Reflections from the NAACP State Conference — I always enjoy the connections made at the Florida State Conference. While my experience may be different each time I attend, I always leave with new tools, new perspectives, and something I can bring back to our branch. Each conference gives me an opportunity to learn, grow in my role, and find ways to better serve the West Volusia Branch and our members.
Power Hour remains one of my favorite parts of the conference. Chairman Russell pulls no punches and provides the clarity that is sometimes needed to help us understand our responsibilities and move forward with purpose.
This year, we also had the pleasure of hearing from Brendan Wakefield from the NAACP National Office, who leads Governance, Compliance and Training. He really broke things down for us, including something that may seem simple but has a tremendous impact: how we run our meetings.
We learned what our agendas should include and how thoughtful planning can help us conduct effective, productive meetings without allowing them to run over an hour. It may sound like a small thing, but it can have a huge impact on the member experience. When meetings are organized, purposeful and respectful of everyone’s time, it creates more opportunities for members to participate, engage and stay connected.
Our Florida State Conference Communications Team also provided a presentation packed with helpful information. It gave us an opportunity to look at what we’re doing well, identify where we may need additional support, and learn about resources that can strengthen our communications efforts. I’m looking forward to connecting some of those resources to our local efforts here in West Volusia.
There was, understandably, a tremendous focus on Political Action and Civic Engagement. It was inspiring to see the work being done across the state and the dedication of members who continue to show up, educate, engage and advocate in their communities.
I was especially proud to see the leadership of Cynthia Slater, from our sister branch on the east side, who serves as our Area Director, VP on the Florida State Conference Board and as Chair of Civic Engagement. Seeing the work that our members are doing so passionately and consistently lifts me up and encourages me to keep moving forward and continuing the fight for our communities.
It was also an extra treat to share this experience with our Assistant Secretary, Stephanie Eddings, and one of our newest members, Peggy Morris. Conferences are about learning, but they are also about building relationships and sharing experiences with the people beside you. I’m grateful that we were able to experience this one together.
And then came the highlight of the conference for me: keynote speaker Demar Lamont Roberts, a member of the NAACP National Board.
His keynote address was, without a doubt, one of the most powerful keynote presentations I have ever heard. More importantly, it was the message I needed to hear at this particular moment. Sometimes we attend conferences looking for information, but what we really receive is renewal.
I left this conference reminded that the work we do matters. There is still much to learn, much to improve, and much to do—but there are also people across this organization who are committed to doing the work.
I’m bringing home new tools, new connections and, most importantly, renewed purpose to keep serving, keep learning and keep moving forward.
_____
Kimberly Cline serves as Branch Secretary for the West Volusia NAACP.
Recent Comments