Something for Everyone
Feedback from 2004 Attendees Leads to More Choices for 2005 Attendees

By Crystal N. Hill

The 2004 National Conference on Volunteering and Service attendees asked for more breadth and diversity of choice in workshops, among other things – and they got it. After careful review of last year's conference evaluations, the conference planning team put into action several ideas to make the 2005 conference experience even better for the more than 2,500 leaders of America's volunteer sector who attend annually.

The National Conference, the premier venue for sharing practical knowledge, has added forum-style sessions, giving conference-goers targeted opportunities for learning and sharing. The six forum sessions include: Research Forum on Trends in Volunteering and Service, Family Volunteering, 50+ Volunteering in a New Age, The State of Volunteering and Service, a Funders Panel, and a Policy Forum.

In response to conference evaluation comments, the program committee selected an array of quality workshops to meet the needs of the field. These workshops are divided into three categories: Creating Dynamic Organizations, Developing Leaders, and Engaging Volunteers.

Specifically, conferees requested sessions that focus on one topic area central to volunteering and national service programs. The program committee selected Volunteer Management as the area of emphasis, offering conference attendees the option of participating in a series of workshops featuring in-depth learning that augments skills and competence. Continuing education credits will be available for workshops in the Volunteer Management series. Thirty percent of the workshops offered cover the topic of Volunteer Management.

Other past participants indicated that they expect to find that the National Conference retains what "works," and the hallmark of this annual event - quality educational and networking opportunities, inspiration from peers, and practical resources.

2004 participant Beth Lloyd, executive director of Volunteer Hampton Roads remarked, "I have been with the Volunteer Center for eight years. Every year I walk away from the conference with two or three programs I can implement immediately. It's rejuvenating; you go in after a tough year and get reenergized."

"The conference is an amazing source of ideas for new programming," added Dale Weighill, president & CEO of the Resource Center in Flint, Mich.

The National Conference consistently delivers a made-to-order lineup of activities based on customer feedback, proving that Burger King isn't the only place where you can "have it your way." So, when you're at the Convention Center in Washington D.C. this August, and you pick up a conference evaluation form, remember that your opinion and comments about the conference will be counted. In fact, your ideas and suggestions may help to shape the scope of the National Conference in future years.

Register online for the 2005 National Conference in Washington, DC by July 6th at www.VolunteeringandService.org.