Florida Volunteer Service Conference

“Connect the Dots…Plotting a Course in

Volunteer Management”

Track 1 -  Emergency Management

Wednesday, November 2nd

Session 1

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. 

Capturing the Volunteer Value

This workshop will discuss success stories from around the country and within the state of Florida and highlight some systems for capturing volunteer hours and the importance of partnerships.

Presenters: Ken Skalitzky, Emergency Management Director, Volunteer Florida; Greg Strader, Executive Director, BRACE

Session 2

2:45 – 4:00 p.m.

Disaster 101: Your Response-Ability

This is an introduction to the unique and important role volunteers and voluntary organizations play in disaster preparation, response and recovery. The focus is on learning the three "P's" of Disaster: Process, Partnerships and Planning.

Presenters: Pam Garrison, Disaster Response Coordinator, Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church Chair, Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Thursday, November 3rd

Session 3

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 

Strategic Risk Management and Crisis Communication: Preparation practices for proactive planning

This session will focus on the work of volunteer managers and volunteer organizations in risk management and crisis communication. Proactive and reactive practices will be discussed extensively using theory and best management case studies. Participants will engage in risk scenarios and role-play to better understand concepts.

Presenters: Dr. Angela B. Lindsey, Assistant Professor, Family, Youth & Comm. Sciences at University of Florida & UF/IFAS PIE Center; Dr. Dale Pracht, Associate Professor, Family, Youth & Comm. Sciences at University of Florida

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Surviving an Active Shooter Event Train-the-Trainer

Introduction for participants to the psychology behind active shooter, the importance of training and preparation, and preventive measures. This workshop will focus on the ever-increasing need for Florida organizations, volunteers, and partners of every kind to prepare for the possibility of an Active Shooter scenario.

Presenter: Ken Skalitzky, Emergency Management Director, Volunteer Florida

Session 5

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

An Introduction the Current State of the CERT Program in Florida

CERT and Citizen Corps is a federally funded grant program from FEMA. In FY 2017 the program was transitioned to Volunteer Florida. CERT trained volunteers can be a resource to local volunteer service centers.

Presenter: Ken Skalitzky, Emergency Management Director, Volunteer Florida

Session 6

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Emergency Support Function (ESF 15)

ESF15 coordinates and facilitates the most effective and efficient use of affiliated and spontaneous volunteers, monetary donations, and goods during all phases of disaster management. Through a collaboration with government, nonprofit, faith-based, and private organizations, ESF15 identifies unmet needs found in the community and acts as a central source of information regarding volunteer services in support of relief efforts.  

Presenter: Steven Hedgren, Divisional Commander, Salvation Army (TBD)

Friday, November 4th

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

VRC & VOAD & Vhat it all means

This session will provide an opportunity for you to learn ways to eliminate he silos that frequently occur in communities and explain how Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is organized, fits into the bigger picture, and how they can better partner with local volunteer service organizations.

Presenters: Pam Garrison, Disaster Response Coordinator, Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church Chair, Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster; Ken Skalitzky, Emergency Management Director, Volunteer Florida

Track 2 -  Leadership Planning & Empowerment

Wednesday, November 2nd

Session 1

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. 

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Your Volunteer Program

One of the most important components of emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, recognize, and manage your emotions.  You’re faced with changing priorities and challenging people every day.  Learn how to use mindfulness techniques to manage your stress and keep your volunteers engaged.

Presenter: Keri Thatcher, Sr. Director Human Resources, Metropolitan Ministries

Session 2

2:45 – 4:00 p.m.

Engaging mentors in under-resourced rural communities

Participates will have the opportunity to learn how to show volunteers how they make a difference. Identify strategies how to ask volunteers to help in specific and actionable ways. As well as how to stay connected with your volunteers. 

Presenter: Mentor Coordinator, The Immokalee Foundation

Thursday, November 3rd

Session 3

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 

My Brother's Keeper: Helping our youth of tomorrow

The My Brother's Keeper Challenge is partnership of the United States Federal Government to promote intervention by civic leaders in the lives of young men of color. Volunteer Florida engages organizations whose mission aligns with the 6 milestones of MBK. 

Presenter: Audrey Kidwell, Program Manager, Volunteer Florida

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Build the Most Dynamic Volunteer Team Ever Using True Colors Personality Tools

We all have special traits in our personality that make us unique. This “True Colors®” workshop will help you understand why you think, act, and feel the way you do. It will also help you better understand and communicate with volunteers, co-workers, and supervisors.

