Registration is Closing Soon for Our 2024 VFN Annual Conference: “Change Begins with You – Using Your Voice to Make a Difference”

April 2, 2024 at the UVM Davis Center 9:00-4:00

Register Here for “Change Begins with You: Using Your Voice to Make a Difference”

Our 2024 Annual Conference “Change Begins with You – Using Your Voice to Make a Difference” will be held on April 2, 2024, at the UVM Davis Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This year our event will begin with a welcome from VFN’s Executive Director, Jacqui Kelleher, and former South Burlington State Representative to the VT House, Maida Townsend, will kick off our day with opening remarks.

We will then welcome our featured presenter, Amy Shollenberger, from Action Circles. Amy will provide a full day, in-depth, interactive training on advocacy. Amy has more than 20 years of experience developing political strategy, grassroots organizing, influencing policy, and running political issue campaigns. She has worked on a variety of campaigns, ranging in scope from local community issues to state and national issues. She started Action Circles in 2010 and along with the Action Circles Team has served clients and offered training ever since. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to visit exhibit tables, network, and chat over breakfast and lunch.

AGENDA

8-9:00 Registration, Breakfast and Visit Exhibits

9:00   Welcome with Jacqui Kelleher and Opening Remarks with Maida Townsend

9:30   Icebreaker

9:40   Legislative Process 101

11:00  Break and Visit Exhibits

11:15  Tell Your Story, Part 1

12:30  Lunch and Visit Exhibits

1:30   Strategic Thinking for the Legislative Process 201

3:00   Break

3:15   Tell Your Story, Part 2

3:45   One Last Word from Everyone

4:00   Closing

The VFN Conference Parent/Guardian/Individual with a Disability registration fee is $45.00 and the Professional registration fee is $55.00. This fee will cover costs of the conference including breakfast, lunch and parking. We will also offer a livestream option for $15.00 and a link will be sent prior to the conference. Livestream attendees will be able to view the presentation via a Zoom Webinar format. Please note that this conference will not be recorded.

  • The conference programming runs between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with registration, breakfast and exhibits opening at 8:00 a.m. Continental breakfast with coffee and tea will be available in the morning and lunch will be served during the 12:30-1:30 break.
  • Participants can visit with exhibitors between 8:00 a.m. and until lunch finishes at 1:30 p.m.
  • Parking will be available for VFN conference attendees on campus, and vouchers and parking lot location information will be sent closer to the date of the event.
  • Refund policy: Full ticket refunds are available through March 15, 2024. After this date, we are not able to provide a refund. Substitution of attendees is encouraged.
  • Limited partial scholarships are available for parents/guardians on a first-come, first-served basis. Send an email to [email protected] to make a request.
  • While not required, the University of Vermont expects that all visitors be fully vaccinated before coming to campus. We request that conference attendees, if not vaccinated, wear masks as the use of masks helps fight the spread of COVID-19, and other airborne illnesses. Please remain at home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
  • Do you need an interpreter or any other reasonable accommodations? Please request by March 4, 2024.
  • Registration will close end of day on Sunday, March 17th.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for our 2024 annual conference, please contact [email protected].

If you interested in being an exhibitor or purchasing an ad for our 2024 annual conference, please contact [email protected].

Our sponsors and exhibitors provide invaluable financial aid and informational resources for families. Thank you to all for your support!

REGISTER HERE

Many Thanks to our 2024 SPONSORS!

Platinum Level

  • Children with Special Health Needs at the Vermont Department of Health

Gold Level

  • HireAbility Vermont

Silver Level

  • College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Vermont
  • SD Associates
  • University of Vermont Health Network

Bronze Level

  • Northwestern Counseling and Support Services
  • Vermont Children’s Integrated Services – Early Intervention
  • University of Vermont Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
  • Vermont Department of Labor
  • Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Building Bright Futures
  • Rutland Regional Medical Center

Many Thanks to our 2024 EXHIBITORS:

  • Therap Services
  • EDD Adaptive Sports
  • The Stetson School
  • Prevent Child Abuse VT
  • Project SEARCH
  • VT Department of Libraries – ABLE Libraries
  • The OSHER Center for Integrative Health
  • Disability Rights VT
  • Public Assets Institute
  • College Steps
  • HireAbilityt VT
  • Children with Special Health Needs Nutrition
  • SD Associates
  • University of Vermont Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
  • Northwestern Counseling and Support Services
  • Vermont Department of Labor
  • Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Building Bright Futures
Thank you to all  for your generosity and commitment to Vermont’s children, youth, and families. We could not make this important event happen without supporters like you!