“Worth Beyond Measure”; A Recipe for Success
August 19-20, 2009 the Educational Council’s – After School Counts! Program produced the 7th Annual “Off to a Great Start” Conference with tremendous success. This year’s theme was “Worth Beyond Measure”; A Recipe for Success. The conference brought together after school program administrators, site directors, program staff and volunteers throughout all of Central Ohio. Based on preliminary post conference evaluation reports and an infectious energy that was present throughout the entire two day event, participants were thrilled with their experience and all that was captured.
Attendees were treated to a humorous, insightful and challenging keynote message delivered by poet, author, comedian and motivational speaker Mr. Javier Sanchez C.E.O. of the Columbus-based company R.E.A.C.H. Communications. Providers then proceeded into the first day of a carefully planned selection of professional development workshops, covering six specific tracks pertinent to achieving desired, positive results at every level of after school programming.
Following the first session workshops, a lunch break specifically designed to create networking opportunities and increase camaraderie among afterschool professionals was well received and effectively achieved its goal. Participants were then treated to a meticulously produced vendor Resource Fair. Individuals were able to engage, inquire and receive free materials to be used in their programs, from more than 45 different non-profit organizations. The vendors were also tremendously pleased with the opportunity to showcase and promote their goods and services. This particular element of the conference was an absolute “smash hit” among all conference-goers. The first day concluded with two final professional development workshop sessions and sent participants away virtually euphoric to attend the second day.
Day two began as the first day had, with high energy and smiles all around. All in attendance were eligible to participate and win various prize giveaways that were generously provided by donors such as the Columbus Crew, The Funny Bone @ Easton Towne Center, The Ohio State University, Target and Starbucks. Providers then participated in two more impactful and relevant professional development sessions that allowed for individuals to have had a choice of over 40 different workshops over the
two days. A record number of 38 offerings were Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Service and
“Step Up to Quality” (Ohio Department of Education) approved, as well as social work CEU’s being made available to those whom it applied.
The culmination of the conference was the 5th Annual Hannah Dillard Awards Reception and Luncheon. Hannah Dillard was the first appointed Director of the Mayor’s Office of Education for the City of Columbus. Ms. Dillard was tireless advocate for young people and was instrumental in helping to promote and implement afterschool programs throughout Franklin County. The Hannah Dillard Legacy Fund provided an unprecedented $6,600.00 to provide conference scholarships for several afterschool programs who had their professional development budgets cut by an ever-changing economy. The reception recognized by award and a $250.00 stipend, “best practice” programs in the afterschool field and who met a very select criteria. The Honorable Mayor Michael B. Coleman was the guest speaker at the luncheon.
The overall conference concluded with great fanfare and attendees exited the venue with the promise of “absolutely attending again next year” and spreading the word to their colleagues who were unable to attend, that this continuously growing event is a “can’t miss!”