Family Connection Partnership News

Family Connection Conference Wrap-Up: Framing the Future

The 8th biennial Family Connection Conference, "Framing the Future," was held in Athens on Oct. 16 - 18. Three keynote speakers inspired more than 650 conference attendees from across the state to return to their work in communities as "hope brokers" to Georgia's children and families. The speakers gave testimony to the power of hope and the impact caring adults can make in the life of a child, family, and community.

Keynote Speakers

Michael Johnson, a former professional rodeo cowboy turned industrial psychologist, opened the conference by sharing his story of growing up in the south, "watchin' 'rasslin' " on T.V. with his "salty little Granny," and being raised by "wonderful southern women."

"I was a failure in high school, a failure in college, and diagnosed with a below average I.Q.," he said. "I might've been a failure in life had it not been for caring adults determined to help me succeed. With hope and encouragement, they taught me three valuable lessons-'open up' and reach out to people with sincerity; 'cowboy up' and be tough like a cowboy, especially in unfortunate circumstances; and 'soften up' to give grace and love, even when it's not deserved."

Johnson also is a former university professor and award-winning author of several books, including The Most Special Person; Susie, The Whispering Horse; and Cowboys and Angels, which was named Best Non-Fiction Book of 2002 by the Oklahoma Writers' Federation. His stories are featured on National Public Radio, and his national magazine column called "Throwing My Loop," is read by thousands each month. Johnson gave an entertaining performance about how to enhance our own ability to empower and motivate.

Naomi Haines Griffith, a well-known storyteller and consultant on child well-being, spoke to the heart of Family Connection in Mobilizing Communities to Support Families.

"Decoration Day at Snowdown Cemetery gave a little southern girl with nothing much going for her a strong sense of family pride," Griffith said. "It was there that I learned about my family history and met my adult cousin who asked, 'Whose girl are you?'

"I answered with pride," she said. "I'm Eula's girl."

Nodding with approval, her cousin then asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When she replied that year and each year that followed with the career of her dreams, her cousin always said, "You can do it!" she said.

"With those few words of encouragement," Griffith said, "I want to remind you that just a couple of minutes in the life of a child can be forever life changing."

Griffith is author of several books, including Red Clay and Vinegar: Looking at Family through the Eyes of a Southern Child, and The Unkindest Cut: the Emotional Maltreatment of Children.

Crystal Kuykendall, the closing speaker, delivered a message on Tips for a Terrific Tomorrow. Growing up in a Chicago housing project with her mother, a 19-year-old crossing guard, and her father, a 7th-grade dropout, Kuykendall said she never realized her loving family was disadvantaged, largely because of what she called merchants of hope-adults outside of her home who chose to make a difference in her life.

"Today I challenge Family Connection to be merchants of hope," she said, "and use CPR-commitment to developing a constant display of caring; patience and persistence in changing policies, practices, and individual lives; and resilience to rebound after life throws a foul ball."

Kuykendall is an internationally recognized educator, lawyer, author and motivational speaker who shares her belief in children and families and her insights into getting powerful results through personal, professional and organizational change. Her publications include the best seller, From Rage to Hope: Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students, From Rage to Hope II, and Dreaming of a P.H.A.T. Century.

Workshops

The conference also featured 45 workshops in nine subject tracks designed to share the latest research, proven practices, and innovative ideas from experts in family and child well-being. State Fair seminars and conference exhibitors offered a variety of resources, including funding opportunities, innovative programs, and products and services for children, families and communities.

Conference Extras

More than 1,200 children statewide submitted artwork and essays displayed at the conference on the topic "What I Want My Community to Be Like in the Future." Their art and essays said they envision communities where businesses thrive, diversity is celebrated, the environment is protected, and neighbors count on neighbors.

Family Connection collaboratives donated more than 100 gift baskets unique to their counties as door prizes for workshop attendees. Kuanita Murphy, Randolph County Family Connection coordinator, contributed the grand prize-an original painting that she had created.

Awards Luncheon

The conference closed with an Awards Luncheon recognizing Family Connection family advisors who offer family support to each Family Connection region, Family Connection coordinators with five and 10 years of service to Family Connection, and Family Connection People's Choice Award winners voted by conference attendees as outstanding achievers in their work.

The 2005 People's Choice Awards winners are: David Westerfield, Laurens County, Outstanding Collaborative Chair; Connie Smith, Laurens County, Outstanding Collaborative Coordinator/Executive Director; Joyce Causey, Calhoun County, Outstanding Collaborative Partner; April Smith, Region 8, Outstanding Family Advocate; and Brenda Branson, Lumpkin County School System, Outstanding Fiscal Agent.

Sponsors

Conference sponsors included: Flint Energies Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, Children and Youth Coordinating Council, Wachovia Corporation, Albert Wright, Alston and Bird LLP, Georgia Oilmen's Association, Progress Energy Service Company LLC, Terry and Pat Walsh, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children, Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgia Hospital Association, Georgia Power Company, Hobbs and Associates Inc., Delta Kappa Gamma (Patricia Bassett), First National Bank of Metter, Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (Jim Tudor), Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, Griffin Gallery, Kuanita Murphy, and Spalding County Farm Bureau.