I am very excited to be attending this year’s National Conference on Volunteerism and Service as a representative of Blue Star Families, a national military family support organization.
Along with attending all the amazing sessions (and exploring New Orleans!), we will also have booth space to share our program, Operation Honor Card, with the other participants of the conference.
A part of Joining Forces, Operation Honor Card is a joint project between Blue Star Families, the American Red Cross, and ServiceNation: Mission Serve with the support of The Corporation for National and Community Service, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The program allows citizens to pledge volunteer hours in honor of the service of military families, veterans, and service members in order to create an atmosphere of shared service and the high level of community engagement seen during WWII, when ‘all gave some.’
Those coming by our booth at the conference will be able to pledge service hours and write notes of support and encouragement to the military community, which we will then distribute among our membership and partnering organizations.
Both the community service hours pledged and the cards written and given out to our military families through Operation Honor Card are much treasured personal, tangible gestures that our civilian counterparts can perform to support and engage our military community.
Someone famous once said,
“Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciative heart.”
As a military spouse who has both given and received just such letters, I can tell you that finding out someone who doesn’t even know me cared enough to take a moment and say “I’m thinking of you” was priceless at a moment during a long deployment when I needed a little encouragement.
I’m also excited to meet other organizations who will be attending the conference to find out ways we can work together to promote civic engagement and interaction between public and private organizations looking to get involved with the military community.
While there is little data on the particulars of volunteerism within the military community, sixty-eight percent of respondents to our 2010 Military Family Lifestyle Survey had volunteered in the past year and research shows that veterans who volunteer have more successful transitions home than those who do not.
There is a therapeutic quality to helping others that many of our military parents and spouses say help get them through deployments and make them feel satisfied that they have ‘paid it forward’ from the help they received when they were newbies.
Military families are also in a special position to encourage others to donate their time, energy, and spirit to make this country a better place to live for ourselves and our future generations.
While our military members are most noted for protecting our rights and freedoms, their service also demands from us the responsibility of making this country a land where freedom engenders a sense of duty to do what one can to strengthen our communities and truly encourage the democratic principles of commitment and service.
Civic engagement and volunteerism are what sustains civil society and allows us to see past our differences to our commonalities as human beings.
In the military community, we know that we are only as strong as our weakest link and that it is a group effort to maintain strength and resiliency on both the forefront and the homefront.
Our relationships are forged through our collective experiences of mutual sustainment and, I believe, we are stronger for it.
So, I’m excitedly awaiting the conference and looking forward to meeting wonderful people and sharing innovative ideas (along with great food!) to build a stronger nation through volunteerism and service.
I hope that if you are interested in learning more about the military community, you’ll stop by and see us at our booth or in one of the sessions.
We are stronger when we work together!
Vivian, a Navy veteran, is the Director of Research and Policy for Blue Star Families. She is currently completing her dissertation on public service motivation for her PhD.
The Spice Is Right
Before you leaving New Orleans and NCVS, you must have good Cajun and Creole meals!
Flavorful and full of spices, these dishes are symbolic of the melting pot that makes up modern day New Orleans. You can find African, French, Spanish, Native American, and Caribbean flavors in these New Orleans dishes.
Today, Cajun and Creole are used interchangeably, as most restaurants create a fusion of the two.
Both utilize the “Holy Trinity” of New Orleans cuisine (green peppers, onions and celery) and both rely on the cooking base roux (flour cooked in fat or butter to help add flavor and thickness). However, the two cuisines share different origins in New Orleans.
Cajun cooking originated from the Acadian or “Cajun” immigrants; initially considered “peasant food”. The cuisine is the country cooking of Louisiana, with dishes like dirty rice, gumbos, jambalaya, andouille (a spicy smoked sausage) and fried catfish.
Cajun cooking is typically more pungent and heavily spiced.
Creole cooking originated from the wealthier Creole aristocrats at the time; characterized by French traditions and finer, more expensive ingredients. It is considered the food of the city, highlighted by oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Remoulade and Bananas Foster.
Creole food is typically more refined and subtler in flavor.
by Kenneth Tran, The NCVS Blog’s New Orleans Lifestyle Editor
This Year’s Forums Feature Interactive Technology!
by Gretchen Van der Veer, PhD, Director, Leadership Development and Training, Corporation for National and Community Service, Conference Planning Committee
Want to hear from the experts and engage on important topics, but tired of panels and talking heads?
