The Iowa Committee on Diversity begins a series of three forums this weekfocusing on diversity in our state. Lieutenant Governor Sally Pedersonchairs the state’s Diversity Committee. Pederson is encouraging Iowans toget involved. She says Iowa has areas of diversity that’re often overlooked.There are some black and Hispanic families that have been in Iowa for fourgenerations, but the state is still 96-percent white. Pederson says thestate will have to become more diverse to keep up with other states. The first forum is Friday in Sioux City from eight a-m until 4:30 p-m. Thesecond forum is October 16th in Ames and the final forum is October 23rd inCedar Rapids. Pederson says there is a 15 dollar fee to attend the forumswhich covers the cost of lunch.