BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Social Current - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.social-current.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Social Current REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231016T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231017T173000 DTSTAMP:20260415T142304 CREATED:20221017T154821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231012T141205Z UID:10000234-1697443200-1697563800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:SPARK 2023 DESCRIPTION:About SPARK 2023\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Pre-Conference Sessions\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Keynotes\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Workshops\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Igniting Advocacy\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sponsors & Exhibitors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n About SPARK 2023 \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Registration for SPARK 2023 is now closed. \nSPARK 2023 will unite practice excellence\, innovation\, and federal policy advocacy to advance our sector’s impact and help all families and communities thrive. This in-person event will elevate important conversations around our most vexing challenges and showcase insight and expertise from the field. \nThis event is designed for leaders who are fueled by a commitment to advance equity and improve the well-being of all people. Together\, we will share inspiration and practical tools for implementing innovative practice\, policy\, and research. Our keynote speakers and breakout sessions will address new insight and promising approaches related to: \n\nBrain Science\nCOA Accreditation\nEDI\, Belonging\, and Justice\nInnovative Programs and Practices\nWorkforce Resilience and Leadership\n\nIgniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day \nNew to this year’s event will be Social Current’s first-ever Hill Day. Because federal policy advocacy is key to advancing our missions and achieving impact\, SPARK 2023 will offer a two-day advocacy training and trip to Capitol Hill in Washington\, D.C. View full event details for Hill Day (registration closed Sept. 18) and training Part 1 and Part 2. \nWho Should Participate\n\nExecutives\nDirector-level staff\nBoard members\nPerformance quality improvement staff\nProfessional and clinical services\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Registration & Pricing \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration must be received on or before Sept. 18 to receive the early bird rate. After that date\, regular rates apply. \nThe deadline to register for the Igniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day is Sept. 18. \nOrganizations that Have an Enterprise Engagement Package and/or Achieved COA Accreditation\nEarly Bird Registration $550\nRegular Registration $700\nIgniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day $25* \nOther Organizations\nEarly Bird Registration $650\nRegular Registration $800\nIgniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day $40* \n*This fee covers transportation\, congressional meeting scheduling\, and logistics. \nMultiperson Registration Discount\nRegister five (5) full conference participants from the same organization and receive $50 off all subsequent full conference registrations from the same organization. Only one discount per person; no other discounts apply. Once all five full conference participants are registered\, contact Social Current to receive the discount code for all subsequent full conference registrations. \nCancellation by Participant\nAll cancellation requests must be made in writing. Conference cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after Oct. 1 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Participants unable to attend the conference may send an alternate participant. Notice of written cancellation or alternate participant requests must be emailed directly to Social Current. \nCancellation by Social Current\nIf Social Current cancels this conference\, all registration fees will be refunded in full. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Location & Lodging \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SPARK 2023 participants will convene in Bethesda\, Maryland\, a prominent community in the Washington\, D.C.\, metropolitan area. Located on the Red Line Metro with the station located beneath the hotel\, the conference hotel is just 20 minutes away from our nation’s capital. Bethesda offers exceptional restaurants\, great shopping\, and trendy hot spots. \nThe Hyatt Regency Bethesda is approximately 40 minutes by car from Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)\, Dulles International Airport (IAD)\, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). \nLocation\nHyatt Regency Bethesda\nOne Bethesda Metro Center\n7400 Wisconsin Ave.\nBethesda\, MD 20814 \nHotel Reservations\nSocial Current has arranged a special room rate of $229 for single or double occupancy\, plus applicable taxes. Reserve your room by booking online or calling the hotel at 301-657-1234 by Sept. 25 and mentioning the group name Social Current SPARK 2023 to receive the discounted rate. This rate is available for stays up to three days prior to and after the conference\, but it is subject to availability at the time of booking. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nSunday\, Oct. 15\n\n\n12:30-4 p.m.\nRegistration/Info Desk\n\n\n1-5 p.m.\nPre-Conference Sessions\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nMonday\, Oct. 16\n\n\n8 a.m.-5 p.m.\nRegistration/Info Desk\n\n\n8-9 a.m.\nBreakfast with Exhibitors\n\n\n9-10:30 a.m.\nGeneral Session\n\n\n10:30-11 a.m.\nBreak with Exhibitors\n\n\n11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.\nSession A Workshops\n\n\n12:30-2 p.m.\nNetworking Lunch\n\n\n2-3:30 p.m.\n2-4 p.m.\nSession B Workshops\nIgniting Advocacy Training\n\n\n4:30-5:30 p.m.\nNetworking Reception\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nTuesday\, Oct. 17\n\n\n8 a.m.