Don’t miss out on the critical discussions during his year’s conference forums (2:00-3:30 on Tuesday, June 7).
Three of the forums use interactive technology to engage audiences.
In the session
Change When Change is Hard: the College Completion Agenda
, critically acclaimed speaker and author Peter Sims discusses the concepts in his recently published book
Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge through Small Discoveries
with representatives from the Lumina Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education and CNCS.
Audience members will then be asked to tweet in or text “little bets” for creating societal change that might make success in the current knowledge-based economy possible for more Americans. Get there early because the first 200 participants seated will receive a copy of Peter Sim’s book.
In the
Interactive Strategy Forum
20+ technology innovators such as the Craigslist Foundation, TechSoup Global, and Sparked.com will each host a “roundtable” demonstrating and discussing tools and approaches that can help you advance your work in everything from recruiting and retaining volunteers to managing projects and donors.
Participants will be encouraged to rotate and visit as many tables as they wish.
will feature Max Stier, President of the Partnership for Public Service, Wendy Kopp, CEO and Founder of Teach for America, and Hal Colston, Executive Director of the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service responding to challenges submitted by participants via tweets and cell phone texts.
New Orleans and the National Conference on Volunteering and Service are ready for you! Are you ready for them?
With just a few days before the world’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders, there are a few important items we don’t want you to forget to ensure you make the most of your conference experience and time in the Big Easy.
Registration
Online pre-registration is now closed. To view your itinerary,
.
Once you arrive at the Morial Convention Center New Orleans (MCCNO), enter the Hall B exterior doors and proceed to the registration desks inside Hall B2. Registration hours are:
Saturday, June 4
12:30 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 5
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 6
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, June 7
6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 8
6:30 – 11 a.m.
Walk-up registration will be available during these hours as well. If you wish to change your itinerary, visit the onsite Program Viewing Stations across from the registration desks to choose your options, search for speakers or find updated room information.
in Hall B2, sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company. In addition to more than 60 exhibitors, the exhibit hall features three lounge areas for your meeting and networking needs; the Community Café, powered by Hewlett-Packard, cyber center; free wi-fi and the Only New Orleans all-conference event sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company with support from Entergy.
Other Important Things to Know
Lodging – Please contact your hotel directly to confirm or change you lodging. Click here for hotel contact information.
Weather and Attire – During this time of year, New Orleans is hot and humid, frequently with afternoon showers. Please check the weather report and pack accordingly. The city encourages walking, so please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Shuttle buses will be provided between the convention center and the New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street.
Recreational Equipment Drive – Help us achieve our service mission while in New Orleans by participating in the Recreational Equipment Drive. We will be accepting donations in Hall B2. Please bring any of the following new items for donation to the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD): basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, baseballs, jump ropes, hula hoops, swim goggles, new or partially used gift cards to sports equipment retailers, or any other sports and athletic gear for children.
Wi-Fi – Complimentary wireless connections are available in the exhibit hall and in all MCCNO meeting rooms. Look for SSIDs NCVS@Sbux and NCVS2011.
Speaker Handouts and Session Locations – Some materials will be available in advance from presenters. To view the entire conference schedule, download available materials and review room information, click here.
Lagniappe Daily Newsletter – Pick up your copy of the NCVS’ daily newsletter, Lagniappe, available throughout the convention center or online at www.volunteeringandservice.org.
Explore New Orleans – For a list of local restaurants, music and don’t-miss events, click here or visit the On the Town booth in the lobby of Hall B2 at MCCNO.
See you in New Orleans!
Education Sessions in New Orleans!
There is plenty to learn at Conference this year!
Whether you are in a workshop, forum, immersion learning session, or service project, there are all kinds of sessions geared to all levels of learners.
Many workshops emphasize service learning as an important asset to education.
Check them out…
Maximizing the Impact of Service-Learning
Monday, June 6, 2011 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 237
Speaker: Shelley Billig
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5026
Successful service-learning leads to increased academic engagement, academic performance (including increased test scores), civic engagement, and positive social-emotional development.
However, without quality, research shows service-learning has little impact.
This session provides the research evidence and practical approaches to maximize the impact of participation in service-learning for youth and the community.
Multiple resources and hands-on activities will be provided.
