I thought I knew what HOT weather was until I attended the AHVRP Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.  With temperatures over 110 degrees, it was a little overwhelming!

 

The AHRVP Conference was well worth dealing with the HEAT.  As a first time attendee, I wanted to take in as much as I could and bring information back to our state membership.  The networking really stands out for me, as I met so many wonderful DVS's from other states, and from both large and small healthcare facilities.  I also realized how outstanding our state group is as far as the support we give one another when needed.  As with any networking, it was a great time to talk to volunteer program leaders from other state healthcare facilities, and to learn what works and what does not.  We all seem to be having the same issues/concerns during this time.

I attended sessions on 1) Volunteer Services Raises the Bar, Lifts Spirits and Expands Services; 2) Retain, Retrain and Attain Success - Gift Shop Volunteers; 3) Advancing Your Message: Increasing Your Visibility Using Plain Language; and 4) Building Quality and Excitement at the Same Time.  I came away with new ideas, information and a renewed feeling for my position.

 

I truly appreciate the opportunity I was given to attend the AHVRP Conference.  If you have any questions on the sessions that I attended, please feel free to call me at 616-772-7581 or e-mail me at cmcpherson@ZCH.org.