Trainsitions, Learning & Work 2010

Tentative Agenda

This agenda is subject to change.

 

 

8:00 – 8:30

Registration and Continental Breakfast

 

8:30 – 9:15

Welcome and Introduction
Keynote: Peak Performance in Tough Times

Dr. Kenford Nedd

 

Come laugh and learn as we review the latest and most relevant, effective techniques for achieving a happy, healthy and successful life in these tough economic times. You will learn how to abort stress in 11 seconds and you will have the tool to never, ever be stressed out again. You will learn 5 ways to become a happier person in the midst of all that comes and goes.  We will explore new nutrition for peak performance and how to use food as medicine.  You will leave this session not only motivated and energized but armed with a plethora of skills to build a superior body and mind as you navigate your way out of this tough period. 

 

9:15 – 9:30

Break

 

9:30  – 10:30

Concurrent Workshops

 

 

A1. Authentic-i.org: Connecting Authenticity to Completing Education

Cheryl Kilodavis, Program Director/Founder, Authentic-i

Karimah Stewart, Program Manager, Authentic-i

 

Authentic-i is an organization that focuses on providing programs, support and resources of self- efficacy (belief in one’s capabilities to reach goals) for youth ages 7 – 12 years old with social and economic disadvantages to gain fundamental tools and strength in authenticity (genuine, unique, true to self), communication and money management. Authentic-i's unique position and competitive advantage are its Experiential Learning Component (ELC) programs. ELC Programs include:

 

1) Pre - Experiential Learning Component (P-ELC) for 2nd and 3rd graders

2) Experiential Learning Component (ELC) for 4th graders

3) Communication - Experiential Learning Component (C-ELC) for 5th graders

4) Money - Experiential Learning Component (M- ELC) for 6th and 7th graders.

 

Authentic-i has worked with Madrona K-8 Seattle Public School since 2007 with 4th – 7th grades to help them identify how their passions can fuel their desire to learn in school and beyond. Authentic-i programs consist of three distinct partnerships:

 

1. Public schools serving elementary and middle school students

2. Universities and Colleges providing undergraduate/graduate volunteers and facilities

3. Community partners sharing their time and authentic career and education stories

 

 

A2. How to Win in a Competitive Job Market

Sherry Edwards, Consultant/Trainer/Coach, Resource Maximizer

 

This session will provide you with transition and job search tips for students, clients, and customers interested in making a career change, re-entering the job market after an extended absence, or needing to get a job after a lay off. Participants will learn:

  • Basic premises about the job market.

  • Key elements of an effective job search.

  • Easy behaviors to adopt to ensure success.

  • Why some people only seem "lucky".

  • Simple strategies for building confidence.

  • What employers are really looking for.  

 

 

A3. Career Guidance in the New Economy

Curtis Takahashi, Manager of Service Delivery, Workforce Development Council Snohomish County

 

"The Adventures of Johnny Bunko" by Daniel Pink is America’s first business book in manga (Japanese-style graphic novel) and the last career guide you’ll ever need. Learn how to excite individuals about the six essential career lessons for thriving in the world of work. "Irresistible . . . An illustrated career guide that blows away all the rest with its clarity, simplicity, and intelligence. . . . Any career consultant -- or high- school guidance counselor -- who doesn't immediately order copies of this book in bulk is missing the boat -- big time." – Miami Herald 

 

 

A4. Using Positive Psychology to Improve Our Transition, Learning and Work Programs

Cal Crow, Program Director, Center for Learning Connections

 

Positive psychology is blowing many of our assumptions out of the water. For example: Does a problem-solving approach to organizational improvement actually solve problems, or does it create more of them? Does focusing on disabilities and barriers help students and customers become more successful, or does it prevent them from doing so? How did we decide that ranking, sorting, labeling and placing people according to criteria established by others was a good thing to do? Is it helping or hurting us? This session will feature discussions and examples of how a positive psychology perspective can free us up to create more effective and successful programs in both education and workforce development. Handouts will be provided.  