Pathways to Innovation: Education
Monday, June 6, 2011 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 352
Speakers: Elson Nash, Colleen Hammelman, Rhoda Reddix, Kate Kavouras, Barbara Fisher, Traci Kirtley, Alissa Wachter
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5565
In this session, several presenters will pitch innovative solutions to the challenge of academic improvement followed by discussion.
A Promising Connection:
Increasing College Access and Success through Civic Engagement
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 242
Speaker: Maggie Stevens, Renee Zientek, Michelle Snigen
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5265
This session will explore the known research about the connection between civic engagement activities and college access and success and share best practices, data and evaluations two successful programs that have used service and service-learning as a strategy to increase college access and success.
Advocacy as Service: Education and Service-Learning Policy
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 235-236
Speaker: Kelita Svoboda Bak
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #eduadvocacy
Educators, parents, volunteers, and students—2011 is a year of national conversation on education reform, how will you make your voice heard?
With thousands of volunteers and national service members serving in schools and millions of students engaged in service-learning, many believe that active learning that recognizes contribution by young people works.
Adults and young people can raise their voice in concert for change that recognizes this approach to education. Join a national dialogue on education reform with leading policy advocates. Ask how you can get involved to ensure that youth have substantive opportunities to lead, serve, and learn.
Transforming 9-12 Public Education through University-Based Initiatives
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 237
Speaker: Emily Remington, Felicia R. Brown
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5459
In August 2005, Tulane University weathered Hurricane Katrina and emerged a stronger institution with renewed interest in the well being of its community.
The Scott Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives pioneers a new role for higher education to interact with K-12 public education systems.
The Institute’s initiatives include the Jones Scholars Internship Program and AdvanceNOLA.
Graduate students are paired with public schools supporting and improving college readiness.
AdvanceNOLA is an Advanced Placement training and incentive program in several public high schools in New Orleans; we have nearly 350 students enrolled in 20AP courses in schools that previously had none.
Gardens, Kitchens, Kids, and Charter Schools:
The Story of the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5686
Come experience edible education!
Learn how lessons are planned, how kids and families respond to the classes, and plans for expansion.
You will learn the history of our program and school, our strategies in volunteer engagement over five years and how thousands of volunteer hours transformed our campus.
Music Driven Service
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5685
Come experience music-driven service with the Artist Corps New Orleans!
They match the skills and gifts of accomplished musicians (volunteers) with the needs of New Orleans elementary schools.
The artists inspire young students while they protect and extend the cultural legacy of New Orleans.
Improve your Training to Volunteers Serving Children and Youth: Preview of New Curriculum Coming Out Soon
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 255-257
Speakers: Anna Marie Schmidt, Claudia Birmingham
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5116
Be the first to find out about the new Senior Corps mentoring curriculum designed to help your volunteers improve service to children, youth, and military families.
During this session, participants will review key components of the curriculum, cover training tips, and experience interactive activities to use with volunteers.
Walk-away materials for immediate use in training volunteers will be available.
Innovate to Educate: Community Solutions for Education Success
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Room: MCCNO La Nouvelle A-C
Speakers: Rhonda Ulmer, Tonya Ingram, Scott Cowen
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5022
This signature conference event will highlight innovative citizen driven solutions that are making an impact on the challenges of America’s education system.
We will be showcasing inspiring examples of cross sector partnerships that have resulted in tangible results for schools and students nationwide.
Hear from leaders in the education reform as well as special guests who have become a voice for the movement in a unique conference setting.
AmeriCorps Learning Community Meeting – Higher Education/Campus Compact
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 354
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5612
Come share with your peers your best practices, thoughts on the National Performance Measure Pilot, ideas for future programming and more.
AmeriCorps Learning Community Meeting – Indian Tribes
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 355
Twitter Hashtag: #americorps
Come share with your peers your best practices, thoughts on the National Performance Measure Pilot, ideas for future programming and more.
“It Takes a Village”: Lessons from the Volunteers of Boys Hope Girls Hope
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speakers: Heidi Bergeron
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5290
For 30 years, BHGH New Orleans has provided a caring home and academic opportunities for youth in need.
Come to this hands-on session for a tour of BHGH homes, a panel discussion with volunteers, and a home repair service project at Boys Hope.
Service-Learning: Not Just for Schools
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 239
Speakers: Davida Gatlin, Diane Taylor, Kelly Bonventure
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #SL4ALL
While much formal learning traditionally takes place within schools, the importance of learning that takes place outside of school is becoming increasingly recognized.