-5 p.m.\nRegistration/Info Desk\n\n\n8-9 a.m.\nBreakfast with Exhibitors\n\n\n9-10:30 a.m.\nSession C Workshops\n\n\n10:30-11 a.m.\nBreak with Exhibitors\n\n\n11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.\n11 a.m.-1 p.m.\nSession D Workshops\nIgniting Advocacy Training\n\n\n12:30-2 p.m.\nNetworking Lunch\n\n\n2-3:30 p.m.\nSession E Workshops\n\n\n3:45-5 p.m.\nGeneral Session\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nWednesday\, Oct. 18\n\n\n8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.\nIgniting Advocacy Hill Visits\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Council \n \n \n \n \n \n Elizabeth Carey\nPresident & CEO\nStarr Commonwealth in Albion\, Michigan \nRichard Davidson\nCOO\nFamily Service in San Antonio \nShannon Fisch\nCompliance and Accreditation Manager\nChildren & Families First in Wilmington\, Delaware \nJulio Galan\nPresident & CEO\nFamily & Youth Counseling Agency in Lake Charles\, Louisiana \nLouis GrowMiller\nSenior Director of Family Services\nTurning Points for Children in Philadelphia \nTine Hansen-Turton\nPresident & CEO\nWoods in Langhorne\, Pennsylvania \nPatricia Hillis-Clark\nExecutive Director of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services\nDevereux Advanced Behavioral Health in Villanova\, Pennsylvania \nKeith Kozerski\nChief Program Officer\nCatholic Charities Twin Cities in Minneapolis \nLynn Kyle\nExecutive Director\nLampion Center in Evansville\, Indiana \nJustin Loehr\nSenior Director of Campus Life Services\nThe Omaha Home for Boys in Nebraska \nEric Masi\nPresident & CEO\nWayside Youth & Family Support Network in Framingham\, Massachusetts \nGabriel McGaughey\nDirector of Child Well-Being\nChildren’s Wisconsin Community Services in Milwaukee \nBrent McLaughlin\nPresident & CEO\nBranches in Miami \nKim Peterson\nVice President of Change Management\nAviva Family and Children’s Services in Los Angeles \nEric Schindler\nCEO\nChild & Family Resources in Tucson\, Arizona \nLorita Shirley\nCOO\nBethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids\, Michigan \nMarlena Torres\nCOO\nChildren’s Home Society of Washington in Seattle \nMona Way\nDirector of Contracts and Grants\nBoys Town in Nebraska \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Sponsor & Exhibit \n \n \n \n \n \n Social Current’s robust network of organizations and individuals across the country provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to reach C-suite decisionmakers in their target demographics. Simultaneously\, sponsorship will allow brands to assess challenges unique to the sector\, collaborate\, and access network expertise. \nThrough our network\, we can reach more than 12\,000 human services professionals representing more than 1\,800 organizations that serve nearly 70 million individuals. \nPlease view the SPARK 2023 prospectus and contact Marisa Collins\, director of strategic partnerships and partner communications\, to learn more. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Pre-Conference Sessions \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) SOLD-OUT\nOct. 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.\nThe Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. It provides an overview of the COA Accreditation process and standards\, tips on how to manage the work\, and advice for preparing for the site visit. \nPerformance and Quality Improvement Training (PQI) SOLD-OUT\nOct. 15 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.\nThis performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. \nHardwired for Fear\, Hardwired for Connection: The Intersection of Brain Science and EDI\nOct. 15 from 1-5 p.m.\nThrough thought-provoking discussion\, this session will explore the connection between brain science and equity\, diversity\, and inclusion. Participants will build a shared understanding of foundational brain science and EDI concepts\, and consider key frameworks\, research\, and tools that use brain science to improve EDI. \nVolunteer Appreciation Celebration\nOct. 15 from 6-8 p.m.\nWe could not do what we do without our COA Accreditation volunteers. All active COA Accreditation volunteers are invited to join us as we gather and celebrate all that you do. Catch up with colleagues\, share site visit stories from the road\, and get ready for the start of SPARK 2023. There will be dinner\, prizes\, and a host of swag – so you will not want to miss this event. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Keynotes \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Opening Keynote\nGeorge M. Johnson (They/Them)\nAward-Winning Writer\, Author\, and Activist \nAs George M. Johnson’s memoir\, All Boys Aren’t Blue has reached massive success as a New York Times bestseller\, it has also become American Library Association’s third most challenged book of 2021. But with each shove\, George just continues to persevere and advocate for Black and queer voices. “Black storytelling has often been banned\,” George says. “My book is a tool so that Black queer kids and LGBTQ teens can see themselves\, read about themselves\, and learn about themselves.” \nIn this opening keynote\, George will speak on the importance of sharing diverse stories—why we should remain resilient\, how representation in media can support young adults’ mental and physical health\, and what we can do to support these voices. By listening to one another and understanding the history\, language\, and actions necessary to change the world\, we can form a community where we are all free to be our true\, authentic selves. \nAbout George M. Johnson\nGeorge M. Johnson is an award-winning Black non-binary writer\, author\, and activist located in the New York City area. They are the New York Times bestselling author of All Boys Aren’t Blue and We Are Not Broken. They were named to the 2022 TIME100 Next\, TIME’s annual list of rising stars across industries\, and they were nominated for an Emmy award for their dramatic reading of All Boys Aren’t Blue. \nThe young adult memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue explores George’s adolescence growing up as a young