The goal of the Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference is to help tutor/mentor leaders and supporters expand their networks.  On Friday a keynote presentation and a workshop will describe the strategies of Social Network Analysis. If leaders apply these ideas, we can build stronger support for tutor/mentor programs, and the youth we serve.

Below is the schedule for the conference. Workshop topics and speakers are subject to change without notice between now and Nov. 19 and 20. Please check back often.

Everyone who participates in the conference volunteers their time! Thank you all.  Thank you to everyone who donated time to present a workshop, or host a panel. Special thanks to our keynote speakers. If you can make a donation to support the conference, and the Tutor/Mentor Connection, click here.
 

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Registration - 8:00 am to 9:00 am

9:00 am to 9:30 am:  Keynote and welcome:

First workshops: 9:40 am to 10:50 am - 
 

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Workshop Panel Discussion - Moderated by Nicole White, Panelists - Sarah Hardin, Chicago Youth Programs, Scott McFarland, SERVE Illinois Commission

Panel discussion led by leaders of tutoring and/or mentoring programs.  Leaders share strategies for recruiting volunteers from businesses, universities, professional groups who serve as tutors/mentors, and as board members, technology support, organizers, and capacity builders.  

Creating Great Connections - The Basics of Brain Development - Presented by Deborah McNelis - Brain Insights
This workshop provides an overview of the basics of
brain development. Through visual demonstrations you will gain insights into
how you can have more impact on the learning brain. With this understanding,
ideas are are also presented on how we can spread the word to those that can
support of the needs for all young children.
 

You are the Best! Strategies to Keep Mentors Happy - Presented by Xavier Salvado, Gads Hill Center
Why are mentors volunteering in your program? What makes them choose to stay with you? What makes them leave? This workshop will explore different strategies that you can use in your program to ensure that your mentors feel that they are making a difference and are willing to stay longer with you!

Literacy Roundtable Quarterly Meeting - Led by Jenne Myers, Working in the Schools (WITS)

Like a collection of books, The Chicago Collection is a committed group of local literacy non-profits whose missions all revolve around promoting literacy in and around Chicago for adults, children and families that need it most.

With program staff and leadership committed to meeting on a quarterly basis to discuss challenges, ideas and strategies, we hope, as a collective group, to work collaboratively as advocates for literacy related issues and to find ways to work smarter together. Participation will also reinforce and improve our strengths in the not-for-profit literacy landscape.

Second workshops: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm 

Impact Evaluation: From Basics to Best Practices, Presented by Jenny Ellis Richards, Consultant, Pratt Richards Group, Evanston, IL.
Every nonprofit struggles with the notion of impact - how to understand, define and measure it; good, ongoing, evaluation practice is the place to start. This session is will provide an overview of evaluation definitions, tips and tools useful for learning about and articulating your impact. Participants will become better acquainted with
common evaluation terms and concepts and will leave with some new ideas for,
and approaches to, evaluation work.

This session will be interactive, and is open to all - nonprofit Executive Directors and program staff, board members, volunteers. If you attended this workshop in May, come again and share how you have used this information in your own planning.

View the PDF presentation of this workshop from May 09 conference.

Diversity in Mentoring - Community-Building through Inclusion - presented by Tim Foster, Washington Initiative for Supportive Employment
The workshop helps participants and their mentoring programs become truly inclusive, adding to the diversity of their program and community by helping them to serve individuals with disabilities in their mentoring program.  The workshop details all facets of mentoring for individuals with disabilities, from service and support needs through funding opportunities available for organizations running diversified mentoring programs.

Building Communications Skills in the Classroom and After-School
Presented by Elizabeth Condon, Leap Learning Systems
Participants will be introduced to two of Leap Learning Systems programs for school-age through high school students, and youth leaders who work with students in both classroom and after-school environments.
 

LASER (Leap's After School Enrichment Curriculum) teaches educators working in the after-school setting key language and literacy building strategies so that they can help students with poor academic achievement in grades one through seven to improve their reading skills. Language for Scholars teaches students effective communication skills so that they are understood and responded to positively by their teachers, employers and peers.
 