In this workshop, participants will discover how the core principles of effective service-learning can enrich service activities in any setting, enabling organizations of all types to contribute to improving students’ academic performance.
During this interactive session, participants will identify learning opportunities that their organization is able to offer, design a portable project that brings learning into focus, and receive tools and resources for creating, implementing, and reflecting on service-learning projects in any setting.
AmeriCorps as a Statewide Strategy to Ensure Children Read Proficiently by 3rd Grade
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 242
Speakers: Sadie O’Connor, Sheila Piippo, Audrey Suker
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #americorps
Learn how it is possible to marry the power of AmeriCorps and the science of how kids learn to read in order to create a statewide solution to childhood illiteracy!
Minnesota Reading Corps has been recognized as an innovative solution with proven results for improving the literacy skills of children age 3 to grade 3.
During this session you will learn how this AmeriCorps*State program is making an impact and how you can replicate this strategy in your state.
Diplomas Now in Action: Getting Results for Students in Low Performing Schools in New Orleans
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 342
Speakers: Ava Jackson, Ryan Mattingly, DeShon Angel, Alfred Jones, Peggy Mendoza, Tara Madden, Sara Massey
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5484
Building upon last year’s session on leveraging the unique assets of national service to address the drop out crisis, Diplomas Now in Action will present an update from national experts on strategies to raise the graduation rate to 90% by 2020 and provide an in-depth local case study of an effective collaboration model at a high needs, low performing school.
The case study will follow the planning, implementation and impact of the Diplomas Now program at Walter L. Cohen High School in the Recovery School District, New Orleans, featuring representatives from the Diplomas Now partners and Cohen High School.
Lessons from New Orleans: Levering Higher Education Resources for Community Development
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 340
Speakers: Vincent Ilustre, Warren Puneky, Kelly Brotzman, Mary Beth Lima
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5279
This panel will bring together higher education institutions in the New Orleans area to provide a primer for community agencies interested in utilizing the resources universities have to offer.
Representatives from each of these schools will talk about how communities can engage universities at different levels to accomplish community work.
This panel will offer different strategies that community agencies could utilize to work with colleges and universities. Invited panelists include Delgado Community College Loyola University, Louisiana State University and Tulane University.
Pathways to Innovation: International Service
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 352
Speakers: Susan Stroud, Charles Phillips, Margaret Poole, Masha Katz, Jennifer Kim Field, Benjamin Olagboye
Sponsor: Target
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5562
In this session presenters will pitch innovative models using service to achieve results in countries other than the United States followed by discussion. Included are: Education American Jewish World Service, UN Foundation, Service for Peace, Meridian International Center, UN Development Programs in Cote d’Ivoire.
Conference Packing, Planning and other Preparation Tips
Preparing for conference and travel season has begun once again. Whether you’re heading out for business or for a training event with your nonprofit or faith group, it can be exciting to see colleagues, make new connections, and learn lots of cool new things…it can also be quite overwhelming. For the next few weeks the Tidy Thursday Column is going to be all about how to get ready, be at, as well as come home from conference and travel…with less stress and more fun.
Hitting the road and Preparing for Conference and Travel Season:
Before you even leave the house there are so many things to think about and prepare for, much like family vacation planning there are all the domestic responsibilities to consider:
who will take care of the mail, plants, pets or maybe even the kids!
do you need to mentally prepare family members for your absence {like young children}
what appointments need to be handled before your travels {are you driving? Should you get an oil change?}
Plus, we don’t want to forget you’ll be in business mode as well:
do you have or need business cards?
is there a haircut appointment in your near future?
should you assess your professional wardrobe for comfort as well as style?
do you have chargers for your electronics and is your data backed up?
Don’t panic … that’s why we’re here, TOGETHER.
Conference and travel can make some of the strongest people want to curl up in a corner. It’s the double whammy! Not only are you headed into professional space, but you may be out of your comfort zone with the number of venues and new locations. Let’s take a look at how to prepare as much as possible:
Visit the sponsoring organization’s website before the Conference and Travel begins:
look through pictures of last year’s conference to see what folks were wearing for guidance on the dress code. Will there be social or sporting events needing special outfits or accessories?
spend some time in the agenda, know what sessions you’re most interested in attending
explore the local map, what restaurants have good reviews ~ are they within walking distance of the venue?
