Volunteer Conference

Yesterday I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the West Virginia Volunteer Conference and was joined by two amazing young ladies. Kate Turner and Valerie Guido from Liberty High School drove down to Charleston with me and spoke about their work with the Civil Rights Team Project. There were about three hundred delegates at the session in the Little Theater in the Charleston Civic Center and I saw quite a few people that I have worked with over the years.

My speech focused on involving youth in the community through volunteerism. Kate and Valerie did a great job of explaining how they have embraced the concept of volunteering along with a very busy high school schedule. I think many in the audience were surprised at how many community activities they were involved in.

One touching moment came after the speech when a lady came up to the students and told them a story about a lady that worked for the Department of Education, who worked with the Civil Rights Team Project and how broken hearted she was when the program was disbanded. The lady died last year still disappointed over the actions of the State School Board. As she related the story to Kate and Valerie, she became very emotional and said that these young girls were a tribute to the memory of this lady.

I am always amazed when I have the opportunity to spend time with young people. These young adults have so much more on their minds and a broader view of the world. They are inheriting a world that is less secure and more prone to problems, yet their spirit is enlightening. They believe that they can make a difference.

There are days when you know you are on the right track and yesterday was certainly one of those days.