CONCORD, NH – Last week, nearly 300 individuals from New Hampshire and across the country participated in Volunteer NH’s virtual Governor’s Conference on Volunteerism. The conference is an annual professional development opportunity that supports and strengthens New Hampshire’s volunteer programs and organizations.
Session recordings are now available for anyone to view on the Volunteer NH website: https://volunteernh.org/2022-conference-details/.
The 2022 conference theme, “The Power of Collaboration,” put community front and center throughout the duration of the event, beginning with the keynote address. Titled, “Can Beloved Community Exist in the ‘Live Free or Die’ State?” the speech was delivered by James McKim, Managing Partner, Organizational Ignition, LLC & President, Manchester NAACP. McKim set the tone for the conference by exploring how volunteering can help us embrace our individuality and feel a sense of belonging.
Earlier that morning, Governor Sununu presented the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year Award to Ann Vennard, Assistant Director of Advancement at Cornerstone VNA in Rochester, New Hampshire.
Photo collage of Ann Vennard, 2022 Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year, and volunteers
For six years, Vennard has managed volunteers in the “Circle of Caring” program, who provide companionship, health coaching, respite care, and more. “The work done by Ann exemplifies the very best of NH – going out of one’s way to care for others and provide a helping hand to those in our communities,” said Governor Sununu. “I could not be more proud to present Ann with [this award].”
All participants were able to engage in this year’s conference free of charge thanks to generous contributions from presenters, committee members, and sponsors, including Trailblazer Sponsors, DCU and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and our event-specific Community Builder Sponsor, Northeast Delta Dental.
Above: Watch the Welcome & Keynote session, featuring James McKim, Governor Sununu, and Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year, Ann Vennard
Volunteer NH is a nonprofit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and approved by the Executive Council. Volunteer NH envisions our state as a place where people volunteer together to build strong and connected communities. We bring our vision to life by engaging those communities to solve local challenges through volunteerism.