"Greater Northwest Service Summit Vision and leadership for all ages" November 1995
Students, community leaders, teachers and volunteers from around the Northwest joined together for the first annual Greater Northwest Service Summit at the Portland Hilton last month. Held October 23 and 24, the conference brought people involved in community service and service learning together to share ideas, learn new techniques for training and become more educated in the field of community service. Over 40 speakers presented workshops to more than 400 people, including more than 100 students. Workshop topics included how to start up a service learning program, methods of assessing the benefits of a program, and how to raise funds. The conference also featured focus groups—allowing individuals who attended different workshops to pool their knowledge, identify priorities and design action plans to address community needs.
Volunteers also participated in service projects. Painting the YWCA, taking part in the Make a Wish project for the Waverly Childrens Home, and pulling ivy at Forest Park were among the activities taking place throughout Portland.
Keynote speakers Dr. Melvin King, founder of the Rainbow Coalition, and Dr. Bill Grace, founder and executive director of the Center for Ethical Leadership, provided inspiration and valuable insight into the importance of service and leadership development. Both speakers challenged participants to make a difference in their communities. Improving the community as a whole starts with the individual. Dr. Grace emphasized this point by asking each person to identify their core values and use them for guidance as they embark upon new projects.
The shining star of the conference was the diversity of its participants—from Alaska to Idaho, middle school students to community leaders. The conference embraced differences in people of varying ages and backgrounds and spurred them to work together toward common goals. Personal connections were made, and many walked away with a stronger vision of self and community.
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