Maximize Youth Potential Through Academic Mentoring, presented by David Neils, Executive Director, International Telementor Program, http://www.telementor.org
Learn how a powerful academic mentoring program can put your students on the map in the areas of academic excellence in the core as well as solid career and education planning that is challenged and supported by the best professionals in the world. Thousands of GEAR UP students have been served and we welcome participation from staff representing federal and state education programs.

This workshop is for teachers, principals, administrators, government officials, and corporate managers who are interested in substantially raising the bar on academic performance and helping students become informed, connected and engaged with the help of successful professionals serving as mentors.

Online Fundraising 101 for Small Non-Profits - Desiree Vargas, President and Co-Founder and Ethan Austin, Co-Founder and Second Banana, GiveForward

http://www.giveforward.org

Long gone are the days when golf fundraisers and charity galas were the only ways to raise money.  In this session you will find out why more and more small non-profits are turning towards online fundraising tools to empower their supporters to become fundraising superstars.
 

Lunch & Networking - 12: 15 pm - 1:30 pm

12:50pm to 1:15 pm - Keynote Speaker - TBD



 

First Afternoon workshops: 1:45 to 3:00pm - 

Introduction to Grant Writing, presented by Jill Zimmerman, Vice President, The Alford Group, www.alford.com
Securing funding from proposals involves both elements of fundraising-art and science. It is essential to know the essential elements to a successful proposal. This session will cover the following topics: 

The essential components of a grant proposal package
* Important writing techniques that make your proposal stand out from the pile
* Layout and design of a strong proposal
* Customizing a proposal to match a grant maker's interest and using your proposal as a relationship building tool

Social Media Game - Twitter - How It Can Benefit Tutoring and Mentoring Programs, presented by Lovette Ajayi of Community Media Workshop.  http://www.newstips.org
It's easy to get overwhelmed deciding which social media tools your organization should use. Play the Social Media Game with Community Media Workshop to think about how to intentionally use those tools despite, or even because of, resource challenges. 

Also, if you're wondering what the hype about Twitter is and how it benefits you, this workshop is the one for you. Join as we discuss Twitter best practices and ways your organization can use it to further your mission. 
 

Student Recruitment Panel Discussion. Where do programs recruit students? How do they build regular participation, parent and school involvement?  Facilitated by Kathy Anderson, Wicker Park Learning Center http://www.wickerparklearningcenter.com/

Model-Coach-Fade - How to Teach Anything - Presented by Joshua Fulcher, Erie Neighborhood House
This workshop provides and teaches a structure for tutors to build a student's skill set for sustained academic improvement. It is a structure to teach virtually anything so students can work on their own. This method is used by Masters in Education programs across the nation.

Using Maps to Create Collaborative Strategies.

Presented by Daniel Bassill, President, and Mike Trakan, GIS Map Developer, of Tutor/Mentor Connection (http://www.tutormentorconnection.org  ).

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Second Afternoon workshops:  3:15:pm to 4:30pm

Incorporating Writing Strategies into a Tutoring Program.
Presented by Patrick Shaffner, and Kait Steele, 826 CHI 
One of the largest areas of academics that students lag behind in is writing. Find out how one program incorporated writing into their tutoring program and has made writing fun for thousands of kids not just in Chicago - but in Boston, Los Angeles, Michigan, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle too!

Issues of Non Profit Management - 10 Tips for Staying Ahead in this Economy Presented by Jennifer Paul and Liz Livingston Howard, Northwestern University Center for Non-Profit Management, www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/research/nonprofit/index.htm

All nonprofit organizations are facing significant challenges in this economy. However this is not the time to suspend fundraising and marketing activity. This session will help leaders review critical elements of successful fundraising and marketing strategies.

This session is geared for nonprofit leaders and will help them review critical elements of fundraising and marking, think about key ways to maintain your strengths, and discuss current strategies to engage and cultivate stronger relationships.

Discussion of Findings from Tutor/Mentor Connection  Survey: What are the issues most important to you?

Panel Discussion led by Nicole White, Tutor/Mentor Connection Research and Networking Coordinator and Mike Trakan, GIS/Mapping Coordinator - Tutor/Mentor Connection, www.tutormentorconnection.org

Read survey comments and add your own ideas.

