Fall Conference at Linden Hall -- Dawson, PA -- 12-14 November 1998
Conference Overview This year's conference will draw on the many skills of storytelling to help us enhance our community building skills in areas such as fund development, public relations, outreach, evaluation, youth work, issue advocacy, program activities, and many other workplace and community challenges. Another very important part of the conference will be the ratification of an ongoing Coalition structure and the election of a new Coalition Steering Committee.
In addition to workshops, exciting additions to the conference this year are presentations by Drs. Mindy and Robert Fullilove, who will deliver their very powerful message about the importance of place, and Bob Gore, who provides entertainment through African American storytelling. The conference will also feature a special session on Community Practice Profiles, allowing participants to learn from others' community building success stories, and your stories are needed. A post conference handbook of these practice profiles will be produced.
Structured like a retreat, this conference features lodging and meals as part of your registration to help build community among participants and provide a strong learning environment. As in the past two conferences, there will be excitement, success, fun, and fellowship for all participants.Creating an Ongoing Coalition.
Another important feature of the 1998 Conference is the ratification of an ongoing Coalition structure and the election of an ongoing Coalition Steering Committee. Prior to the conference, a plan for ongoing Coalition structure will be sent to all attendees for their review. At the conference the plan will be presented for discussion; and nominations of steering committee representatives from throughout the region will be solicited. Steering committee elections and official ratification of the Coalition structure will take place at the end of the conference. The development of an ongoing structure will help ensure that the Coalition remains a vital resource for community builders and a mechanism for creating positive changes in communities throughout the region (Counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland.)