KVRC’s Fourth Annual Volunteer Leadership Symposium a Resounding Success

KVRC’s Fourth Annual Volunteer Leadership Symposium a Resounding Success
Submitted

Over 80 participants were present at NSCC Kingstec for the Fourth Annual Volunteer Leadership Symposium on Wednesday May 15, hosted by Kings Volunteer Resource Centre (KVRC).

The day-long conference welcomed keynote speaker Danny Graham of Engage Nova Scotia, and followed up with eight concurrent morning and afternoon workshops, each focused on helping both volunteers and community-based organizations increase their capacity for the incredible work they do in community.

Lisa MacDougall, executive director of Valley Restorative Justice, summarized her experience, calling the event “an exceptionally well-planned Volunteer Leadership Symposium. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the presentations were first-class. I only wish I had been able to take in everyone! These speakers were so knowledgeable and interesting – I cannot thank you enough for the connections.”

“I am so thrilled to hear comments like Lisa’s,” Karrie-Ann Wilkie, KVRC’s coordinator says. “Our planning committee recognizes that each person present at the symposium has taken time from their busy lives to spend the day with us. It’s important to us to provide them with a high calibre day and to send them off with connections, education, and a renewed energy to go back out into the voluntary sector to do the incredibly important community work they do each day to improve the lives of others.”

Ramona Jennex, who has attended all four years of the symposium, echoes MacDougall’s thoughts. “Everyone I spoke to had an extremely positive experience. Karrie-Ann and the KVRC team make a huge impact on the community through their work. Thanks to KVRC for providing such a great opportunity to learn and meet others who have a passion for volunteering.”

In contrast to Jennex’s years of experience as a participant, first-time attendee Amber Juby (founder and president of NOVA Seven Arts Council [NSAC]) raved that she “absorbed tons of great info and NSAC will be better prepared because of this experience.”

New this year was a unique closing KVRC chose for the day to act as a summary and thoughtful take-away for participants: poet Ashley Avery wrote and performed a poem encompassing the purpose and energy of the symposium. It was the perfect way to send participants off to reflect on their expanded knowledge from the day and the impact each of them have in their communities.