Helpful things to do BEFORE you leave for Conference and Travel:
Contact info:
order business cards with your general information {preferred phone, email, professional title, Twitter handle} Vista Print and Uprinting offer great inexpensive solutions
tech-savvy conference goers may wish to setup an account at about.me to connect your online profile with your offline business cards. Enter your contact information and important links (LinkedIn, blogs, Twitter, etc.), and about.me generates a QR code to a website with all your information. Right now they’re offering free business cards with your about.me registration
if you’re really under the time crunch consider printing your own cards using Avery’s print & tear cards or printing a few sheets of address labels with your contact information. Also take a few extra blank sheets to capture information from folks who don’t have cards
if you run out, don’t panic! Many people carry smart phones or devices with cameras. Either quickly snap a photo of your badge or text or email the other person your contact information with a short note, “nice meeting you just now at the conference”
be sure to program colleague’s cell phone numbers into your phone before you leave
gather all things related to both the conference and travel arrangements in one place, I like to use a plastic divider and put it in the front of my suitcase
consider sending yourself a “care package” to the hotel, complete with a refillable water bottle and nutritious snacks. Trust me, after years of conference and travel arrangements gone awry, you’ll be glad you did!
a colleague of mine brings an O-ring, single hole punch and a Sharpie for collecting business cards during conferences. The Sharpie is great for taking notes on followup actions and the ring keeps contacts organized
Finally, packing for conference and travel can be equally tricky. Clothes you may normally wear might be more prone to the wrinkles packing can cause. I created a Business Packing video awhile back for colleagues facing the same challenges.
Tune in next week when we take a look at life during your conference and travel experience. Things like how to avoid burnout, knowing when a conversation is worth missing a session and how to arrive home ready for normal life to resume.
In the meantime I would love to hear you chime in over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook page about what conference and travel plans you have this season, what tips were helpful in this post or if you’re a veteran conference and travel guru – what additional tips you can offer!
Keepin’ it Tidy,
April
***
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Lover of Tutus | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
Photos by UNLV_AMA on Photbucket and Stephanie Schwab
Manage For Results!
Within the “
Strength
” focus area category sessions focus on proven methods and emerging trends for managing, strengthening and sustaining volunteering and service programs to meet ever-changing economic, socio-economic, social and volunteer realities.
Here are some sessions that discuss managing volunteers for results in order to be able to retain further volunteers in the future.
Assessing Community Capacity for Change (5450)
Monday, June 6, 2011 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 347
Speaker: David Chavis
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5450
In order to make communities health and with opportunity, the organizations and other institutions need to have the capacity to make changes in the the service and other systems but also in the physical and social environment.
This session presents how 14 communities in California funded by The California Endowment assessed have used a capacity assessment to strengthen their ability to build healthier communities.
Participants will learn the research, development and application processes that helped the foundation and community collaborations develop a targeted and phased capacity building strategy.
Making the Case for Service: Getting Ready to Demonstrate Impact through Rigorous Research (5587)
Monday, June 6, 2011 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 356-357
Speaker: Brandee Menoher
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5587
What challenges does your organization face around performance measurement?
Standardized program measures?
Data collection?
Tools? Resources? Rigorous evaluation?
This session will explore these issues and discuss solutions.
Developing Accountability Systems (5365)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 347
Speakers: Kate Kavouras, Alison Egan
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5365
This session includes lessons from Teach For America’s 20 year history measuring student academic achievement, including how to set up effective evaluation systems.
Beyond the field of education, this session provides instructions on how to tailor your program goals and set up evaluation systems to demonstrate your success in meeting your goals and your impact overall.
Movie: Saving Philanthropy (5714)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 339
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5714
Saving Philanthropy speaks to non-profit directors and funders who value outcomes but are struggling with how to define and measure them.
The film is designed to offer a clear, straightforward framework for implementing a managing to outcomes strategy.
Saving Philanthropy contends that a non-profit organization operating without a clear strategy for managing to outcomes is akin to a ship at sea sailing without a charted course, yet hoping to miraculously reach its destination. http://www.savingphilanthropy.org/
America’s Service Commissions Annual Meeting & Reception (5635)
Sunday, June 5, 2011 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5635
Annual gathering of ASC members and friends, which features guest speakers, the Friend of ASC Award presentation, an update on ASC activities, and the ratification of the ASC Board of Directors.
This reception will happen at The Cabido on 751 Chartes Street.
Tickets are $65 per person.
