Joel Barker, futurist and lecturer on the concept of paradigm shifts, will address a general session of the 103rd annual convention of the National Catholic Educational Association when the organization meets in Atlanta on April 18-21.

He is one of the noted speakers scheduled to present at the event, which also includes the 30th annual convocation of the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors and a convention for the Catholic Library Association.

Although the concept of paradigm shifts initially was applied to scientific research, Barker has expanded upon the theory to make it applicable to corporate and nonprofit situations. His 1992 book, “Future Edge,” explored the importance of vision to drive change within an organization. Library Journal listed the book as one of the most influential business books of that year.

His most recent book, “Five Regions of the Future,” with co-author Dr. Scott Erickson, was released in 2005.

In person and on videotape, Barker has shared his message with more than 1 million people in for profit and nonprofit organizations around the word. His videos have been translated into 16 languages.

For NCEA, Barker will present a general session on Thursday, April 20, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Later that day he will lead an implications wheel session from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and a matrix session from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. in the same room as the general session.

The implications wheel session helps participants understand the “long-term positive and negative implications of doing something, such as building a new school or changing the curriculum,” said Barker.

The strategy matrix session helps answer how innovations, emerging trends, changes in policy or new strategic objectives will effect an institution’s strategic direction.

Both sessions are open to all convention attendees.

The Web site for the NCEA convention is www.ncea.org/events/ConventionExposition.asp.

The National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors seeks to advance the professionalism of parish catechetical leaders, to generate a strong voice on national catechetical issues, to serve, support and challenge its members, and to use electronic and traditional communication to network NPCD members.

For information about the convocation, go to www.ncea.org/departments/npcd/NPCDConvocation.asp.

Established in 1921, the Catholic Library Association is an international membership organization, providing its members professional development through educational and networking experiences, publications, scholarships, and other services. The Catholic Library Association coordinates the exchange of ideas, provides a source of inspirational support and guidance in ethical issues related to librarianship, and offers fellowship for those who seek, serve, preserve, and share the word in all its forms.