Presenters: Dawna Sarmiento, Community Facilitator, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County; Priscilla McFadden, Community Facilitator, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County

Session 5

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Comprising Work Plans to Change Communities

This session will allow you the opportunity to compile work plans in at least three strategic initiative areas – education, healthy futures, and disaster preparedness - that can be used as “templates” for all directors to customize for their local program. 

Presenters: Cheryl Freeman, Director, RSVP of St. Johns County; Laurie Diestler, Director, RSVP of Citrus County; Margaret Baugher, Director, Friendship Center

Session 6

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Crucial Conversation

In this session, participants will be introduced to Crucial Conversations, based on the national best-selling book and program. Crucial Conversations teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, and sometimes risky topics. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), participants will begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on their decisions with unity and commitment. 

Presenter: Jacqueline Phillips, Manager, Hillsborough County’s Learning & Organizational Development

Friday, November 4th

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Quality Time is Key:  Boosting Volunteer Engagement Through Coaching

Coaching, defined as conducting regularly scheduled one-on-one discussions between the leader and the volunteer that are focused on performance and development, is the single most meaningful practice a leader can use to touch the heart and leverage the passion of their volunteers.  Leaders will learn how to lead these pivotal discussions in the workshop.  

Presenter: Barry Altland, Consultant, Head, Heart and Hands Engagement Collective

Track 3 -  Excellence in Volunteer Management Training Series

Wednesday, November 2nd

Florida Excellence in Volunteer Management Certification focuses on building the capacity of volunteer administrators, managers and coordinators throughout Florida by providing accessible, high quality training. The training builds upon the attendee’s experiences in volunteer management (government organization, nonprofit or faith-based organization) by providing relevant course materials and best practices.

Session 1

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. 

Understanding Volunteers

Presenter: Suzy Gamblain, Executive Director, Flagler Volunteer Services

Session 2

2:45 – 4:00 p.m.

Evaluating a Volunteer Program

Presenter: Kay Pelt-Walker, Volunteer Coordinator, VolunteerLEON, Leon County Volunteer Services

Thursday, November 3rd

Session 3

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 

Planning Volunteer Program

Presenter: Jeri Bush, Division Director, Volunteer Leon, Leon County Government

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Recruiting and Placing Volunteers

Presenter: Joe Taylor, Executive Director, Franklin’s Promise Coalition

Session 5

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Orienting and Training Volunteers

Presenter: Kim Berghs, Volunteer Center Manager, United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades

Session 6

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Supervising Volunteers

Jeri Bush, Division Director, Volunteer Leon, Leon County Government

Friday, November 4th

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Volunteer Recognition

Track 4 -  Resource Development

Wednesday, November 2nd

Session 1

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. 

Return on Your Investment

Come learn the various types of ROI. What is it? How is it measured?  How should it affect our work? How can we use it to advance our mission?

Presenter: Gigi Rolfes, Executive Director, Volunteer Macon

Session 2

2:45 – 4:00 p.m.

Sponsorships…it has to make sense both ways

The idea of selling sponsorships sounds easy but it is hard work.  First do your research, identify your targets and get the meeting.  You need to understand the other companies areas of focus and business goals.  Finally connect it to your goals as well as your companies goals and you will soar and have a long term partner.

Presenter: LeAnn Daddario, CEO and President, HandsOn Jacksonville

Thursday, November 3rd

Session 3

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. 

The Power of National Service!

Volunteer Service professionals can expand the impact of volunteer efforts to meet organizational mission and community need by fostering partnerships and programming associated with all streams of national service.  Learn about AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps VISTA, Senior Corps and AmeriCorps NCCC programs to learn what may be the best fit for your organization.

Presenter: Cat Keen, MSW, MBA, National Service Programs Director, Volunteer Florida

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

The Value of Relationship Building

Presenter: Sartura Smith, Director, the Centre for Women Tampa Bay

Session 5

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Fee for Service: Recruiting Volunteers for Large Companies with Multiple Sites and Days of Service

Companies and organizations are looking for ways to give back. Providing opportunities for corporate work days with different experiences is a great way for others to learn about your organization and generate revenue while they are giving back.

Presenters: Darlene M. Kaiser, Volunteer Services, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida; Dr. Philip C. Harris

Session 6

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

The $100,000 Handshake

Come learn the Power of Networking and How to Do It Effectively. Yes, that implies that there is an ineffective way to do it. Unfortunately, 90% of professionals are doing it the wrong way, and it’s costing them money.

Presenter: Steve Hopper, Speaker & Author, Ability2Influence

Friday, November 4th

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

How to Link Millennial Volunteers to Donors

Presenter: Jamie Renee, Chief Development Officer, United Way Suncoast