National CASA Association Institutes

Institute sessions offer in-depth learning opportunities on popular topics. Four of the sessions take place on Friday, April 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Knowing Who You Are is a two-day session, beginning on Thursday, April 15, at 9 a.m. and continuing on Friday.

Please note: Preregistration for Association Institute sessions is required, and attendance is limited. To attend one of the following sessions, you must register in advance and pay an additional fee.

Drugs in Your Community You Should Know About

Expanded and back by popular demand!

Drug abuse continues to be a major problem plaguing society today. It affects family members, friends, coworkers, businesses and the entire community. This workshop provides valuable training to help child welfare professionals identify the common drugs seen on the streets. Special emphasis will be placed on the hazards of methamphetamine, including how to recognize a meth lab.

Lynn Reimer, Methamphetamine Manufacturing Expert

Knowing Who You Are

Please note: This is a two-day workshop beginning on Thursday, April 15. Please plan accordingly. It is mandatory that all attendees participate in both days.

This workshop is intended for CASA/GAL staff, volunteers and board members, employing a curriculum developed by Casey Family Programs. Participants will explore the concepts of race and ethnicity to better support the healthy development of their constituents’ racial and ethnic identity. Past attendees have called this workshop “eye opening” and “life changing.”

Terene Bennett, Training Specialist, National CASA
Rebecca Grossman, Training Specialist, National CASA
Veronica Montaño-Pilch, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Inclusion, National CASA
Brian Washburn, Training Director, National CASA

New Director Orientation

Designed for local CASA/GAL program directors who have been in their positions six months or less, this day-long orientation session introduces participants to members of the National CASA staff and increases their awareness of available resources. The workshop also offers information on National CASA standards for local CASA/GAL programs, volunteer management, increasing community awareness, capacity-building and working with state organizations. This is a good opportunity to learn as well as network with new colleagues from around the country.

Sally Wilson Erny, Chief Program Officer, National CASA
National CASA Regional Program Officers

Beyond the Basics: Engaging Volunteers in the 21st Century

This interactive session will help CASA leaders move beyond the basics of volunteer management and explore the challenges and opportunities of recruiting, supervising and retaining today’s volunteers. Exploring such topics as motivation theory, coaching and intergenerational approaches to volunteering, participants will develop new tools they can implement in their own programs.

John Lipp, Author and Consultant on Volunteer Management

Leading in Turbulent Times

As the nonprofit sector continues to feel the impact of our turbulent economy, it is critical that organizations be able to look to their boards for leadership and stability. To help ensure that their organizations remain viable, boards need financial acumen, strategic thinking and strong communication skills. They must also stay up-to-date, entertaining new ideas and perspectives. This dynamic workshop addresses the critical activities your board can undertake now as your organization weathers the financial crisis. Both board members and executive directors are encouraged to participate.

David Steers, BoardSource