20 Things I Learned at NCVS

I just got home last night from attending the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. NCVS was inspiring and very fascinating. Below are a few bits of knowledge that I brought back with me.

1. Michelle Obama really is wonderful, funny, and loved. Her belief that service is integral to national policy and not just icing on the cakes in encouraging!
2. Arianna Huffington makes service a part of her family life.
3. Governor Schwarzenegger still quotes lines from his movies in speeches.
4. Not only were organization represented at the conference, but there were many people with name tags that simply said, "volunteer." Very inspiring.
5. It's very tiring putting up an exhibit booth by yourself.
6. Steve Culbertson does a great job speaking in front of a crowd!
7. Of the entire audience that attended Steve's presentation on Semester of Service, only one was a school administrator. Thanks to you for showing your support!
8. I knew about San Fran's BART, but I didn't know that San Fran had a separate underground system called MUNI.
9. Music National Service is going to take the world by storm as they provide additional infrastructure for music in schools.
10. Many people want more dialogue on arts and service.
11. If someone encourages you to run up the escalator because you realize you left your phone at the top, don't. You might trip, spill your coffee, tear your jeans, and land on the corner of step, with a corner spoke pulling out a chunk of knee flesh. So I heard.
12. The alcohol swab at first aid doesn't actually hurt...until after 5 seconds.
13. It's vital have inclusive language for people with disabilities. They spend so much effort having to prove they're "incapable" in order to get government support that some begin to believe it.
14. Everyone I met from the Corporation is really friendly!
15. Contrary to my initial belief, the rainbow flags hanging downtown were present because of the upcoming Pride Weekend and just because it's San Francisco. (Hanging head in shame at my silliness.)
16. 9.11 Day is both a culminating event and a launch!
17. Sonal Shah has a really down to earth persona. After hearing her speak, she's now on my list of "people I'd like to have dinner with."
18. Chaka Khan - outstanding.
19. People really love reusable shopping bags.
20. People also really love YSA! Great job to everyone who worked on the conference! I look forward to hearing about the great things planned for New York!