Evidence-based Programming Clinic: Tips and Tools for CNCS-funded Programs and Projects (5657)
Monday, June 6, 2011 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 344-345
Speaker: Justine Murray
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5657
CNCS has a new strategic plan with new performance measures that involve demonstrating “evidence.”
What do we mean by this and how do you go about collecting data to meet these performance measures?
If you are a CNCS grantee, subgrantee or project, come participate in this hands-on clinic before the conference begins.
Preparing for RSVP Recompetition 2 (5677)
Monday, June 6, 2011 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Room: MCCNO 255-257
Speaker: Erwin Tan
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5677
This session will address the upcoming RSVP recompetition.
Corporation staff will provide an update on the implementation of recompetition and relevant requirements of the Serve America Act.
A duplicate session runs concurrently as 5688.
This session repeats on Tuesday as 5557.
Preparing for RSVP Recompetition 3 (5557)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 255-257
Speakers: Patrick Triano, Kathie Ferguson, Linda Schnee, Ron Lessard, Charles Davenport, Tracy Seabolt
This session will address the upcoming RSVP recompetition.
Corporation staff will provide an update on the implementation of recompetition and relevant requirements of the Serve America Act. This is a repeat of Monday’s 5688 and 5677.
State Service Commission Peer Networking Session (5672)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 357
Speaker(s): Christy Venable, Bob Shogren
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5672
Description: State service commissioners and staff will have an opportunity to share best practices, ask program management-related questions and connect with their peers in an informal, conversational-style setting. Please BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH to the session.
Engaging Resident Volunteers in Disaster Recovery (5684)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Speaker: Tina Marquardt
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5684
Come get a firsthand look at the Beacon of Hope Resource Center Neighborhood Revitalization MODEL (Mapping, Outreach, Development, Engagement, Leadership), which develops sustainable neighborhoods by creating a resident-led community resilience plan.
Change When Change is Hard: The College Completion Agenda (5567)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 255-257
Speakers: Peter Sims, Jamie Merisotis
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5567
Peter Sims, author of best-selling book Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emergethrough Small Discoveries will share ideas about change followed by discussion on how the concept applies to the problem of college readiness, access, and completion for disadvantaged youth and veterans. There will be free books for the first 200 attendees.
Practical Application of The Toyota Production System for Nonprofit Capacity Building (5297)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 346
Speaker: Mark Reich
Sponsor: Toyota
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5297
While originally developed to ensure quality and productivity in manufacturing, the Toyota Production System, or TPS, can be applied to any process.
This session will give an overview of TPS, its history and provide real-world examples of how TPS has been applied in health care, education, even a free food pantry.
If there is a process to what you do, TPS can be applied to improve the efficiency of that process, the quality of the product and the satisfaction of the customer.
Learn how TPS can set your organization and your team on a pathway to continuous improvement.
Tools and Strategies for Implementing Results-Based Management & Performance Reporting in Your National Service Program (5663)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Room: MCCNO 354
Speakers: Traci Kirtley, Steve Struthers
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5663
Find out how you can apply the “lessons learned” by Admission Possible and Minnesota Reading Corps from their use of dashboard-style reporting and other management practices to build a data-driven culture and ultimately deliver better results.
AmeriCorps Meeting with AmeriCorps Leadership (5642)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 243-245
Speakers: John Gomperts, Jennifer Bastress-Tahmasebi, Mark Gearan, Lois Nembhard, Rosa Moreno-Mahoney
Twitter Hashtag: #americorps
Leaders and staff from AmeriCorps programs around the country will meet with leaders from CNCS to discuss important issues.
NARSVPD/RSVP 40th Anniversary Celebration (5691)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Room: Marriott Galleries 4, 5, and 6
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5691
RSVP Directors should come to the Marriott Hotel on Canal St. for a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the RSVP Program. Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sponsored by NARSVPD with support from Senior Service America Inc.
National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors (NAFGPD) (5700)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 252
The National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors will conduct their annual meeting.
Improving Educational Outcomes for Students and Schools with Service-Learning and the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (5317)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 242
Speaker: Erin Lee
Twitter Hashtag: #nslc
Service-learning is a valuable way to ensure that students get the most out of their educational experiences by tying curriculum to community needs and working through the stages of investigation, planning, action, reflection, demonstration, and celebration.
The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse is the source for resources that support service-learning in all settings.
