Reconnecting in Person
Our 2023 National Meeting unfolded over three days, from June 21 to 23. More than 320 volunteers, staff, program partners, national organizations, and experts gathered at AARP National Headquarters and also participated virtually to explore the theme of “Improving Service Through Connection” — and to do a little celebrating.
Day One had the feel of a reunion, as it had been several years since Experience Corps had held in-person programming. The main sentiment heard from attendees was a mix of joy and relief at being able to gather again in person, to reconnect as individuals and as a network. During breaks and at the evening reception, folks gathered to catch up, exchange insights, and simply enjoy each other's company.
The numbers tell how enthusiastic everyone was, with attendance up 8% over last year's fully virtual meeting. For volunteers, who were again attending only virtually, it was up 34%.
Key Sessions
Presentation highlights included a conversation between AARP Foundation President Claire Casey and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Dr. Cindy Marten, who spoke to the power and importance of volunteer tutoring. "It's a game changer,” said Marten, “for students to have that one caring, experienced, well-trained and supportive adult."
Day One also saw the announcement of our 2023 "We Are Experience Corps!" volunteer recruitment campaign, anchored by specially branded bookmarks and tote bags. Featured at a workshop co-hosted by Michelle Williams, Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing for AmeriCorps, the campaign aims to help current volunteers and AARP partners recruit future volunteers from their individual networks.
Looking Forward
Day One concluded with a rousing celebration of volunteering: as Experience Corps joined partners AmeriCorps and Points of Light in awarding the President's Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement to Calvin Leonard, an Experience Corps volunteer in Cleveland for 20 years, who has amassed 4,463 hours of tutoring over that time.
"The National Meeting left everyone feeling like we're at the start of something new and exciting for Experience Corps,” commented Vice President for Experience Corps Mioshi Moses. “While the pandemic has left students needing more support than ever before, it's clear AARP Foundation and its program partners are poised and ready to address the challenge in a big way."
