Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference

Conference Agenda

The one-day conference schedule is filled with an excellent Keynote Speaker, plus three rounds of Breakout Sessions and Networking opportunities.

time	activity
8:00–8:45 am	Registration Starts
8:45–9:05 am	Opening Remarks
9:05–9:45 am	YMCA Professional Networks
10:00–10:45 am	Breakout 1
11:00–11:45 am	Keynote Speaker
11:45–12:00 pm	Youth Speaker
12:00–12:45 pm	Lunch & Celebrations
1:00–1:45 pm	Breakout 2
2:00-2:45 pm	Breakout 3
2:45–3:00 pm	Closing Remarks and Prizes

Keynote Speaker - Eric M. Bailey

Eric

Eric M. Bailey is the bestselling author of The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior and President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing human communication consulting firms in the United States. Eric has a diverse set of experiences that includes helping NFL All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald pet a rhinoceros, doing barrel rolls in an F-16, and chatting with LL Cool J on the campus of Harvard University.

Honored as Diversity Leader of the Year, Eric is the creator of the Principles of Human Understanding™, a leadership and communication methodology based in brain science and psychology. Eric’s unique style blends fact and emotion and finds ways to appeal to the analytical thinkers, the emotional feelers, and everyone in between. Eric has a unique ability to communicate seemingly complex concepts in practical, easy-to-comprehend ways, aiding in self-awareness and knowledge retention.

As a honoree of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award, Eric has been featured on CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Soul, Huffington Post, Forbes, the Consciously Unbiased Podcast and has helped leaders and teams across the world see common problems from new and different perspectives. Eric works with Google Inc, the US Air Force, Los Angeles County, the City of St. Louis, MO, Phoenix Police Department and many more. Eric also runs a YouTube series of 2-minute executive lessons called The Walking Meeting (www.thewalkingmeeting.com).

Eric has a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Psychology from Saint Louis University and is a lifetime learner of human and organizational behavior. When not working or researching, you can find Eric and his wife Jamie racing on their road bikes, being cheered on by their three children.

Conference Breakout Sessions

This year our sessions are designed to provide targeted insights across a variety of learning tracks, including: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Frontline Leaders; Director Level Staff; Youth Development; CEO Leadership; Advocacy; and Volunteer Engagement. Each track offers an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and exchange ideas with peers.

Breakout 1: 10:00-10:45 am

A Journey to Belonging: The Member Lifecycle, Journey, & Experience

Joe Kovalcheck, YMCA of the USA

In our work at the Y, the three concepts of member lifecycle, journey, and experience are often used interchangeably. In reality, these are three interconnected but separate concepts that each play a critical role in membership growth at the Y. Join Y-USA's Director of Strategy & Quality Practices for Membership, Joe Kovalcheck, as he redefines membership at the YMCA, discusses our role in guiding our members' journeys, and shares resources for your Y to improve member growth, retention, and happiness.

Project Innovation and Implementation

Ali Huppert, YMCA of the USA

Innovation at the Y means problem-solving, continuously improving and developing new programs, services and business models that contribute to operational excellence and strong communities. During this workshop, participants will be introduced to YMCA Innovation Leading Practices, resources available to activate them, and engage in various activities designed to support creative and critical thinking around adding continuous value to programs and membership, as well as staying ahead of market trends.

Working with Youth with Trauma

Amber Walker, Community Healing Center/Children's Advocacy Center, Kalamazoo

A tale of Two Ys: Case Studies and Conversations on Community Partnerships

Laura Archer, Shiawasse YMCA
Lynette Simmons, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

In this hands-on breakout, YMCA leaders will hear the "tale of two cities" from the largest YMCA in Michigan and the smallest YMCA in Michigan. Attendees will review the basics of community partnership building, listen to examples from the facilitators, and have the chance to create a draft plan for a new community partnership for their YMCA.