IDES Career Resources Network - Presented by LaMarr Johnson, Illinois Department of Employment Security

Demonstrations of One Source/Career Resources website that contain resources essential for establishing a career plan are illustrated. Introduced are 3 steps to a successful career plan: Explore Interests, Find Careers That Match & Develop A Plan of Action.  Topics included: Interest Profiler, Skills Assessment, Job Search, CIS Portfolio; Reality Check.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Registration - 8:00 am to 9:00 am

9:00 am to 9:30 am:  Keynote and welcome:
 

Testimonial from a former student. 
Isaiah Brooms, Director of Admissions at Westwood College - Virginia Ballston Campus
Isaiah Brooms is a long time alumni of The Cabrini Green Tutoring Program (Currently, Cabrini Connections). Formerly a teacher in the Chicago Public School System, he relocated from Chicago to recruit, coach and teach at a private school in Indiana, and is currently the Director of Admissions for Westwood College located in Arlington, VA. Isaiah spent his formative years living in Cabrini Green. However, at the age of fourteen he was awarded an academic scholarship to attend a private boarding school in Indiana. That experience changed the course of his life and set him on the path to who he is today. He attributes all his success to God and to the amazing mentors and coaches that invested the time and energy into helping him become a healthy child and more importantly giving him the courage to dream big.

First workshops: 9:40 am to 10:50 am - 
 

Understanding Tutor/Mentor Program Distribution in Chicago. Examples of student learning as a practical application.
In this session first year students from DePaul University will discuss what they have learned about Chicago, and what they have learned about the different tutor/mentor programs operating in Chicago.  This is the final report from a 10 week class project that began in late September.   Meet the students and read their Explore Chicago blog articles. Read more about this project.

Two Part Workshop 9:40am till 12:15 pm - Building Community Engagement: A Global Model with Local Foundations, Presented by Eric Davis, Founder of the Global Citizen Experience

The Global Citizenship Experience (GCE) is an innovative and replicable educational model designed in response to serious learning gaps in the system. The GCE is adopted by schools and community-based organizations which want to build a system for transforming youth into inspired learners, engage parents in their children's education, and cultivate corporate and non-profit partners.  The workshop will be an engaging conversation how YOUR organization can do this.

The Breakthrough Network Model - no superstars needed, Presented by Bill Curry, Chief Operations Officer, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, http://www.breakthrough.org

Often youth leaders feel the pressure to be everything to every student. The pressures are great, so finding ways to share the burden and the joy is important for a youth leader to last in the field.  The Breakthrough Network Model suggests an innovative approach to growing mentoring relationships among a community of students and community of volunteers.  This interactive workshop could be a significant breakthrough for you and the kids you serve.

Nonprofits and Social Media: Well Worth the Effort! - Presented by Holly Massey, Networker, Non-Profit Ingenuity

http://npoingenuity.blogspot.com

Does your organization use social media?  Are you afraid of twitter?  Do you utilize Youtube?  This workshop will help professionals and volunteers learn about and become more comfortable utilizing social media.

Second workshops: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm 
 

Mentoring Program Strategies - Issues and Best Practices. Panel Discussion  

Panel includes Joel Newman, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, Evan Witalison, Mentor Kenosha-Racine at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Xavier Salvado, Gads Hill Center, www.gadshillcenter.org, Michael Cooper, Education 4 Life Foundation

Mentoring programs have their own special needs and issues that differ greatly from tutoring program. Talk to a panel of mentoring program leaders on ways to make your mentoring program a success!

Engaging Athletes, Business Leaders and Celebrities as Advocates for Volunteer Based Tutor/Mentor Programs, panel discussion
In this panel discussion current and former college and professional athletes will discuss ways to draw attention and support to volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs throughout a large metropolitan area,  and ways that they might work together to build more consistent year-round support of all tutor/mentor programs in their host city.  College and professional athletes and coaches are encouraged to attend. This PDF illustrates how Kurt Kittner, University of Illinois and NFL quarterback, draws attention to Cabrini Connections, and other tutor/mentor programs in Chicago.

