Today was the Texas Volunteer Management Conference and it was such a great way to spend a birthday!  There was great networking with about 200 volunteer managers from around the country. Workshops included working with faith-based organizations, volunteers in disaster and utilizing social media to augment your volunteer program. Speakers included Ashely Hyder, Mary Beth Harrington, Tisha Dodge and Andre Johnson, to name a few.  I truly wish that we would be able to capture the whole of the day because I am constantly amazed by the amount of talent and information that is presented.  You can find information about the conference at www.texasvmc.org.  Pictures from todays conference will be posted soon at www.texasvmc.org. 

The one can’t miss moment of the day, however, was Max Fulfer’s presentation on face reading. He talked about how understanding how to read people reduces stereotyping and increases understanding of people.  This type of training is important for volunteer managers who are trying to place the right people in the right position but it is also very applicable for anyone, in any industry, who work with people…which means all of us.  I have to say that he did a reading with me and it was spot on.  He told me things about myself that I do not think my friends and colleagues knew.  In the near future, I will be taking a class with him to learn more.  If you want to join me, please email celestesauls@yahoo.com.  There is a discount for group registrations.  If you would like to book him for a demonstration and speaking events, please visit www.amazingfacereading.com. If you work or interact with people, it will truly change the way that you see the world around you.

So, would I really have preferred to be with my dogs and my husband at Mario and Sabino’s (www.mariosabinos.com) for lunch on such a golden day?  That’s a tough call but itis truly a special experience to be part of great experience that brings so many volunteer managers together.

Thank you so much to the conference chair, Lorrie Anderson, and all of the committee members who worked so hard to ensure that this was a great day for volunteer managers throughout the Southwest region of the US.  Hats off to you!

Best!  And off to Birthday Celebrations!

Celeste