 

 

A5. Power Over Stress

Dr. Kenford Nedd

 

In this workshop you will not only learn the psychophysiology of stress and how it affects your heart, immune system and your performance, but you will leave with new practical techniques and tools:

  • You will create a refined and integrated physiology,

  • You will learn how to remain calm and steady in the midst of all that comes and goes, and

  • You will have the tools and motivation to develop a positive, productive, and happy atmosphere at work and in your personal life.

 

10:30 – 10:45

Break

 

10:45 – 12:00

B1. Window into the World of Work

Debi Doyle, School Counselor, Everett Public Schools/James Monroe Elementary

 

After learning about and understanding their Dependable Strengths as fourth graders the students, now as new fifth graders, begin their journey into the World of Work. This is a year long project that incorporates the school counselor, librarian, math teacher, art teacher, and classroom teacher all working together to increase the students' awareness of career opportunities. The research project culminates in “Career Night” in which the fifth grade students present on their chosen career to a high stakes audience of adults. The students research careers using The Big 6 Research method, using internet, books and speakers. They use their information on earnings to increase their understanding of economics. They graph the salary range of their chosen career and are able to explain the graph. They also have an understanding of how much they need to earn to live in Snohomish County, where they currently live. They create a display board, Power Point and/or pamphlets to showcase their career on Career Night. On their board they display a Career Report, a Strengths Report, and a business letter they (snail) mailed to an organization that reports their career of interest. They are easily able to address all of these documents and speak about their careers. Come hear about this effective model program.

 

 

B2. E.N.G.A.G.E. Your Life:  How to Create a Compelling Career Advantage  
Piper Abodeely, Principal, Pivotal Transitions Coaching and Consulting

 

Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.” In this workshop, participants will be introduced to an interactive process to help clients identify their natural strengths, define their values, transform their marketable skills, create a powerful "marketing pitch," and build an eye-catching application/resume. This process can be used and customized to any age, with the focus around creating the space for clients to gain clarity, confidence and create a plan to successfully make the next transition in their life. Learn how to empower your clients to take control of their life.

 

 

B3. Addressing the Needs of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Community

Stacy Malone Miller, Housing and Family Development Director, Skagit County Community Action

 

This workshop educates social workers, counselors, educators and employers about handling sensitive issues around sexual orientation and cultural differences. We will address stereotypes, and offer tools to assist those with differing belief systems. You will come away with a renewed commitment to working with clients and staff in a safe, appropriate manner. We ask everyone to come prepared to honestly share their views and be open to receive another perspective. Everyone comes to the table with their own culture and ideas of how the world should be. We will take an honest look at each person’s perspective and offers specific tools to help overcome preconceived ideas if there are any and offer new skills and tools to better serve the GLBT community.  

 

 

B4. Communication Skills: Learn ‘Em, Use ‘Em

Natalie Ellington, Principal, Christian Faith School

 

This workshop presents the 11 core communication skills used interactively. Participants will learn how to respond to negative communication styles, eliminate cultural challenges, and use effective communication skills in any situation. The fears, advantages, and disadvantage of leading (talking or asking questions), and following (listening) are defined, discussed, and practiced.  

 

 

B5. The “New Sciences” Haven’t Gone Away. How Can We Use Them to Improve Transitions, Learning and Work.

Cal Crow, Program Director, Center for Learning Connections

 

In 2002, Cal Crow delivered a conference keynote titled, “Using the New Sciences to Survive and Thrive in the New Economy.” Topics included chaos and complexity theories, interconnectedness, the importance of being able to understand and modify systems, and learning to capture and utilize the energy that surrounds us each day. These topics are more important and relevant today than they were eight years ago. In fact, our failure to acknowledge them has been the cause of many of our current problems: A troubled economy, rising crime rates, increasing numbers of dropouts, and international tensions to name a few. This session will feature an updated version of the 2002 presentation, show how the New Sciences can be applied effectively to education and workforce development, and provide participants with specific ideas they can use with students and customers when they leave. Handouts will be provided.  

 

 

B6. Values and Diversity

LueRachelle Brim-Atkins, Principal Brim-Donahoe & Associates

 

When we have a lot of knowledge about a person who is different than we perceive ourselves to be, we tend to be more sensitive to what life is like in that person's world. However, the less we know about a person's culture, ethnicity, religion or physical state, the less sensitive we tend to be to that person's world. This highly interactive session will provide an overview of how our values and beliefs affect our behavior, particularly around dimensions of difference. You will be making choices about types of people with whom you may have less familiarity. You will be supported in challenging yourself about the choices, judgments, and decisions you make about people every day and encouraged to explore why and how you make them.

