The Faces of Leadership conference, August 6-8 at the Charleston Civic Center brings together people from all over the state who want to learn, practice and share creative strategies that transform communities. Coordinated by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service, it is the state’s largest annual gathering of West Virginians strengthening communities through service.
“If you are ready to learn and also be part of an inspiring group of people who understand that whatever the challenges, the community holds the answer, then this year’s conference is where you belong,” said Stephanie Yu, executive director of Volunteer West Virginia.
The conference theme, Dream Big – Inspire Others, explores how West Virginians connect their shared passion for community improvement, create partnerships for positive change, and engage in new ways to solve issues.
Keynote speaker, Vaughn Grisham, will inspire his audience with stories of the extraordinary results that he has witnessed in ordinary communities. Renowned throughout the community development world, Dr. Grisham has worked in community economic development in more than thirty states. His well-known book, Tupelo: the Evolution of a Community, describes how the poorest county in Mississippi has grown over 60 years into an economic powerhouse by developing its own people.
Another speaker, La-Verna Fountain, is the founder and president of Defiant Hope Consulting and Training, an organization dedicated to encouraging individuals to overcome life’s circumstances with the power of defiant hope. She will speak about The Power of Receiving – what it means for a ‘giver’ to be empowered to receive.
Participants can choose from 48 workshop sessions that range from nonprofit management to cultivating donor relationships; from preventing burnout to navigating change; from communication skills to crowdfunding.
Nonprofit and national service staff and volunteers, members of faith-based organizations, government officials and community leaders attend this annual conference. It’s a chance to meet peers from across West Virginia and neighboring states.
Conference registration is $175. Registration includes all conference sessions, refreshments and meals. Single day registration is also an option. Most sessions can be counted toward the Certificate in Nonprofit Management offered through West Virginia University.
For more information or to register, visit www.volunteerwv.org or contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or by email at Moya.Doneghy@wv.gov
