VALUE CONFERENCE

         Just attempting to describe our experiences at the conference is almost overwhelming. Upon arrival at the conference we were directed to a table around the corner to sign in and get our materials. We were told that we had plenty of time to check into our room and make it back downstairs. We got to meet the VALUE board and the spokesperson, Marty Finsterbusch, the acting executive director, who welcomed us, introduced the board and got things rolling.

         From the first moment we could feel the excitement, sense of purpose, and unity that graced this gathering. At first we didn't understand that many of the speakers and presenters were adult learners also, and that the professionals in the organization mainly were there to assist.

         Friday morning, Marty Finsterbusch spoke to us and opened the conference by introducing Calvin Miles, newly elected president of VALUE, and then gave an overview of the rest of the conference. We could choose between five workshops Friday, such as Leadership, New Student Orientation, Understanding the Adult Education System, Building Leadership Skills Through Effective Fund Raising, and the one that we camped at all weekend, Basic Skills Instruction on the WEB.

         Many other workshops were offered and filled Friday and part of Saturday. Classes were taught on Advocacy, Starting a statewide Adult Learner Program, Communication, and basic computer technology. As I stated before we chose to take both days of computer information that will help us grow as students and communicate better.

         A highlight was getting to meet Mr. Harry I. Seda from Westtown, NY who taught most of our computer classes. He is a student presenter who has overcome many obstacles to be able to teach and advocate for adult learners. Students can find the website that he monitors and learn more about VALUE from his perspective. Harry also manages a PALTALK chat site for the LVA National Web Site. Most evenings many adult students get answers and make friends.

         During Dinner, Friday evening, students enjoyed meeting many distinguished guests that had strong ties to adult learners and our advancement. A speaker that touched all our hearts was Annette Sessions. She is a former student of Literacy Volunteers of America-Greater New Haven (CT), and received her GED in 1988. She currently serves on staff for LVA-Greater New Haven as the Community Outreach Coordinator and oversees seven community sites. Annette has been Vice-Chair and Chair of LVA's National Student Advisory Board, and currently sits on the national Board of Directors for both LVA and VALUE. Listening to Annette's testimony stirred everyone present to reach out and achieve their dreams.

         After dinner Friday evening a high spot was a dance and door prize drawing. Many students attended the dance and enjoyed winning door prizes.

         Students finished this conference with a sense of pride, purpose, and direction that can only lead to individual goals being realized and dreams fulfilled.

         Organizations for adult learners should attempt to send as many members as possible to these conferences and as often as possible as only time will reveal all the benefits received.

         Many quality vendors were present and presented brochures and material that many of us will be sure to take advantage of. We were able to obtain e-mail addresses and addresses of new friends some of which we have already chatted with thanks to our new friend Mr. Harry Seda, whom we owe a debt of gratitude.

         We wish to thank BOLT for the opportunity to attend VALUE and observe first hand some of the same objectives and goals that we in BOLT share.