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Benefits to Area: Conference and GSPS

By USWD Staff

When your Area Council addresses the questions of who to fund to an LLLI Conference/Global Strategic Planning Summit (GSPS) or USWD TEAM events, it’s important to consider the purpose of sending ADCs/Leaders to an LLLI or USWD event.  Some purposes might be:

1. To provide ADCs and/or Leaders with ongoing training in their work and the opportunity to develop and enhance specific skills

2. To give ADCs and/or Leaders the opportunity to network with and learn from other administrators and Group Leaders doing the same job

3. To increase understanding and rapport between the Area and LLLI and/or the Division

4. To help LLLI and/or Division staff become better acquainted with Area needs and concerns, enabling them to be more helpful

5. To help all team members (Area, LLLI, and Division) work together more effectively

It would then be helpful to look at Area needs.  An ADC and/or Leader attending an LLLI Conference/GSPS or USWD TEAM event might bring back to her Area:

1. Information, resources, tips, practical ideas, to help her do her job more effectively

2. Help or ideas for appointing, orienting, working with, and supporting department members

3. Ideas or help for working through a specific problem in an Area

4. Ideas and strategies for enhancing teamwork, consultation, and collaboration among the ADCs and Leaders in an Area as they administrate the Area, set goals, and carry out plans and projects.

In addition to discussing purpose and needs, it might also help to consider issues such as finances, who might benefit most from the training and orientation opportunities at the event, who attended previous LLL or USWD conferences/events, and who can commit to continuing in their position for a year or more after the event.

Don’t forget to ask the Leader what she expects to contribute to the Area as a result of her Conference experience. She may have ideas not listed here!

An Area Council Team will want to consult with others, such as other Area Teams, Division staff, other Leaders too, when deciding which ADCs/Leaders to fund to the event.  Others can give you an idea of what to expect at the event, what sessions/panels will be offered, and share funding ideas that have worked for other Areas.  They can also let you know of financial help that might be available elsewhere.

(Updated from January/February 1999 CONNECTIONS # 81, USWD Publication for Area Personnel)