This workshop will provide opportunities for you to:

  • Consider your personal values

  • Develop awareness of the judgments that you make about those perceived to be different than you

  • Increase understanding of the ways in which values affect choices and, thus, behavior

  • Practice creative thinking that goes beyond limitations and strives to accommodate difference

As a result of participating in this workshop, you will walk away with increased self-awareness about your values, judgments, and choices and the skill to challenge your personal behaviors or thoughts.

 

 

 

 

12:00 – 1:00

Networking Lunch

Luncheon Speaker: Cal Crow

 

Creating Head, Heart and Soul Experiences to Support Transitions, Learning and Work
Transitions, learning, and work (TLW) are cognitive, emotional and values-laden experiences.  They engage the head, the heart and the “soul.”  However, many organizations that assist individuals with TLW typically focus on cognition (teaching, telling, explaining, providing information) while overlooking the person’s feelings and value system.  How can we increase our organizations’ success rates by creating customer-centered, heart and soul experiences for everyone we serve? 

 

1:00 – 2:15

Concurrent Workshops

 

 

C1. Career Advising for Students Interested in STEM

Paul Kostek, VP Communications and Public Awareness,  IEEE-USA 

 

Washington State offers a wealth of opportunities in STEM careers. Aerospace, software, medical, biotech, green technologies, e-commerce and gaming are just a few of the industries that continue to offer well paying career paths. How do students position themselves for one of these careers? What should they do during the K-12 years? College? This session will look at some of the steps students should take and what advice counselors/teachers/parents can provide. It will also look at the skills needed for these different industries and how students can be prepared to respond and adapt to future technologies as they enter the workforce.  

 

 

C2. Changing Careers After 40: Real Stories.  New Callings.

David Lingle, Principal, Restart Enterprises
Terry Pile, Principal, Career Advisors

 

This presentation offers case studies of courageous individuals, 40 years and older, who enjoyed successful careers and then were forced or inspired to leave them and start over. Through the lenses of these intrepid individuals, the presenters describe the catalysts for leaving their careers, their strategies for change, and the journey they took to make it happen. Participants will discover common themes and universal strategies they may use with clients in transition. 

 

 

 

C3. Partnership for Successful Reentry – It Takes a Community

Bonnie Ross, Manager, Employment Security Department, Offender Employment Services 

Terry Weber, Program Coordinator, Employment Security Department, Offender Employment Services

 

Providing services to help the offender population transition back into the community can be challenging. This session offers practical advice on recognizing and identifying the client/customer, the current trends and statistics, and how your community can implement effective strategies. Learn how to develop a community plan to:

  • Connect and partner with WorkSource,

  • Obtain client resources/services,

  • Obtain staff or provider network training,

  • Develop a service/resource provider network, and

  • Implement a strategic plan that impacts community safety outcomes.  

 

 

C4. Holistic College Planning for Students Experiencing Foster Care and Homelessness

Melody Newburn, Education Coordinator, YMCA Young Adult Services (part of the Downtown Seattle YMCA)

 

Learn from a youth member about the YMCA Center for Young Adults – a resource center meeting the education, housing, employment and basic needs of young adults ages 17-25 in King County who have experienced foster care and homelessness. The session will include a brief introduction to the unique educational needs of these students, and will focus on resources and best practices that diverse audiences can use now to help them plan for college. Time will be saved for Q&A, so bring your questions! The YMCA Center member will be available to answer questions about what best helped them prepare for college too.  

 

 

C5. Dependable Strengths: The Key to Successful Change

Allen Boivin-Brown, President, Center for Dependable Strengths

 

Changing jobs or careers? Deciding on a promotion? Choosing a major? Moving to retirement? How do you know which choice is right for you? If the move you make allows you to express your core, inner- motivated strengths - your Dependable Strengths - you are on the right path. This session will introduce you to Dependable Strengths - how they are identified and how they are key to making successful transitions. 

