Orlando Conference Fulfills the Promise of Democracy
orlando conference
It was a whirlwind of networking, workshops, performances, and service projects as nearly 2,500 people gathered in Orlando for NYLC's 15th Annual National Service-Learning Conference, held March 28 through 31. The largest event of its kind, it drew participants from all 50 states and 18 other countries.
During the three-and-a-half days, educators, youths, and representatives from community-based organizations participated in 234 workshops, 55 roundtables, and 12 service projects, fitting the conference theme, Citizens not Spectators: Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy. Speakers included such luminaries as David Eisner. Executive Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service; Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund; Robert Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer of the Points of Light Foundation; and Annette Norsman, Director of the National Retired Teachers' Association.
The conference also saw the release of the 2004 Growing to Greatness report, NYLC's comprehensive summary of service-learning research and trends, funded by the State Farm Companies Foundation. The ongoing project documents the unfolding story of service-learning, providing useful information to improve implementation, inform public policy, and give a clear picture of the many ways young people contribute to society.
Folk singer Peter Yarrow (pictured) of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, the Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theatre program, and performance artist Sarah Jones (best known for her one-woman show "Waking the American Dream") provided entertaining diversions with powerful messages. Service projects addressed some of Florida's pressing needs, including hurricane preparedness, reforestation of native species, and habitat clean up.
In keeping with conference tradition, a ceremonial tree planting at Moss Park in Orange County marked the final day.
The 2004 NSLC was sponsored by the State Farm Companies Foundation in cooperation with the Florida Alliance for Student Service and Youth Service America with funding from the WK Kellogg Foundation and the Ittleson Foundation and publication sponsorship from ING.
