Effective public engagement involves more than just pushing out key messages – it also takes making the commitment to open the doors for honest feedback from your audiences. While we may be engaging our communities in conversations about our schools, we have to ask ourselves: Are we asking the right questions? Ben Merens tackles this topic with passion, giving you practical strategies on how to ask the right questions and listen effectively.
10:15 - 11:30 am
Concurrent Sessions - Social Media for Beginners
Putting the New Communication Wave of Social Media to Work for You!
Twitter, Facebook, RSS Feeds…so many social media tools out there to provide information in ways that your audience finds fast and convenient. Companies, both public and private are using these free tools to not only get out their unique messages, but also to listen to the pulse of their communities, making the process truly a two-way communication avenue. This introductory session explains why you do not want to be left behind and how to start using social media to communicate and listen. Learn how other districts are effectively using these tools.
Managing it All
Let’s face it: we live in trying times, and districts are working hard to maintain quality education and communication programs with less funding. You find yourself working harder, taking on more tasks, especially in this age of new and exciting technology, and sometimes feel those balls you’re juggling are going to soon fall down around your feet. Not to worry! This session will give you ideas on how to manage your workload, keep your focus, and effectively manage your district’s image.
11:45 - 1:00 pm
President’s Luncheon and Spectrum Awards Ceremony
Please join us for a tasty break in the day as we meet this year’s Spectrum Award winners and other WSPRA honorees.
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Roundtable Discussions
Game-Winning Strategies That Work!
Improve your game by attending three 30-minute roundtable sessions. Learn from your colleagues about how they have tackled communication challenges in their districts.
2:30 - 3:15 pm
Hot Topic – Public Engagement
Not a Spectator Sport!
Participants will gain an understanding of what public engagement is, how it differs from informing your public, and will include examples of how “true” public engagement can assist your district in meeting its goals.
3:30 - 4:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Social Media II - Tips for Social Media Users
Participants with Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media accounts will not want to miss this breakout session on using these tools to reinforce your district’s messages, measure the effectiveness of your social media efforts, and learn the latest in online communication.
Partnering with Your Community - Panel Discussion
Education is a team effort and districts that pull in their community find more ease in garnering support and obtaining the resources needed to boost student achievement and improve their district’s image. Join us for this session to find out how you can increase your community partnerships back home.
6:00 - 10:00 pm
End Zone Celebration - Club 1919 - Lambeau Field
Celebrating Traditions
What game is complete without a celebration? Just down the road from our hotel, enjoy a hearty, mouth-watering picnic with all the traditional food you would expect at a Lambeau tailgate party. Food will be served from 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm, with the Pro Shop holding hours until 7:00 pm (for those looking to get an early jump on the holiday season!). Join your WSPRA friends for some great networking and enjoy Green Bay hospitality – the Packers’ way! More information is available at www.packers.com.
Friday, Nov. 5
8:15-8:45 am
Breakfast and WSPRA Annual Meeting
Lori Blakeslee, WSPRA President
9:00 - 11:30 am
Keynote – Communication with Families in Poverty
Dr. Donna M. Beegle, President, Communication Across Barriers
Donna M. Beegle, Ed.D. is a highly experienced national public speaker, discussion leader, trainer, and the author of See Poverty, Be The Difference, a resource book for professionals who work with people in poverty. Dr. Beegle has worked and written articles providing insights and strategies for communicating more effectively across race, class, gender and generational barriers for 17 years. You’ll find yourself tremendously inspired by her story and come away with ideas on how to communicate with these publics in your own communities.
“Donna was truly amazing. She comes from generational poverty and speaks from the heart and real life stories. She is thought provoking and has easy to implement strategies that can make a difference. Well worth the money.”
Arlene Hulten, Director of Communications Community Services and Student Safety, WA
"Donna brings personal experience, professional training and expertise to her seminars on communications and students living in poverty. She is a "must see" for the professional communicator. I have had the privilege of hearing her story and her remarkable commitment to building understanding and compassion so that students can reach their potential. She is a five-star presenter!"
Maureen Wheeler, APR Public Communication Officer Beaverton School District