Black Queer boy in New Jersey through a series of powerful essays. The book is a Teen Vogue Recommended Read\, a Buzzfeed Recommended Read\, a People Magazine Best Book of the Summer\, a New York Library Best Book\, and a Chicago Public Library Best Book. It was optioned for TV by Gabrielle Union’s I’ll Have Another Productions and Sony TV. George serves as the executive producer and co-writer for the upcoming series based on their real-life college experience at Virginia Union University\, an historically Black college or university (HBCU). \nGeorge’s second memoir We Are Not Broken tells the vibrant story of George\, Garrett\, Rall\, and Rasul—four children raised by Nanny\, their fiercely devoted grandmother. Nic Stone\, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin\, calls the book\, “a deeply impactful account of intergenerational love that reveals the power of accepting young people exactly as they are while encouraging them to be ever more themselves.” \nThey’ve written for major outlets including Teen Vogue\, Entertainment Tonight\, NBC\, The Root\, Buzzfeed\, Essence\, Ebony\, THEM\, and The Grio. They have also served as guest editor for BET.com’s Pride Month. They were awarded the 2019 Salute to Excellence Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for their article\, “When Racism Anchors your Health” in Vice Magazine and was named to The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans in 2020. \nThey’re also an HIV activist\, serving as chair of the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition\, an affinity group of AIDS Healthcare Foundation; a national advisor for ViiV pharmaceutical\, and a Gilead speaker. \nGeorge is a proud HBCU alum twice over\, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. \nClosing Keynote\nKai Kight\nViolinist\, Composer\, Creativity Keynote Speaker \nWhether in education\, business\, health care\, or government\, the systems and routines we depended on for so long have disappeared. While this void has been devastating\, it also leaves us with an incredible opportunity: a blank page on which we can compose our future. We will look back at this time as the moment we made leaps forward by creating more innovative technologies\, more human-centric businesses\, and more inclusive workplaces. \nAs a violinist and keynote speaker\, Kai Kight believes that music can be used not only as an escape during this difficult time\, but as a guide for us to learn from as we look to redesign our lives and work environments. \n \n \n \n \n   \n \nAbout Kai Kight\nAs a classical violinist turned innovative composer\, Kai Kight uses music as a metaphor to inspire individuals and organizations across the world to compose paths of imagination and fulfillment. Kai is on a mission to spark a global mindset shift in which ingenuity is the norm\, not the exception. \nKai’s unique background is one of both art and science. As a musician\, Kai has performed his original music for thousands in venues across the world\, from the White House to the Great Wall of China. As a product of Stanford University’s design and engineering program\, the d. School\, and the Behavior Design Lab\, Kai studied how to help people create healthy and transformative habits in life. \nCo-founder of Tea at Shiloh\, a late-night teahouse in Los Angeles\, Kai aims to reimagine nightlife by designing environments that calms the senses and foster authentic connection. On stage\, Kai fuses his experiences to create presentations that are not only designed to stir the soul\, but spark concrete action. \nKai Kight’s appearance arranged through Gotham Artists. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Workshops \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sort By:\n Session Groups\n Area of Focus\n \n \n \n A (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) \n B (2-3:30 p.m.) \n C (8:30-10 a.m.) \n D (10:30 a.m.-Noon p.m.) \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Igniting Advocacy \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Igniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day\nBecause federal policy advocacy is key to advancing our missions and achieving impact\, SPARK 2023 will offer a two-day advocacy training and trip to Capitol Hill in Washington\, D.C. \nIgniting Advocacy Training Part 1: Building Blocks for Effective Advocacy: In this first training session\, participants will learn the fundamental aspects of effective advocacy and develop a strong foundation for future advocacy efforts. \nIgniting Advocacy Training Part 2: Effective Advocacy Strategies: This second training session will focus on advanced advocacy strategies\, equipping participants with the skills to navigate policymaking and advocate for their causes. \nHill Day: For the Hill Day event\, Social Current will arrange meetings with members of Congress on your behalf. Using the addresses you provide\, we will schedule meetings with your respective legislators\, ensuring that you have meaningful interactions with key decisionmakers. Most participants will have three meetings\, including two Senate and one House meeting. \nThe training sessions are required for those participating in Hill Day\, and all SPARK 2023 participants are invited to join. The deadline to register for the Igniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day is Sept. 18. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sponsors & Exhibitors \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Gold Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Silver Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Exhibitors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Supporting Contributor\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Interested in Becoming a SPARK 2023 Sponsor? URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/spark23/ LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Bethesda\, One Bethesda Metro Center\, 7400 Wisconsin Ave.\, Bethesda\, Maryland\, 20814 CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SPARK23-Website-Preview-Image.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR