Where can you learn from the world’s best authorities on volunteer management? At the 2017 National Summit on Volunteer Engagement Leadership scheduled for July 26-28, 2017 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Here, experts will share their wisdom and experiences in over 100 breakout sessions during the three day summit. Choosing the sessions to attend will be an incredibly difficult undertaking, given the excellent lineup of foremost authorities in volunteer engagement. Here is a partial list of the presenting superstars:

Susan J. Ellis-Energize Inc., Rob Jackson-Rob Jackson Consulting , Elisa Kosarin- Twenty Hats, Betty Stallings, Barry Altland-Head, Heart And Hands Engagement , Tony Goodrow-Better Impact , Liza Dyer-Liza’s blog, Tobi Johnson-VolunteerPro, Jennifer Bennett-VolunteerMatch , Beth Steinhorn-JFFixler Group  

I am honored to also be presenting a workshop on elevating volunteer management by focusing on creating the building blocks for a volunteer leader’s personal brand. You are after all, the face of your program. I am so exited to be part of this amazing summit. I would love for you to join me if you are attending. The breakout will be interactive, fun and you will leave with concrete tools to utilize in strengthening your leadership. The session particulars are:

Breakout 1-Wednesday, July 26th, from 2:15-3:45pm

Track: Professional Development see track here

From Manager to Leader: Elevating Volunteer Management
Meridian Swift, Author and Blogger | volunteerplaintalk.com
Join this interactive session that focuses on developing your own personal leadership brand. Explore the six building blocks that define proactive versus reactive volunteer management. Awaken the leader within to advance your program’s standing within your organization through re-imagined thinking.

Hopefully we will see you in Minnesota in July.

The other exciting event is a joint venture between myself and Elisa Kosarin (see above list of superstars) from Twenty Hats. Because we are both passionate about supporting all the great volunteer managers who work tirelessly in our profession, Elisa came up with this wonderful idea for a national retreat to be held in the fall of 2018. I was more than happy to get on board. But wait! A contest is involved! Here are the particulars from Elisa:

On the board of your volunteer managers association or DOVIA? We have a contest for you! Volunteer Management Pros Meridian Swift of Volunteer Plain Talkand Elisa Kosarin of Twenty Hats are teaming up. They would like to host a weekend-long retreat just for volunteer managers. This first-ever national retreat would include two days of workshops, conversation, and fun to help you revitalize your professional passion. This is not a conference! Elisa and Meridian are providing the setting and the coaching for you to discover new insights into your path, career, and personal goals. The event is planned for the fall of 2018 — but they need your help in finding an awesome spot to hold the retreat. And that’s where the CONTEST comes in: If you are a Leader of Volunteers who sits on the board of your volunteer manager association, please help find the venue for the 2018 retreat! The association that finds the winning venue receives the benefit of THREE FREE REGISTRATIONS for this event. In addition, the winning association will receive a special discounted price for any other members who would like to attend. Is your organization in?  If yes,here are the specs for the retreat venue: Available for two nights, Friday and Saturday Time frame is a weekend in October 2018 Large enough to accommodate 30-50 guests Meals provided, or list of catering options provided At least two meeting spaces available Price average $150 per day, if meals provided If you represent an organization that’s game for this contest, email Elisa at Twenty Hats to enter. The deadline to identify a venue is May 31. Email Elisa if you have any questions and happy searching!

Thank you for all you do.

-Meridian