Facilitated by Steve Miller, Panel members:

Kurt Kittner, University of Illinois and NFL Quarterback, associate with Jones Lang LaSalle, Americas.  Commentator with Illinois Football broadcasts on WIND (560 AM) radio.

El Da'Sheon Nix, Northwestern University Football and current Administrative Coordinator of Cabrini Connections

Talking To Youth About Dating Violence - Presented by Mary Adele Revoy, Adolescent Development Specialist, Revoy Presentations

www.whoisrevoy.com

An educational seminar for mentors on the basics of adolescent brain development and the dynamics of teen dating violence. Topics include: basics of early and adolescent brain development; changes during puberty; thinking areas still developing; power of emotions; risky behaviors & passion; and the dynamics of dating violence.

Tips for Training Quality Volunteers - Presented by Alex Cornwell, Associate Director, Associate Director of  Chicago Lights Tutoring and Summer Day Program at Fourth Presbyterian Church

http://www.chicagolights.org

Lunch & Networking - 12: 15 pm - 1:30 pm

12:50pm to 1:15 pm - Keynote Speaker - Understanding Social Networks
 

Presented by Valdis Krebs, http://orgnet.com/  and Jean Russell, http://nurture.biz/

Together, Valdis Krebs and Jean Russell explore, explain, and empower thrivable communities. Valdis specializes in social network mapping and analysis. Jean specializes in weaving and thrivability. Together, we work with both online and offline communities in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Valdis has worked with organizations such as IBM, CDC, Cleveland Foundation and Barr Foundation. Jean works with organizations including PeopleBrowsr, Community Media Workshop, and Inspired Legacies. Together, Valdis and Jean are working with several on-line social networks to weave thrivable communities.

Social network mapping allows us to see how communities and organizations work together. It helps groups understand how their connections help them be more thrivable.  In thriving communities, information and resources flow smoothly from where these assets exist to where they can be best applied. There is a sense that the well woven community becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Possibility and opportunity abound.

Friday afternoon workshops:  1:45 to 3:30pm - 

Nudge the Net -- how do you mobilize your network to accomplish your goals?, Presented by
Valdis Krebs, http://orgnet.com/
Jean Russell, http://nurture.biz/

Building a  useful thrivable network is more than "networking" or it's on-line equivalent: "facebooking."  We build a thrivable network not just for ourselves but for those around us. When we each improve our individual networks, we all improve our community network -- as long as we are connected and have open flows amongst us.

The old strategy in human affairs was: be between -- be the gatekeeper around what you know and what you have. Only allow select individuals or groups through the gate. Much of the world still works this way, especially hierarchies and bureaucracies -- you must pay to play. With the internet, and the transparency it allows, a new strategy is coming into play: be among -- be the connector of those around you.  By developing the skill and reputation for connecting others, many will be drawn to you. Your network will grow for others will want to be connected to you -- to key individuals and groups you have access to.

Valdis Krebs and Jean Russell will walk you through this new strategy of  building a thrivable network. You will learn the process, and experience the practice through workshop exercises.  Valdis and Jean will explain the three, interconnected aspects of building a productive and thrivable network.

1) Know the Net -- how do you understand  your network and what it is today?

2) Knit the Net -- how do you improve your network to what it could be?

3) Nudge the Net -- how do you mobilize your network to accomplish your goals?

You will leave the workshop with actionable knowledge and simple rules you can use every day to improve your  network and that of those around you.
 

 
The Paradox of Education - presented by Rafael Gomez, Madison, WI Metropolitan School District
The paradox of education brings an awareness how youth can develop skills to navigate in a free enterprise society under the guidance of a mentor. It is a schematic method for mentors not only serve as catalyst, but educators of free enterprise.

Inspiring others to Dream Big - Sandra Garest, Executive Coach and Senior Dream Manager, Floyd Consulting, http://www.floydconsulting.com

This session provides an overview of The Dream Manager Program and ways to apply the concepts in relationships and organizations.  It will engage participants in finding creative ways to lead others on their journey to finding and pursuing their passions and removing barriers keeping them from achieving their full potential.

Creating a Quality Resource Library - presented by Anne Siegel, Education Manager, Chicago Lights Tutoring and Summer Day Program at Fourth Presbyterian Church

http://www.chicagolights.org