Lutheran Service Organizations to Meet April 23-25 in St. Louis
April 1, 2008 – Baltimore, MD – More than 400 leaders in health and human service organizations nationwide will meet in St. Louis April 23-25 to explore the future of care for people in all walks of life.
Three hundred Lutheran health and human services organizations are part of Lutheran Services in America, which works to create opportunities for people in thousands of communities throughout the United States and the Caribbean. LSAs member health and human service organizations offer healing and hope to one in every 50 Americans by providing health care, housing, adoptions, disability services and aging support neighbor to neighbor.
The meeting in St. Louis will feature two celebrated futurists as keynote speakers. Cecily Sommers president and founder of the nonprofit think tank, The Push Institute, will be the lead speaker on Wednesday, April 23. Alan Webber, founder of Fast Company magazine and USA Today columnist, will speak on Friday, April 25. In more than 30 breakout sessions, conference participants will explore topics such as Getting to the Future Early, The Future of Nonprofits, Who is Minding the Children?, Open Source Innovations for Nonprofits, Consumers in Control, Building Inclusive Community, and Philanthropy 2020.
Other features include:
- An Idea Pavilion where members and vendors share innovative products and projects. There will be demonstrations of Wii and other computer assists for elders and people with special needs, drumming circles, and many other activities.
- Awards for Excellence will be presented to eight social ministry organizations for Taking Risks for the Future.
- Faith and Future reflections throughout the conference, delving into insights and perspectives that scripture and theology offer into the future of social ministry.
- Intensive breakout sessions on topics such as The Future of Aging Services, Faith Partnerships for Congregations and Social Ministry Organizations, New and Improved Nonprofit Advocacy, and a Board Clinic.
For more information about the LSA Annual Conference visit www.lutheranservices.org or contact Jan Ulrich at julrich@lutheranservices.org or 410-230-2841.