6/16/2009
CHARLESTON, W.VA. – What do volunteer management, disaster preparedness, youth leadership, corporate volunteer programs, a statewide service project and inspirational keynote speakers have in common? They’re all part of this year’s
Faces of Leadership conference, the state’s largest annual gathering of West Virginians strengthening communities through volunteerism and service.
Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service, coordinates the statewide conference on volunteerism, community service and service-learning which will be held July 14-16 at the Charleston Civic Center. The conference theme, Strengthening Community, is about working together as a means to triumph in tough times.
Conference highlights include:
· Dynamic Keynotes - Becky Anderson, the founder of HandMade in America – a nationally recognized institution that makes known the hidden heritage and craftspeople of western North Carolina – will show participants how the lessons of yesterday can help us plan for tomorrow. Suzanne Morse, president of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, will encourage participants to become Community Champions and set conference attendees on the path to being agents of change in their communities. And enthusiastic, nationally-known motivational speaker Jenny Nolen will teach attendees that humor is their single greatest asset and brings a valuable lesson on learning to laugh at themselves.
· Networking Opportunities - The nearly 400 people who attend the conference have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones from among the government officials, business and community leaders, nonprofit and national service staff and volunteers, and members of faith-based organizations who attend the conference.
· Diverse Workshop Topics - Conference participants will get new ideas from more than 65 workshops that address everything from legal issues, to advocacy, to using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map service locations - just to name a few. Some conference sessions count toward the Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the WVU School of Social Work.
· Operation READ - As the Faces of Leadership service project and statewide book drive, Operation READ presents a variety of participation opportunities for West Virginians and conference attendees.
· Exhibits – Conference attendees will have the opportunity to learn about new initiatives, innovative thinking and collaborative efforts happening around the state.
· 3rd Annual Business Volunteer Institute - The Business Volunteer Institute is full of resources for both new and experienced employee volunteer programs. Participants will learn about real-life examples of businesses allowing their employees to get involved in the community and how those volunteer programs can be sustained.
Conference registration is $160, which includes all conference sessions, refreshments and meals. Single day registration is also an option. For more information or to register, visit www.volunteerwv.org or contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111.
Contact Information
Mitzi L. Miller
304-558-0101