This session will enable participants to use the Clearinghouse website and tools to adopt and adapt tools, strategies, and resources to most fully support educational success through service-learning in their schools and communities.
Pathways to Innovation: Social Innovation Fund Grantee Impact Programs (5559)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 352
Speakers: Paul Carttar, Doug Borchard, Kristin Morse, Maura Riordan, Laura D’Alessandro
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5559
In this session representatives of Social Innovation Fund grantees will provide a brief overview of their innovative, evidence-based solution and an update on progress to date followed by discussion. Included are: New Profit, NYC Mayor’s Fund, LISC, United Aids Fund.
The National Center for Service & Innovative Leadership: A conversation about how to improve innovation in service (5339)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 346
Target Audience: Executive director, president, or other senior staff
Speakers: Shirley Sagawa
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5339
The Presidio Trust is breaking ground on the first phase of a new National Center for Service & Innovative Leadership at the Presidio.
Join us for a conversation with key leaders in the service field about how this Center can help you achieve greater impact.
Be prepared to share your thoughts on how a National Center focused on leadership development, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector partnership can benefit your organization and the service field as a whole.
What Do We Mean By National Service Participant Impact? (5593)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Room: MCCNO 337
Speakers: John Gomperts, Jennifer Bastress-Tahmasebi, William Chrysanthos
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5593
The CNCS Strategic Plan identifies performance measures for participant impact.
What are the best and most innovative practices that lead to these outcomes?
Come be a part of a discussion to help uncover what’s working across national service programs and projects.
Building Robust Evidence of Program Impact (5563)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 255-257
Speakers: Paul Carttar, Kirsten Breckinridge, Joscelyn Silsby
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5563
This session will describe and explore tools and processes the Social Innovation Fund is using during its first year to validate the impact of SIF funded programs and build a base of evidence about what works.
The workshop format includes:
1) a brief update on SIF’s 11 grantees and first year of implementation;
2) the evaluation technical assistance models that have been used along with tools and guidance that have been developed in consultation with grantees; and
3) a panel discussion with SIF grantees about the processes they have being putting in place to build their evidence base over the next 3 to 5 years.
Presenters include members of the SIF program team and evaluation team at the Corporation, as well as SIF grantees working in the three priority areas of economic opportunity, youth development and health.
Looking at the ROI of Volunteer Service: Alternative Approaches (5666)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 355
Speakers: Edward Goldstein, Emily Dessem, Tony Goodrow
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5666
This workshop will explore the issue of determining an organization’s return on investment in engaging and utilizing volunteers both in direct service and capacity-building roles.
Two specific approaches will be demonstrated and discussed.
The Power of “What if?”… Extra Mile America: Stories of Inspiration, Possibility and Purpose (5739)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 253
Speaker: Shawn Anderson
Amidst a climate of difficulty, it’s necessary to dream bigger, be creative and recommit to “going the extra mile.”
Hear empowering stories of people who took initiative, pushed forward and created incredible change. Be inspired to remain determined in the face of challenge by asking “What if…?”
The Real Bottom Line: Using Data to Make Your Case and Demonstrate Impact (5226)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Room: MCCNO 337
Speaker: Kristen Cambell
Twitter Hashtag: #NCVS5226
Your work is not “nice,” it’s necessary.
This session will explore how data collection and impact metrics can communicate your important bottom line.
Among other things, it will use success stories to demonstrate how to use data to advocate for education legislation and social services, how volunteerism effects urban and economic development, and how deliberative dialogue can increase civility.
The problems that we face today are more challenging than ever, which means that we need more leadership than ever. But leading an organization effectively is challenging, to say the least.
Come learn from the folks who’ve been there, done that, at this year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New Orleans.
Join us at
2PM on June 7
for “
Leaders Make the Future: Leadership Skills for an Uncertain World
” (5367), an interactive conversation about what it takes for nonprofits today to be successful, with panelists Max Stier and Wendy Kopp.
, an organization that works to revitalize the federal government through innovation, recruiting talent, and building supportive communities. The organization releases annual Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings to highlight the agencies’ accomplishments, and encourage others to improve. His leadership has also been a driving force behind the Service to America Medals, which awards outstanding federal employees.
. This organization lets college graduates give back by sending them to teach in schools around the country for two years. In 2011, Teach for America made Forbes’ 100 Best Companies To Work For, and is extremely popular amongst college graduates. Nearly 10% of the graduating classes at both Dartmouth College and Yale University applied to the program in 2006. Since its founding in 1990, 20,000 graduates have helped transform the lives of countless young people, and more is sure to come.
