I attended an amazing conference called Service Unites (sponsored by Points Of Lights Foundation) in Atlanta last week . There were many sections during the conference about service, volunteerism and different types of partnerships. I want to share with you what I learned there.
Day 1
Innovative Programs to Engage Youth In Service
This session highlighted new statewide initiatives and programs focused on youth volunteer engagement that are being led by state service commissions including best practices from a diploma endorsement program, intergenerational program, and capacity building initiatives for youth serving organizations.
Community Service Ambassadors and AmeriCorps VISTA’s Leading Service-Learning Programs–Two Models for Successful Student/Community Partnership Development
The Community Service Ambassador Program is a student leadership development program offered by the College of Education & Social Work at West Chester University and the Service-Learning program at Pellissippi State Community College has created transformative experiences that help all those involved leverage their resources and gain a stronger understanding of community. Both programs offer hands on examples for implementation with measurable results.
Service Unites Opening Plenary
The plenary was challenging guests through speakers, panels, and musical moments to continue to push the boundaries of civic culture and volunteerism. There were many amazing speakers: Amal Kassir, Storytelling Activist, Spoken Word Poet; Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor, City of Atlanta; Adam Rippon, Olympic Figure Skater, US Olympic Team; Kerry Sullivan, President, Bank of America Charitable Foundation; Eden Duncan-Smith, Singer / Actor / Dancer / Activist; Coty Sensabaugh, NFL Cornerback and Philanthropist; Dominique Sensabaugh, Artist and Philanthropist; Anucha Browne, Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer, UNICEF USA; Bruce Kara, Vice President of Safety and Sustainability, The Coca-Cola Company; Brooke Shields, Actress, Model, Author, Advocate; Jesse Williams, Actor
Day 2
Tackling Tough Issues: How Companies Can Become Social Impact Disruptors
The role of CSR is changing. Companies are tackling social issues that are more controversial and provocative than ever before. Tough topics such as equity and inclusion, gun control, refugees and gender pay parity are forcing companies to take a stand, dedicate resources and advocate for solutions.
Create and Manage Cross-Sector Partnerships That Work!
We talked about tactics and strategies to create and manage innovative and successful corporate partnerships that can take the organization to the next level. Two seasoned professionals with experience in both sectors shared practical tools to help identify potential partners, frame value proposition, and guide the partnership from design through evaluation.
From Volunteering to Changemaking: Putting People in the Center of Change
We met the testimonial of “30 under 30 global leaders”( Kostapanos Miliaressis, Co-founder & CEO, ethelon; Daniel Morais, Co-founder, Atados; Sue Toomey, Executive Director, HandsOn Hong Kong; Peter Yang, Founder, Empact) about their paths in becoming civic entrepreneurs and how they are mobilizing the next generation of changemakers.
Day 3
Employee Purpose -v- Strategy: What’s a CSR Leader to do?
CSR leaders shared their perspectives and approaches to solving the challenge: how these companies are cracking the code between meeting their employees’ need for purpose in their jobs in developing their social impact strategy.
Thank you, Points of Light and Atlas Corps for this amazing opportunity to attend Service Unites Conference.
