A national authority on ways to improve the future for disadvantaged children and their families will speak here at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in McGregor Memorial Conference Center.

Lisbeth Schorr, author and lecturer in social medicine at Harvard University, will speak on the topic "Strengthening Families and Neighborhoods: Can We Achieve Our Common Purpose" Her visit is sponsored by the Skillman Center for Children.

Schorr's latest book, Common Purpose, offers evidence that the knowledge and experience is available to improve schools as well as welfare and child protection systems on a large scale.

An earlier book, Within Our Reach, analyzes social programs that have succeeded in improving the life prospects of disadvantaged children. It is widely used by policy makers, practitioners and advocates for more effective human services.

Admission is free. Copies of Schorr's new book will be available. For more information, call Ernestine Moore at the center, 577-5225.