Ask the executive! A Conversation on Professional Journeys in the Y Movement

Zach Klipsch, Sherman Lake YMCA
Kristin Irwin, Monroe Family YMCA
Parrish Underwood, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Steve Krankota, YMCA of Bay City

Mental Health Community Care: A Community-Focused Approach to Mental Health

Karen Freidman, YMCA of the USA

The YMCA Community Care Model is an innovative approach to mental health care emphasizing prevention and community-based support. This model empowers individuals to provide informal mental health support by promoting well-being, such as healthy behaviors, protective factors, and building resilience. Learn how the YMCA is building capacity for staff to recognize signs of poor mental health, provide support, and connect individuals with appropriate resources. The Y believes that by empowering communities to take an active role in promoting mental well-being and fostering collaboration between informal and formal support systems, overall mental health outcomes will improve, and communities will become more resilient.

Breakout 2: 1:00-1:45 pm

Time Management at the Y

Jamie Scaffidi, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

While you can't get more time in the day, you can make better use of the time that you have. This workshop will provide practical tools that you can begin using immediately to become more organized, get more done at work, better enjoy your time away from work, and lower your stress level.

Serving, Supporting and Understanding Poverty - An Experience

Marlene Webster, Executive Director of Shiawassee Hope

Where and How to collect Data to Make Informed Decisions

Heather Hughes, YMCA of the USA
Sarah Goheen, YMCA of the USA
Maria-Alicia Serrano, YMCA of the USA

Framing Your Impact for Grant Proposal and Reports

Dawn Palmer Van Camp, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Lynette Simmons, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Michael Strong, YMCA of Metro Detroit

Ask the Director: A Conversation on Professional Journeys in the Y Movement

Kelly Stubbe, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Miranda Bex, YMCA of Greater Flint
Bobby Ludwick, YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Tiffany Young, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Chris Deary, Ann Arbor YMCA
Lee Anna Massey, State Allianceof Michigan YMCAs

Responsibility of Board Members

Paul McEntire, All Together Better

This session will cover the core responsibilities of YMCA board members and how they can maximize their effectiveness serving their YMCA. It will allow time for Q&A and discussion of specific situations in the YMCAs of the participants.

Breakout 3: 2:00-2:45 pm

Time Management at the Y

Jamie Scaffidi, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Serving, Supporting and Understanding Poverty - An Experience

Marlene Webster, Executive Director, Shiawassee Hope

Hiring through a Lens of Child Abuse Prevention

Christina Carter, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs
Becky Haveman, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

The WHY Behind a Positive Work Culture at Your Y

Becca Schnetzer, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs

MiLEAP and OST - Using Data to Support Communication (post-award)

Fran Talsma, State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs

Succession Planning for Organizational Success

Paul McEntire, All Together Better

Systematic and comprehensive succession planning is critical for YMCA CEOs and board members. Change is inevitable and at times unexpected. Being prepared ahead of time ensures strong leadership in the CEO role as well as maintaining a strong pipeline of leaders. Best practices will be presented and time will be allowed for Q&A on issues specific to your YMCA.

YMCA Feeding Programs: Building Capacity For Equitable Access & Sustainability

Amanda Schmitz, Monroe Family YMCA; YMCA of the USA

Equitable food access is at the heart of the YMCA's Mission. This workshop will provide an overview of opportunities, resources and best practices for a variety of feeding programs to suit the needs of communities across Michigan - from mobile markets, hydroponic gardens, reimbursable programs and more. Whether your Y is considering beginning a feeding program, or interested in building capacity in existing programs, this session will offer tangible information and guidance to build sustainable feeding programs.

Networking Groups

Our Network Gatherings give conference attendees dedicated time to connect with their cohorts from across the state to discuss best practices, trends, and challenges. This year, Networking Groups will be scheduled during our Breakout Sessions.

Conference Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

The Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center is located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Address:

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

100 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 269-343-3333

Parking:

The parking structure is located at the intersection of Rose Street and West Michigan Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo. There are two entrances, one on Rose Street and another on Church Street. The three-lane exit opens onto Church Street. Parking validation stickers are available at the registration table.

Conference Sponsors

The Michigan YMCA Leaders Conference relies on the generous sponsorship of local businesses and individual leaders to present the highest quality conference for Y professionals and volunteers. Our sponsors will be in attendance at the conference, so if you have the opportunity please give them your consideration and recognize their contributions.