Below is a link to the news story that ran on the Norfolk affiliate of CBS about Cindy McCain's visit to the World Summit!
http://www.wtkr.com/Global/category.asp?C=124719
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Exemplary
Today's Keynote Speaker was Bill Tancer, a self-proclaimed Data Geek that studies the trends of internet usage. His speech was very pertinent to my job and I was extremely interested in hearing how his analysis of how people use the internet can benefit Operation Smile. He spoke of the importance of social networks, and since I am the one that manages our Facebook and Myspace accounts, it related to my daily activities at Operation Smile. He talked about how traditional market research can be misleading because the participants in a study or survey might not be 100% honest. He stressed how information produced through his analysis of internet usage is less subjective because it is actual behavior (not how someone portrays their behavior) that is being observed. It was very interesting to learn how we might be able use this information. I am excited that Bill Tancer has volunteered his time to help us use this information.
Exemplary
Today's Keynote Speaker was Bill Tancer, a self-proclaimed Data Geek that studies the trends of internet usage. His speech was very pertinent to my job and I was extremely interested in hearing how his analysis of how people use the internet can benefit Operation Smile. He spoke of the importance of social networks, and since I am the one that manages our Facebook and Myspace accounts, it related to my daily activities at Operation Smile. He talked about how traditional market research can be misleading because the participants in a study or survey might not be 100% honest. He stressed how information produced through his analysis of internet usage is less subjective because it is actual behavior (not how someone portrays their behavior) that is being observed. It was very interesting to learn how we might be able use this information. I am excited that Bill Tancer has volunteered his time to help us use this information.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Compassion Ties Us All Together
As Operation Smile employees, volunteers, donors, and other supporters gathered in the large ballroom, there were hugs and kisses on the cheek in every direction as old and new friends reunited. For many people, this was just the most recent of many encounters with friends that they have known for years. For other people, this was the first time they have met face-to-face, finally able to put faces with the names of friends whom they only knew through email or phone conversations.
Jann Schultz started by welcoming everyone and explaining the theme of the summit, "Building on the Past. Preparing for the future." She introduced Bill and Kathy and Jeremy Greenhalgh. Bill then addressed the crowd with his usual eloquence. "As soon as you walk in this room," he said, "you can feel the energy and enthusiasm." He explained the highlights of Operation Smile's history and where the organization is headed. "What we have the opportunity to accomplish is remarkable," he told the audience. He spoke of the global connection that was built between foundations during the World Journey of Smiles, and how "the collective energy was much larger than the separate pieces" and that built a foundation for a truly global effort.
Next Jeremy Greenhalgh, Chairman of the Board spoke. The most interesting part of his presentation for me was when he pointed out a paradox that I had never really appreciated. He talked about how it is the volunteerism on our missions, the absence of money, that allows the team to work so well together, to work harder, and to be more productive.
We then did an icebreaker, with a focus on the future legacy of Operation Smile. Some of the themes that kept coming up were teamwork, inspiration, change, selfless, family, compassion, innovation, and collaboration.
Danna Weiss, Manager of International Programs, and her team presented some of the stories of Operation Smile. She said when she asks people why they are involved with Operation Smile, they never name statistics or numbers, they always talk about the story of a child, so she felt that was the most important aspect of communicating the impact of the organization. Following presentations from the Philippines, Russia, India, Venezuela, Panama, and South Africa regarding their best practices in various aspects of foundation management such as recruiting patients and ensuring that the potential patients are ready for surgery, and there was a presentation from Jesse Hines, VP of Logistics and Material Management.
Then, our focus was reverted back to the concept of the importance of stories. Jim Weiss, a Master Storyteller who also happens to be Danna’s father, further stressed how stories are the key to getting the attention of people and appealing to their emotions. The most important part of the Operation Smile story, he told us, is the ending. Don’t just stop after the cleft lip or cleft palate is repaired, he said. The most amazing aspect of Operation Smile is how the lives of the child and their family are changed.
Since work still needs to get done at the office, I had to leave after Jim Weiss’ presentation. I will be returning for dinner so I can do some more catching up with my new and old international friends. The international aspect is my favorite part of Operation Smile. The inspiration I get from the dedication, determination, and devotion of my domestic and international colleagues is comparable to the inspiration I get from the stories of our volunteers and the children we serve.
Jann Schultz started by welcoming everyone and explaining the theme of the summit, "Building on the Past. Preparing for the future." She introduced Bill and Kathy and Jeremy Greenhalgh. Bill then addressed the crowd with his usual eloquence. "As soon as you walk in this room," he said, "you can feel the energy and enthusiasm." He explained the highlights of Operation Smile's history and where the organization is headed. "What we have the opportunity to accomplish is remarkable," he told the audience. He spoke of the global connection that was built between foundations during the World Journey of Smiles, and how "the collective energy was much larger than the separate pieces" and that built a foundation for a truly global effort.
