Annual Training Conference Brings Advocates Together
Each year the National CASA Conference brings local program staff, volunteers, board members and judges together to share best practices, recognize excellence, and learn from leaders in the field.
More than 1,200 child welfare advocates attended the 2012 conference, held in Washington, DC. Sixty training workshops provided a wide variety of relevant and timely information on topics requested by members of the CASA network—from advocating for infants to building a social media presence.
In main stage sessions, advocates gained inspiration and affirmation that their work makes a difference:
- Former foster youth turned foster-care advocate Andrew Bridge delivered a powerful keynote address about the difference a caring adult can make in the life of a fragile child.
- National CASA CEO Michael Piraino delivered a provocative "State of National CASA" membership address, reflecting on the previous year and sharing ideas about the future direction of the CASA network.
-
Excellence and innovation in the network was honored during the annual "Awards of Excellence" luncheon:
- Advocate of the Year: Nancy Little, CASA of Davidson County, Nashville, TN
- Program Director of the Year: Bill Collins, Advocates for Kids, Helena, MT
- Board Member of the Year: T. D. Hughes, ProKids, Cincinnati, OH
- Judge of the Year: Hon. Joyce Williams Warren, Pulaski County CASA, Little Rock, AR
- Inclusion Award: CASA of Travis County, Austin, TX
Also held in conjunction with the 2012 National CASA Conference was CASA Meets Congress, during which over 400 volunteers and staff met with their legislators to advocate for the youth we serve.