We look forward to a dynamic and eclectic array of programs at the 2006 C.O.O.L. Idealist National Conference at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Whatever your interests, learning style, or goals for attending the conference, you can be sure that there will be something incredible in store for you!
Friday Forums
To kick off the conference program, fourteen Friday Forums provide participants with
an intensive, half day-long immersion into a given topic. Forums can include reflection,
discussion, training, panels, and more, and are offered by one or more organizations with
unique expertise in the forum topic. Check back soon to see a list of the Friday Forums
offered this year.
Year of Service Forum
This Forum is exclusively dedicated to helping year of service members find new resources for their work, learn from the experience of others, hear about paths that year of service alumni have taken, and explore what to do after a year of service. The forum will cover nonprofit career options, graduate education (and what to do with that Education Award!), and other ways to align your values with next steps after your year of service.
Opportunities Fair
The Opportunities Fair gives conference attendees the chance to interact with representatives from more than 70 outstanding nonprofit organizations offering jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, and innovative programs to bring back to campus. National and local (Nashville area) organizations will attend — all of them are eager to talk with you!
All-Conference Celebration
On Friday night, conference participants come together for fun and inspiration — this
first evening of the conference is always an exciting time that helps participants
experience their connections to others. This high-energy event features entertainment,
music, a keynote speaker, and a student keynote speaker
(click here to apply).
C.O.O.L. Idealist Awards
This year we will continue our tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals and campuses
that have demonstrated excellence in one of four different award categories. Nominate a person or program for an award!
Social Opportunities
After spending your days learning, reflecting, and meeting new people, a range of casual social options will be offered both Friday and Saturday nights. Save some energy to explore Nashville, and build relationships with new friends and future colleagues.
Workshops
These 90-minute sessions are intended to inform and educate on a variety of topics. Five
workshop blocks are offered — three on Saturday and two on Sunday — with about 30 options
per block (150 workshops total in various formats).
In order to best organize the conference program, we have created several broad tracks
that will run throughout the event. Some
workshops will fit into more than one track. This is our way of focusing the content and
helping you navigate through the available sessions.
(Click here to view track descriptions.)
Workshops are a great way to share your experiences and to facilitate conversation among
other conference participants. There may be an issue that you are well-informed and
passionate about or there might be a campus program you are especially proud of. Be sure
to check back soon for more information about how to submit a workshop proposal!!
Student-Led Plenary Sessions
In addition to all these great options, there will be five to eight plenary sessions.
These sessions are mostly student-planned, student-led panel discussions, bringing
together leaders to engage in candid conversation with students. Dozens of incredible
and informative speakers will gather to discuss a variety of current topics. The
conference Student Planning Committee will be working
diligently to plan these sessions — check back here to see what they've come up with!!
Roundtable Discussions
These gatherings are a chance for students and year of service members to meet for breakfast with various nonprofit professionals for conversation about the nonprofit sector, how to find a job you love, how to bring about social change, and whatever else you decide to ask! Be sure to check the conference website often to find out who will be hosting these discussions!!
Closing Celebration
After a weekend packed with so much activity and excitement, the Closing Celebration
brings the event to a close on a high note. This event will feature another keynote
speaker and another student keynote speaker. Check the conference website often to
find out the names of speakers.
For Year of Service Members