Next Jeremy Greenhalgh, Chairman of the Board spoke. The most interesting part of his presentation for me was when he pointed out a paradox that I had never really appreciated. He talked about how it is the volunteerism on our missions, the absence of money, that allows the team to work so well together, to work harder, and to be more productive.
We then did an icebreaker, with a focus on the future legacy of Operation Smile. Some of the themes that kept coming up were teamwork, inspiration, change, selfless, family, compassion, innovation, and collaboration.
Danna Weiss, Manager of International Programs, and her team presented some of the stories of Operation Smile. She said when she asks people why they are involved with Operation Smile, they never name statistics or numbers, they always talk about the story of a child, so she felt that was the most important aspect of communicating the impact of the organization. Following presentations from the Philippines, Russia, India, Venezuela, Panama, and South Africa regarding their best practices in various aspects of foundation management such as recruiting patients and ensuring that the potential patients are ready for surgery, and there was a presentation from Jesse Hines, VP of Logistics and Material Management.
Then, our focus was reverted back to the concept of the importance of stories. Jim Weiss, a Master Storyteller who also happens to be Danna’s father, further stressed how stories are the key to getting the attention of people and appealing to their emotions. The most important part of the Operation Smile story, he told us, is the ending. Don’t just stop after the cleft lip or cleft palate is repaired, he said. The most amazing aspect of Operation Smile is how the lives of the child and their family are changed.
Since work still needs to get done at the office, I had to leave after Jim Weiss’ presentation. I will be returning for dinner so I can do some more catching up with my new and old international friends. The international aspect is my favorite part of Operation Smile. The inspiration I get from the dedication, determination, and devotion of my domestic and international colleagues is comparable to the inspiration I get from the stories of our volunteers and the children we serve.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Day 1...a success with a smile
Arrival day is just over and the sounds of reunions still ring in the hall outside of the Operation Smile Guest Services Lounge. Megan Coe has worked tirelessly and as I write this is discussing room arrangements with our friends from Egypt. She has done such an incredible job and I am truly in awe of International Programs and the feats they pull off!
IT is such a reward to hear laughter and rejoicing after weeks of hard work and at least 4 sleepless nights for Kristin Hatcher and myself. Kristin has just left with a doggy bag of food for her husband and 2 red eyes but leaving with a wide grin and seemingly excited for tomorrow.
I sit here in Guest services Lounge, greeting the last of our arrivals for the evening and putting the finishing touches on tomorrows program and am so excited about all of the information and ideas that will be shared in the morning. The entire Norfolk staff will join us for an incredible morning of storytelling. Danna's father Jim Weiss, a professional storyteller will be speaking at lunch and will surely help us all become even better at sharing the incredible stories of the children we serve.
Well, I'm ready to turn in, I think I shall sleep quite well tonight, my room-mate Megan on the other hand may be up until the sun rises making sure all of our Friends get here safely, securely and are greeted with a smile...
see you in the morning!
IT is such a reward to hear laughter and rejoicing after weeks of hard work and at least 4 sleepless nights for Kristin Hatcher and myself. Kristin has just left with a doggy bag of food for her husband and 2 red eyes but leaving with a wide grin and seemingly excited for tomorrow.
I sit here in Guest services Lounge, greeting the last of our arrivals for the evening and putting the finishing touches on tomorrows program and am so excited about all of the information and ideas that will be shared in the morning. The entire Norfolk staff will join us for an incredible morning of storytelling. Danna's father Jim Weiss, a professional storyteller will be speaking at lunch and will surely help us all become even better at sharing the incredible stories of the children we serve.
Well, I'm ready to turn in, I think I shall sleep quite well tonight, my room-mate Megan on the other hand may be up until the sun rises making sure all of our Friends get here safely, securely and are greeted with a smile...
see you in the morning!
this is viet
It was a long way to get here, but definitely a much rewarded trip. We have learnt so much of things on the way to the Head Quarter of Operation Smile where we will soon be building up our future from the great work that we have been doing for children over the last 26 years. The tireless we had after two days traveled on the airplane via different places due to the delay and cancellation of our flight does not seem affect us that much, because we know we will be having such a great time together, just in a short while. Keep smiling, retain your high energy and welcome to the new Operation Smile home.
Viet Nguyen
Asia Pacific
Viet Nguyen
Asia Pacific
Having travelled for almost a day I arrived feeling as if my head was inside a tin can and my body was on another planet. Desperate to get to bed, I was told to "get to the second floor" and it seemed easier to give in than argue. Arriving in the dining room, there was the instant buzz of meeting up with dozens of friends from previous conferences, meetings and missions, and all thoughts of going to sleep disappeared whence they belonged.....so here I am, some two hours later, still on my feet, uplifted by all the wonderful warmth and friendship that goes with these conferences. If you ever get invited, make sure you do your best to come - it's a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to it.
Julie Robins
Development Director
Operation Smile Vietnam
Julie Robins
Development Director
Operation Smile Vietnam
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