Veterans and military families, international advocates, public and private sectors representatives, policy makers and more Each year, hundreds of social entrepreneurs, thought leaders and innovators share their experience and expertise during the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. Our workshop presenters and featured speakers offer a diversity of backgrounds, solutions, experiences and opinions on challenges to our most pressing social needs. These leaders work every day to address the issues we all face - these are sessions you don't want to miss!

 All the Way Home: The Blueprint for Meaningful Community Response (3136) with Bryan Anderson

Sponsored by Chase and ITT Exelis

Participants will immerse themselves in exploration of bridging the military-civilian divide. Topics include military and civilian partnership and collaboration, coordination of services and care, trends and research on challenges facing service members, veterans and their families, as well as scalable and replicable solutions to those challenges.

America's Sunday Supper (3126) with Eboo Patel We will convene America's Sunday Supper to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision for a brighter future. America's Sunday Supper is an opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss the challenges our nation faces and take action. Join us to talk about the opportunity Dr. King's message represents in our communities and why it is more pertinent today than ever before.

Getting Our Kids Moving Again: Small Steps to Fight Childhood Obesity (2853) with Lynne Vaughan

 A discussion with Larry Soler, CEO of Partnership for a Healthier America, and Lynne Vaughan to think creatively about how youth programs, whether focused on reading, writing or rebuilding, can help kids move more.

 Civic Fellows Leadership Exchange (2900) with Israel Idonije and Merri Dee

Join an intimate conversation with Israel Idonije, Chicago Bears defensive tackle and founder of the Israel Idonije Foundation, and Merri Dee, AARP Illinois state president and broadcast legend. Learn about his work promoting education and physical, emotional and social growth through programs in Chicago, Canada and Africa.

Celebrating Excellence - Business Track Opening (2512)  

 with Brad Keywell

 Sponsored by Toyota 

This forum serves as the opening for the Business Track. Join us as we announce the 2012 Corporate Engagement Award of Excellence Winners and hear from executives from the public and private sectors. Executives will engage in in dialogue around corporate and nonprofit collaboration and turning points within their organization that attribute to long-term impact. ...............................................................................................................................................

 In the News

Back by popular demand this year is the Conference bookstore. Stop by the Books and Ideas Exchange in the Exhibit Hall for the opportunity to purchase publications relevant to our work, for book signings and for great networking opportunities. A few of the books available for purchase will be:

• Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up

By Paul Schmitz, CEO of Public Allies This book will inspire readers to see new leadership possibilities within themselves and their communities. It offers a set of practices that will help leaders be more effective at bringing diverse people and groups together to solve problems. While many leadership books today focus on how to lead organizations, this book is about how to lead communities.

• Leading the Way to Successful Volunteer Involvement: Practical Tools for Busy Executives

By Betty Stallings with Susan J. Ellis

Lay the foundation for achieving impact through volunteer engagement. Initiate strategic plans for engaging community members with step-by-step worksheets, checklists, idea stimulators and other practical tools.

• Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

By Laura and Lisa Ling

A riveting story of captivity and the enduring faith, determination and love of two sisters REGISTER for Conference Today!!