Community members from across the region are invited to come to the University of West Georgia to discuss the accessibility of basic human needs at this year’s State of Community: Carroll and Beyond, hosted by the College of Social Sciences.

Held on Thursday, Feb. 21, the event will examine human needs and the fact that many community members do not have access to food, shelter and clothing. There will also be the opportunity for registrants to set up a table in the Community Resource Fair.

Individuals, businesses and nonprofits will meet to engage in conversation and have the opportunity to breakout in groups to discuss the barriers within the region and explore ways that the community can provide opportunities to access these basic needs.

Prior to the group discussions, Dr. Winston Tripp, director of the COSS Center for Research, will present research on the state of access to food, shelter and clothing in the West Georgia area, including Carroll, Heard, Troup and Haralson counties.

In addition, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Amber Smallwood, professor of mass communications and associate dean. Participants in the discussion will include Dr. Kathleen Skott-Myhre, associate professor of psychology, Tiffany Parsons, lecturer for sociology, and Dr. N. Jane McCandless, professor of sociology and dean of COSS.

Registration is open through Feb. 18, with a fee of $25 for non-students and $15 for students. Visit the COSS website for more information and to register. Request a table for the Community Resource Fair here.