 

 

C6. CareerBridge: 5,000 Pathways to a New Career

Marina Parr, Communications, Workforce Training  and Education Coordinating Board
Karen Pyle, IT and Research Specialist, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

 

www.CareerBridge.wa.gov is a new online tool created by the state's Workforce Board that lets people explore nearly 5,000 education and training programs throughout Washington. It's the only web site that provides a "consumer report" that uses statewide data to show whether a program's graduates got a job, how much they earned and what field they ended up working in, so potential students know ahead of time whether it's a wise investment.

 

This site also contains valuable career information-from online self-assessment tests that allow students to better understand their strengths and talents and how they align with a career, to financial aid opportunities that help students find a way to pay for their education through grants, loans and scholarships tailored to Washington residents.

 

This dynamic presentation allows participants to ask questions and get a guided tour of a web site that connects students with the education and training they need to get the job they want!

 

 

 

 

2:20 – 3:30

Concurrent Workshops

 

 

D1. Job Search Networking & Interviewing for the Older Worker

Craig Riggs, Senior Social Worker, DCHS/CSD/WTP  - WorkSource

Paul Valenti, Job Counselor, The Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens, Employment Resource Center

 

In this overview presentation we will discuss how employment professional can best assist their clients in understanding the importance of networking in the job search, how to go about developing a job search network, and how to use contemporary technology (the LinkedIn professional employment networking web site in particular) to enhance job search networking, and how to prepare for an interview. We will also provide a brief overview of the special obstacles facing the older job seeker and how older job seekers can turn their age into a perceived asset when in an interview.

 

Participants in this seminar will gain a clearer understanding of the attitudes that affect the older worker in his/her job search, methods that can be successful in changing attitudes that work against success, and how participants can provide direct assistance to the older worker seeking to enhance his or her networking skills to find gainful employment.  

 

 

D2. So You Think You’re Veteran Friendly!  The Challenge to America as a Nation

Judae M Bost’n, Coordinator/Trainer, Developer of Training for Tomorrow, Today!, Bates Business and Management Training Center, WA Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington National Guard

Robert Corliss, Instructor, U.S. Army Retired  

 

This timely and topical workshop addresses many of the crucial issues facing transitioning veterans and the agencies and providers who are attempting to address their needs. Topics include:

  • Veterans as a Culture –

    • We/I; 

    • Band of Brothers;

    • Are you speaking their Language;

    • Their View of Civilian “Multiculturalism”;

    • Teaching to Veterans’ Learning Curve (Why they are bored);

    • Veteran Expectations vs Your Organization;

    • Civilian Work Ethic vs Military Mission Focus.

  • Accessing the Newly Developed Skills, Knowledge and Abilities -

    • Why Traditional Job Search Methods are an Alien Concept.

  • Systems, Substance and Missions -

    • Are You Willing to Invest in the Veteran;

    • Why We Aren’t Willing to Do a Gap Analysis.

 

 

D3. How to Switch Careers with LinkedIn
Dan Hallak, Career Services Specialist / Employer Services Liaison, Center for Career Connections and Women's Center, Bellevue College

 

LinkedIn has revolutionized networking and taken career development to a new level. With one new person joining every second, if you are not LinkedIn, you are left out. Learn how to practically apply this robust tool to switching careers and starting a new career path.  

 

 

D4. Motivation with P.R.I.D.E.

Cathy Krohn, Career Pathways Coordinator, Lake Roosevelt High School

 

In this aggressive economic environment, managers, employees, educators, and students are all asked to be extremely efficient while doing more with less. Anyone who needs others to accomplish a task will gain an advantage by using positive skills. To motivate individuals or groups and insure success, concentrate on “MOTIVATION WITH P.R.I.D.E.”

  • You must understand and celebrate “PURPOSE”.

  • Commit yourself as well as your employees or students to “RELIABILITY”.

  • Encourage and insist on “INDEPENDENCE”.

  • Show absolute “DEDICATION”.

  • Do all this with truly sincere “ENTHUSIASM”.

This workshop will help leaders understand their role and increase their leadership skills by enabling them to motivate others without conflict while also increasing production.  

 

3:30

Turn in evaluation form
Clock hour forms available
Snacks for the road

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda Register Now Workforce: Transitiona, Learning & Work 2010