Whether your organization works with the honchos who run the country, or the youth who someday will, every organization has something new to learn at this panel.
See you there!
NCVS Is Putting a Spell On You
by Kenneth Tran, The NCVS Blog’s New Orleans Lifestyle Editor
There are a lot of different words that come to mind when you think about New Orleans –
Saints, Crawfish, Po’Boys, Mardi Gras, and…
(*spooky sound effects*)
VOODOO!
Now don’t get your pin cushion in a bunch; Most of what is known about Louisiana Voodoo has been highly exaggerated by Hollywood (i.e. spells, dolls, etc.)
What is commonly associated with dark magic is actually the opposite, as Voodoo is focused on natural healing and the processes of life.
Here’s your Cure-all for all things fact and fiction of the African practice and where you can check out some real Voodoo during your time at NCVS. No snake deity required!
Voodoo, also known as Voudou, Vodou or Voudun, literally means “God Creator” or “Great Spirit”.
It is a life affirming practice that encourages better understanding of the natural processes of one’s own spiritual natures.
During the Slave Trade in the 1700’s, African slaves and Haitian exiles brought the practice of Voodoo to the French colony of Louisiana.
Due to cohesion of slave families and lack of stability in the colony prior to their arrival, survivors of the Slave Trade banded together and thus, their culture strengthened and thrived in the French Creole community.
Louisiana Voodoo is unique in its emphasis upon Gris-gris (amulets that ward off evil spirits), voodoo queens, use of Hoodoo occult paraphernalia, and Li Grand Zombi (snake deity).
The openness of African belief also allowed for traditions to be intertwined with practices in Catholicism.
One common misconception of Voodoo is the use of voodoo dolls.
Most people associate the dolls with placing a curse on someone, but contrary to popular belief, the Voodoo doll is used as a blessing, rather than a hex.
The pins are used to place a picture or name of a spirit, rather than inflicting pain on another.
Today in New Orleans, there are numerous museums, shops, and churches that attract tourists to the Voodoo culture.
You can expect to find plenty of souvenirs, tours, and spiritual services provided at these various places throughout the city.
Be sure to check out the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, located right in the heart of the French Quarters, which features cemetery walking tours and visits to the tomb of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.
While in the French Quarter, you can stop by Voodoo Authentica, where they offer a locally handmade Voodoo Dolls, Gris Gris Bags, Potion Oils and other unique New Orleans, Haitian & African Spiritual Arts & Crafts.
If you plan on visiting historic Bourbon Street, make a visit to Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, where they offer a wide variety of items to help in both learning and practicing spiritual and religious ceremony.
Finally, make a visit to the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, the only “formally” established Spiritual Temple in New Orleans, to see traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices.
Now if only we could use some of that magic to get us to NCVS sooner…
We Love Festivals. Yes, We Do. We Love Festivals. How About You?
Getting to New Orleans early? Planning to stay the weekend after?
Fortunately for you, NCVS falls right in the middle of two consecutive weekends of great NOLA festivals. No, it’s not Mardi Gras the Redux, but you’ll still be spending plenty of time in the French Quarter.
Here’s our rundown of some festivals that you can take ya mom’n’em!
From June 3rd-5th, check out the Back to the Beach Festival in Kenner, LA (about 15 miles from the Convention Center), which is benefiting the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation.
The three-day Festival kicks off with a Run/Walk on Friday evening, with the rest of the weekend being jam-packed with a Bikes at the Beach motorcycle rally, a Car Show , Fishing Rodeo and much more for the family.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students with ID, and $4 for children.
The New Orleans Oyster Festival will educate the public about the benefits of the Louisiana Gulf Oyster. In addition, they will be honoring the restaurateurs and oyster farmers who have helped position New Orleans French Quarters as the Oyster Capital of America.
The festival will feature Acme Oyster House’s World Oyster Eating Competition, New Orleans Fish House’s Largest Oyster Eating Contest, and P&J’s Shucking Contest.
Proceeds from the event will go to local coastal communities. Admission is FREE.
This 8-block festival, stretching from Café Du Monde to the Old US Mint, will feature three stages of music, over a dozen food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and a large crafts fair. Vieux To Do has become one of the major attractions of NOLA’s social calendar.
The three-day Festival kicks off with a 
