Sherry Tompkins (Jacksonville), Jane McKinnon (Alabama), Peonca Grier, Nancy Jordahl and Jill Francisco (West Virginia)

     Wednesday started with a Keynote Address by Michael Sawicki, Esq. of Dallas, Texas on "I Saw It on Facebook...How Do I Use It At Trial?" which provided some useful tips regarding social media.  After the Welcome & Opening Remarks we headed to the first session of the "All Institute" Convention.  Both Peonca and I took the Personal Injury Institute.  Because we completed the Personal Injury Institute, we now have access to the web-based Personal Injury Core Course.  After completing the requirements, we will be eligible for the ACP credential.  Wednesday afternoon was the Membership Forum.  That night was the Opening Night Reception with a Country Western theme.

     Other Institutes that were presented at this "all institute" convention were:  Corporate Institute, Essential Skills Institute, Estate Planning/Estate and Trust Administration Institute, Litigation Technology Institute, Real Estate Institute and Social Security Institute.

     Thursday morning was educational sessions followed by the Affiliated Associations Annual Meeting that afternoon.  At the request of NALA Affiliated Associations Director, Debbie Overstreet, Peonca and I led a round table discussion on "Delegation."  There were also simultaneous roundtables on topics such as:  Successful Fund Raising Campaigns, Membership Growth Programs, Membership Involvement and Recognition Programs, Marketing through Pro Bono Programs, Guidelines and Tips for New Affiliate Liaisons, Working with Vendors/Raising Money Through Vendor Sponsorships, and Working with Local and State Bar Associations.  The Mississippi Paralegal Association had a presentation on "Attracting and Retaining Members Through Technology and Social Media."  As you can see, social media was a hot topic at the 2011 convention.  Thursday was also the NALA Awards celebration for the 2011 Affiliated Associations Affiliate Awards winners.  CFPA nominated Peonca Grier.  A quote from the nomination form describes why Peonca so much deserves this award:  "She is recognized as the 'go-to' person when something needs to be done."  Make sure to congratulate Peonca on this achievement the next time you see her.

Sandra D. Hatch, CP, Peonca Grier, CP and Karen Greer McGee, ACP  

       NALA also celebrated (1) Glenn A. Leier, Esq. with the Founders Award (to recognize extraordinary contributions to the growth and future of the paralegal profession), (2) Vicki J. Kunz, ACP with the NALA Presidents Award (to recognize significant achievement by members who have been leaders in the growth and development of the paralegal profession); (3) Janie M. Boswell, ACP with the National Affiliated Associations Achievement Award (to recognize someone whose achievements and contributions have had an enduring national impact); and (4) Mary L. Theroux, ACP with the Affiliated Associations Outstanding Contribution Award (to recognize exceptional achievement in leadership and service to a NALA affiliated association).

     Thursday night I participated in the LEAP presentations to the NALA Board of Directors.  Each of the three LEAP groups prepared a fifteen minute presentation and one was chosen to present to the entire convention during the NALA Membership meeting.  I am proud to announce that my group of three members was chosen to present to the entire convention.  We did a take on "The Dating Game" that we called "The Leading Game."  I highly recommend the LEAP program to any NALA members that are looking to challenge themselves.  If you have any questions about NALA's LEAP program, please let me know.

Jane D. McKinnon, CP, Nancy L. Jordahl, CP, FRP, Julie Craft, ACP and Jeanie Johnson, ACP

      Friday featured the Affiliated Associations Exhibits at 8:00 a.m.  Peonca and I had a chance to talk with other affiliated associations from all over the country.  We gave away some lovely CFPA goodies.  Then it was on to more education.

     Friday afternoon was the 36th Annual Meeting of the NALA Membership.  NALA announced at the meeting a great new membership benefit - all active NALA members will receive a gift certificate ($80 value) to apply toward any NALA educational program or Facts & Findings subscriptions.  I am going to use my gift certificate toward obtaining my ACP credential.  During these tough economic times, this really is a benefit!  Immediately following the meeting, there was a Reception and Installation of the Board of Directors.  The 2011-2012 Board of Directors are:  President Karen Greer McGee, ACP, First Vice President Ann L. Atkinson, ACP, Second Vice President Kelly A. LaGrave, ACP, Secretary Cassandra Oliver, ACP and Treasurer Jill I. Francisco, ACP.  The Affiliated Associations Director is Debra L. Overstreet, ACP and the Affiliated Associations Secretary is Sandra D. Hatch, CP.  Kristine M. Hill, ACP of Pensacola, FL takes over from JoAnne Sorrentino, ACP as Region 3 Director.

     Attendees at the convention donated several hundred dollars in cash and personal products in support of US military troops.  The items were presented to Defenders of Freedom.  CFPA generously donated $100.00 to this cause.  Defenders of Freedom is a Dallas-based non-profit organization founded solely to support troops actively serving our country.

Jill I Francisco, ACP (Treasurer), Cassandra Oliver, ACP (Secretary) and Karen Greer McGee, ACP (President) with donations to Defenders of Freedom

     On Saturday morning attendees had their choice of Member Exchange Presentations.  I attended "Internet Law: Paralegal Opportunities" by Carolyn S. Davis, ACP who is a paralegal in Silicon Valley.  It was very interesting.  I also heard good thing about "True Colors Path to Communications, Team Building & Leadership" by Johanna L. Oglesby, CP and Debra L. Overstreet, ACP.  NALA is calling for proposals for the 2012 NALA Member Exchange which are due October 1, 2011.  Members learn best by sharing experiences and this is the program to share your expertise.  Let me know if you need a proposal form.

     Peonca and I had a plane to catch so we missed out on the Closing Presentation titled "The Power of Active Listening."

     All in all, it was a great time in Dallas/Plano even though it was over 100 degrees every day.  You know it is hot when it actually feels "cool" to fly into Orlando in July!

     If you are interested in copies of any of the materials from speakers or educational sessions at the convention, please let me know and I will be happy to provide you with copies.

     Start planning now, next year's convention will be held from July 25-28, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska.  "NALAOMAHA" should be another wonderful time.  It would be great to have a HUGE turnout from CFPA at the convention.  I know that I always learn a lot professionally and personally whenever I attend a convention.  It is a great resource.

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