2009 Alliance National Conference provides courage for today, preparation for tomorrow
As an organization that utilizes a “Members First” motto to define who we are and what we do, the Alliance for Children and Families continues to be both cognizant and respectful of how our members must be very discriminating with their funds.
We, therefore, work diligently to provide real value to members of the Alliance through our varied programs and services.
That strong value proposition is especially apparent with the 2009 Alliance National Conference, Oct. 14-16 in Houston. As the conference theme conveys, “Caring, Courage, Collaborations: Successful Strategies for Challenging Times,” our focus this year is on helping you alleviate the challenges you face today, while also preparing you for the future—a future that will look very different from the past.
More than ever before, your investment of time and money to attend the Alliance National Conference will be an investment in both your present and future. Because, even in tough times, unless we continue to further our knowledge and understanding, network with our peers, and invest in our growth, we may not be able to overcome such tough times and come out stronger on the other side.
The Alliance has held down the cost of the conference, including negotiating a reduction in the hotel room rate. We have invited keynote speakers with timely and inspiring messages. Time for networking has been set aside for attendees to take advantage of the community of which they are an important part.
Finally, the nearly 40 workshops are a formidable group that provides expertise on topics specifically chosen to address your needs during this unique year.
My thanks goes to the Alliance members who volunteered to serve on the planning committee that chose this year’s workshops. That group is led by Curt Mooney, president and CEO of DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston, and Nyla Woods, president and CEO of Family Services of Greater Houston.
Organized under nine tracks—candid conversations, governance, human resources, innovative programs, leadership, management, marketing and communications, public policy, and resource development—I am certain these workshops will more than provide payback on your investment. Moreover, they’ll offer the interactive learning experiences you need.
“Candid conversations” is a new workshop track this year. It takes discussion, networking, and information sharing to a new level by featuring open conversations about important issues and challenges of today. Facilitated by Elizabeth Carey, Alliance COO, these sessions feature Alliance member CEOs talking candidly with participants about issues that include working effectively with boards on local and state public policy, closing programs with integrity, staying in sync with boards, and finding the funding to further mission-driven work.
At previous national conferences, the Alliance has helped you prepare for the future by detecting and identifying trends that will impact your organization, as well as the entire sector—essentially, we’ve helped you to implement your own pragmatic and intellectual radar system. Our efforts show how an event such as this can be the springboard to much more.
In years past we prodded attendees to think about the impact of science, technology, and neuroscience on nonprofit human services. We engaged you in scenario planning models that presented multiple plausible futures and implications for nonprofit human services. We reintroduced many of you to the art and importance of cutting-edge civic engagement and the opportunities made possible by advocacy and public policy. We provided analysis of the onset of a serious leadership deficit within our field, and offered expertise on succession planning as a way to begin to prepare. We also introduced you to the growing opportunity of providing social services to the older adult population.
What issue or event will you add to your radar by attending the Alliance National Conference this year? Could it be how to accurately price your programs? Or focusing on government revenue acquisition? How about leadership through turbulent times? What will be the meat and potato items you walk away with this year?
Don’t miss the opportunity to fortify yourself and your agency for today and tomorrow. Consider this Alliance National Conference an investment rather than an expense. You must, and will, experience a return.
Learn more and register for the Alliance National Conference.
Peter Goldberg is president and CEO of the Alliance and its parent holding company, Families International. In his capacity as president and CEO of Families International, he oversees a thriving group of affiliated organizations, including the Alliance, United Neighborhood Centers of America, FEI Behavioral Health, and Ways to Work. He has been selected by The NonProfit Times as one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector seven times since 1998.
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