2010 State Conference
“Capitalizing on Our Strengths”
March 11-14, 2010
Embassy Suites, Sacramento Riverfront
100 Capital Mall – in Old Sacramento
| Thursday | Evening State Board Meeting |
| Friday | Tour Day Railroad Museum Evening Reception |
| Saturday | Speaker Day Kelly Ferrin – Key Note |
| Sunday | Awards and Finale |
More information can be found on the Conference Website:
Now Available: January | February | March 2010 issue.
Highlights:
-
President’s Message for the New Year
-
2010 Conference Update & Registration Form
-
Report from Poland
Message from AAFCS President on Helping Haiti
Originally e-mailed January 15, 2010
Dear AAFCS Colleagues,
As professionals who work with individuals, families, and communities, we often face times when our knowledge, skills, and passion can be used to help prevent or respond to a crisis. Just as we have been “Taking It to the Streets” in regard to educating the public about preventing and dealing with the outbreak of H1N1, we must now use our skills in any way we can to assist those affected by the devastation in Haiti.
Many nations and organizations have already stepped up to help in the recovery and relief efforts. The US government’s response is being led by Agency for International Development Administrator Rajiv Shah. The effort also includes the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State. Check related websites for the status and ways you can help. Please be aware that US officials are concerned about whether Haiti’s infrastructure can handle what could be sent because Haiti’s airport and seaport sustained substantial damage.
Here are some other suggestions for action:
- Check websites, newspapers, and your own local organizations to see where your skills and/or items you may plan to collect are needed. The Red Cross is a good place to start.
- Help local people who are trying to locate family members or have lost a loved one there. There are many US Embassy personnel, their families, and US citizens who live and work in Haiti and many who have ties to Haiti. Those who are trying to locate family members are told to call the State Department at 888-407-4747.
- Conduct drives to collect items that agencies need, hold informative workshops, and have students engage in service learning activities, but be very cautious about what you collect and for whom. Sometimes it is more beneficial and cost-effective to conduct fundraisers for organizations.
- When making donations, be sure the organization is reputable and be especially careful about making contributions online. The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), www.give.org, www.guidestar.org, and www.charitynavigator.org can help you when researching a charity.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this devastation. Please show your leadership by assisting those in need and using your family and consumer sciences skills. Do whatever you can, and please keep us posted at pr@aafcs.org. Don’t keep your good deeds a secret!
With warm regards,
Marilyn R. Swierk, CFCS
AAFCS President
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