The annual National Conference on Volunteering and Service is the world’s largest gathering of service and volunteering leaders. Mark your calendars and save the date for June 22-24, 2009, when the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service will meet in San Francisco, California.
The 2008 conference, held June 1-3 in Atlanta, was a major success, as more than 4,500 attendees came together for intensive education, training, and networking to expand the ranks and effectiveness of volunteers across the U.S. and around the world. Over the course of three days, attendees shared best practices, explored new technologies, connected with peers, and learned the latest in volunteer management through 175 workshops, 6 immersion learning sessions, special events, a large exhibit hall, and two community service projects. The plenary sessions featured inspirational remarks from Congressman John Lewis, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Senator Sam Nunn, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano, Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner and Board Chair Stephen Goldsmith, Points of Light Institute CEO Michelle Nunn and Board Chair Neil Bush, Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter, corporate CEOs, and others.
The theme of the 2008 conference, “The Urgency of Now,” served as an ever-present reminder of the need for bold civic action. Speakers and attendees recognized that now is a time of big challenges for our nation and world, and now is also a time of profound opportunity, with growing recognition from Congress to the campaign trail to corporate America that service and volunteering are essential to tackling our toughest problems.
Co-convened by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Institute, the annual conference was an opportunity to review the past year, announce new initiatives, and plan ahead. Senior Corps, whose 1,500 project directors met as a whole for the first time since 2002, unveiled a new partnership with the Administration on Aging, recognized outstanding volunteers, and shared new research (PDF) and marketing materials to help projects engage more baby boomers in service. Hundreds of AmeriCorps and State Service Commission leaders discussed the latest on technology, policies, and legislation; saw the winning entry for the 2008 AmeriCorps video contest, and learned about the 2009 funding competition, where $69 million will be available for organizations meeting community needs.
Another highlight was the unveiling of the new brand identity and structure for the Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network. The dynamic new look builds on the brand equity of Points of Light and HandsOn Network, and creates a sound business strategy for expanding volunteering in America and around the world.
Press Releases
“In the Now” Daily Conference Newsletter
Presentation Materials
- To view handouts, PowerPoints, and other materials from many of the 175 workshops offered at the National Conference, visit http://www.volunteerresource.org/ and go to the “View Special Collection” box on the left side of the page. Select “2008 National Conference” from the drop-down menu and click “go”.
Remarks
Videos
- Remarks by David Eisner, Opening Plenary, National Conference on Volunteering and Service (High Speed Windows Media | Dial Up | 6/01/2008)
- Remarks by Congressman John Lewis, Opening Plenary, National Conference on Volunteering and Service (High Speed Windows Media | Dial Up | 6/01/08)
- Cohen Nunn Dialogue on National Service, featuring David Eisner, former Secretary of Defense, former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn, Alan Khazei, co-founder, City Year; founder and CEO, Be The Change, Inc.; Westley Moore, author, Elevate: American Journeys into Manhood; and Michelle Nunn, president, Points of Light & Hands on Network
- Remarks by Former President Jimmy Carter, Closing Plenary, National Conference on Volunteering and Service (High Speed Windows Media | Dial Up | 6/03/2008)
- Remarks by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Closing Plenary, National Conference on Volunteering and Service (High Speed Windows Media | Dial Up | 6/03/2008)
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