the first Conversation with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, since the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 2002. You will be briefed on Carter Center projects around the world, initiatives in disease eradication, conflict resolution, democracy-building, and mental health promotion. Note: This event sells out quickly ($15 per person/$8 Emory staff and students with I.D.)

Defending Human Rights
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
7-8:30 p.m.

Activists dedicated to promoting and protecting universal human rights will attend a conference at The Carter Center in November to discuss their work to defend fundamental freedoms. These human rights defenders from around the world often are targeted as part of increased security measures prompted by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They will share personal reflections about the challenges they face as part of this evening forum for Conversations. Free admission, reservations required.

Corporate Philanthropy
Thursday, January 29, 2004
7-8:30 p.m.

Corporations generate billions of dollars in profit every year. Do these wealthy companies have a responsibility to help their neighbors? How can they best give back to their communities? Three Fortune 500 executives join Carter Center Executive Director John Hardman to discuss the social contributions and controversies of corporate philanthropy. Free admission, reservations requried.

The Arts and Self-Expression in Mental Health
Thursday, March 18, 2004
7-8:30p.m.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter invites you for an evening of music, readings, fine art, and discussion on the benefits of the arts in treating mental illnesses. Invited participants with mental illnesses will perform and display their works, and a panel of experts in the field will discuss the healing power of artistic expression. Inspirational and informative, the evening will provide insight into creativity and healing. Free admission, reservations required.

Democracy in China?
Thursday, April 15, 2004
7-8:30 p.m.

China has held open competitive elections at the village level in the last decade to help maintain social and political order amid unprecedented economic reforms. This has led to increasing popular demand for more political openness. Will the new Communist Party leadership encourage this trend? If so, what kind of democracy might China adopt? Join Dr. Yawei Liu, head of the Center's China Village Elections Project, and a panel of experts to discuss the direction of democracy in the world's most populous country. Free admission, reservations required.

*To order tickets and for more information, please visit our Web site at www.cartercenter.org or call 404-420-3804.

NOTE TO MEDIA re Sept. 23: Questions are submitted in writing at the event. Photographers are permitted to shoot in front of the stage for the first five minutes only. Those media wishing to attend the event are requested to RSVP by noon on Monday, Sept. 22, to Jon Moor at 404-420-5107.

The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 65 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production.

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