Description of Conference Keynote and Program Sessions

Description of Conference Keynote and Program Sessions

Columbus, Indiana Friday, November 2, 2012

“Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way”

Thomas Paine’s famous quote has it right. To achieve our Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs), Senior Center leaders must learn to lead, when to follow, and when to get out of the way. More importantly, we must help and sometimes compel our Boards and members to take the lead, fall into line, and unfortunately, push the bitter-enders out of the way to move forward. It’s not easy. Bob Pitman shares his insights on transformational leadership styles based on 20 years of effort to make Mill Race Center a reality. Share the barriers you are facing and discuss leadership styles to make you more effective.

Presenter: Bob Pitman, Director of the Mill Race Center, Columbus, IN

What’s Your New Model for Success?

All centers have the same mission, to improve the lives of older adults. But centers must calculate how to achieve their mission by attracting and sustaining the necessary resources. A landmark 2009 National Institute Study identified many paths to that destination. Bob Pitman highlights seven different models of successful senior centers and leads participants to discern and discuss those which might fit their situations and become part of their plan.

Presenter: Bob Pitman, Executive Director, Mill Race Center, Columbus, IN

Facing Change with Sound Strategies

Review classic concepts in change theory and management to help senior center directors face the changes in funding, programs, and participants that may have some frustrated and reeling. Christine Beatty discusses methods to prepare, plan and be strategic about change and to understand the resistance to change by stakeholders. She offers a work page that will identify elements and assess a needed change in your organization.

Presenter: Christine Beatty, Director, Madison Senior Center, Madison, WI

Transforming Volunteer Programs to New Expectations

Many agencies struggle to engage 55+ professionals in their work. These experienced, educated individuals are needed and desired assets to community non-profits. Agencies serving older adults should be leaders in utilizing this talent, but they’re not. Join Christine Beatty as she considers the questions, WHY? and HOW CAN WE BE?

Presenter: Christine Beatty, Director, Madison Senior Center, Madison, WI

Shift! Your Marketing for Success

With daily demands of customer and staff, it’s difficult for senior center directors to focus on needs such as marketing, branding and nurturing the image of the agency. They get pushed to the back burner which in the long run, hurts the agency. What do you need to do to SHIFT! your agency’s image and take it to the next level? Join this workshop and get up to date on all the latest trends relevant to senior centers and the customers they serve. Take the opportunity to problem solve marketing issues with experts and colleagues. Go home with a plan and many new resources to SHIFT! your organization where it needs to be.

Presenter: Jill Jackson Ledford, Independent Consultant, Charleston, SC

Building Excellence: Standards to Which All Centers Should Aspire

The National Institute of Senior Centers has established standards of excellence for senior centers that are achievable by all centers and serve to strengthen their capacity and enhance their community image. This workshop will provide an overview of the standards with an emphasis on those that centers typically find the most challenging including outcome evaluations, strategic planning and marketing. More than 200 Centers have completed the Self-Assessment and Accreditation process. The process has a 100% satisfaction rate with all centers reporting positive outcomes.

Presenter: Maureen Arsenault, Coordinator, NCOA National Institute on Senior Centers

Changing Your Center’s Image Through Fundraising

Everything your Senior Center does reinforces its image in the community. What does your fundraising say about your Center? Active, fun and different OR sedentary and run-of-the-mill? Learn about proven fundraising techniques, ideas and events to change your Center’s image through fundraising and increase your revenue.

Presenter: Carol Reagan, NISC Chairperson and Director, Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council, Palatine, IL

For more information:

http://millracecenter.org/index.php/partners/mrc-special-events/cat_listevents/-

or contact Bob Pitman at

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