New Twist On Angeles Chapter Volunteer Training

By Mary Morales
2008 Ex Comm Member-at-Large

A new Angeles Chapter committee is being introduced this year – the Chapter Leadership Training Academy. This new entity will be responsible for training of newly elected and returning entity officers and appointed chairs, as well as for other volunteer training activities as they are required within the Chapter. (This was formerly known as the annual Volunteer Training Workshop.)

A full schedule of individual workshops will be offered on Saturday, March 8, 2008, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA. The event is free and everyone is welcome. However, attendees are required to pre-register, as space is limited at the facility.

This yearly event is the ideal training ground for new entity chairs, as well as current and prospective volunteers throughout the organization. Angeles Chapter personnel will be present to answer questions and help new volunteers learn the ropes, so to speak. This is great way for entity management board members to get up to speed on their new duties.

The day will begin at 8:30 am with registration, continental breakfast and a welcome from the newly elected Angeles Chapter ExComm chair. Several pre-workshop presentations will follow, and lunch is also included.

The various workshops will begin at 10:00 am and resume at 1:00 pm, after lunch. Included are sessions for Entity, Membership, Conservation, Publicity and Program Chairs, Newsletter Editors and Webmasters. Other topics will cover Fundraising, Leadership Skills, Effective Interaction with Local Politicians, Navigating the Sierra Club, and how Chairs can make their meetings more interesting and engaging for members!

Reserve as soon as possible and don’t miss this opportunity to hone your volunteer skills, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or were newly elected/appointed to a position within your Group, Section or Committee.

Contact Leadership Academy Chair and Registrar, Mary Morales, (949) 586-9528, 10ter@cox.net for information and to reserve a spot. Eaton Canyon has ample parking, however carpooling with friends and associates is always encouraged.

8:30am Registration & Breakfast
9:00am Welcome- Mike Sappingfield, 2008 Chapter ExComm Chair
9:15am Chapter Membership Challenges -Donna Specht, Chapter Membership Co-Chair
9:30am Political Guest Speaker Anthony Portantino, 44th District Assembly member
10:00am First Workshop Sessions (45 min.)

“Making a Difference” – Rudy Vieteier, Long Beach Group Chair Membership
“The Ins & Outs” – Donna Specht/Mary Morales, Membership Co-Ch Conservation Chairs
“Your Responsibilities from A-Z” – Bonnie Sharpe, ExComm
"Publicizing Outstanding Outings" – David Eisenberg, Schedule of Activities Editor Program Chairs
“NAKED BACKPACKING – Everything You Want to Know About Organizing Interesting Programs” – Dr. Rosemarie White, Endangered Species Cmte Chairs

10:45am Break
11:00am Second Workshop Sessions (45 min.)

"Ins and Outs of being on an ExComm" – Mike Sappingfield, 2008 ExComm Chair Newsletter Editors
“Evolving With the Times” – David Eisenberg, Schedule Editor
"Electing the Right Candidates" – Susana Reyes, Political Committee Chair
"Planning & Executing Great Outings Part I" – Ron Domash, 20’s/30’s Singles Chair
"Diversity in the Angeles Chapter" – Silvia Darie, OMC, Crescenta Valley Outings Ch

12:00 noon Lunch
12:45pm Intro to the Angeles Chapter & Sierra Club – Ron Silverman, Sr. Chapter Director
1:00pm Third Workshop Sessions (45 min.)

"Recruiting Younger Members – Juan Martinez, Sierra Student Coalition "Planning & Executing Great Outings Part I"I – Ron Domash, 20’s/30’s Singles
"Environmental Legal Resources" – Vic Otten/Dean Wallraff, Conservation Legal Cmte
“Be Climate-Change Savvy” – Jim Stewart/Darryl Clarke, Air Quality, Energy & Global Warming Committee Chairs

1:45pmBreak
2:00pm Fourth Workshop Sessions (45 min.)

“Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers” – Jennifer Robinson, Chapter Cons Coordinator
"Webmasters: Great Tips & New Ideas" – Trent Nguyen, 20’s/30’s Singles
"Recruiting New Leaders" – Silvia Darie, OMC, Crescenta Valley Outings Chair
"Watercraft Outing Safety" – Gary Vidor, Sailing Chair, 20’s/30’s Singles

3:00 pm Wrap-up – Workshop evaluations

Registrar: Mary Morales 949-586-9528 10ter@cox.net

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