Annual Conference

Summer Conference 2019: The Promise in Action!

Nearly 300 Community Action staff and supporters descended onto Boyne Mountain Resort for the annual summer conference, July 23-25,2019,  with the intent to live the conference theme of “Putting the Promise Into Action”—the Community Action Promise, that is.

The conference featured an amazing lineup of keynote speakers, breakout sessions along nine subject matter tracks, and plenty of social opportunities to network with colleagues and new friends. David Bradley of the National Community Action Foundation kicked off the conference with his prognostications for re-authorization of the Community Services Block Grant and the Weatherization Assistance Program, as well as his always anticipated handicapping of the upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections.

Policy was also the focus of keynotes from Erin Frisch, the deputy director of Michigan Department of Human Services, and such noted academics in the field of poverty research as James Sullivan of Notre Dame University and Kristin Seefeldt of the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions office. Dr. Gail Christopher, former vice president of the WK Kellogg Foundation, provided a stirring examination of the racism in American society and how workplaces and cultures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion can improve outcomes for all communities.

It’s not too early to pencil in next year’s conference dates of July 28-30, 2020. We’ll be back at Boyne Mountain. If you’d like to take part in the planning for next year’s speakers and sessions, consider joining the MCA Training Committee and/or taking part in the planning session that will be scheduled in late October or early November this year.  To join the planning session click "Attend the Next Planning Session" below and fill out the form by clicking the link. 

Organizations and companies that would like to connect with the Community Action network in Michigan can also participate in the conference by becoming conference sponsors and exhibitors. More information on sponsorship can be found here and exhibit opportunities here.  Our 2019 sponsors are below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarle Crocker of the Community Action Partnership led a number of workshops for CAA board and staff members at the 2019 Summer Conference.

Entertainer and motivational speaker Patrick Henry tunes his guitar before delighting guests with his humor, songs, and insights during the Tuesday evening barbecue at Boyne Mountain.