Conference - Day 1

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS) was *AMAZING!*  It was much larger and elaborate than I ever could have imagined.  Approximately 6,000 people who work with volunteers from around the country were in attendance.  On the first day, we had an Opening Plenary at Radio City Music Hall.  Here are a few of the highlights:

Conference Logo

 For all my AmeriCorps alums!

A special welcome and thank you message from Michelle Obama!

Joe Scarsborough and another anchor from MSNBC

Actor Hank Azaria made an appearance!

Special performance by PS22

New York Mayor Bloomberg

Al Roker!

After the Opening Plenary, we had a workshop and some free time.  Then in the evening, we went back to Radio City Music Hall for an inspirational session called "Here's To You!"  Here are a few highlights:

John Oliver (from the Daily Show) was our host/MC

Performances from three Broadway shows, including 

West Side Story, In The Heights, and Million Dollar Quartet

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Awards presentations to volunteers - Presenters included

Barbara Bush, Jason Carter (Jimmy Carter's grandson), 

comedian Mo Rocca, and NY Jets QB Erik Ainge

Overall, it was an inspiring and rewarding first day of the conference!