- by Colleen Kelly, Vantage Point Executive Director

by Colleen Kelly, Vantage Point Executive Director

Since hosting the 2010 Olympics, all levels of government have showed renewed interest in volunteerism. Locally and nationally, our elected representatives are convening conversations, seeking recommendations, and considering how to protect and encourage this valuable "natural resource."

I recently read Malcolm Gladwell's newest book, Outliers. And I'll start this post by noting that I am a fan of The Tipping Point and never got around to Blink. I read the book because I agreed to present the material to a workshop, and talk about how to apply Gladwell's theories to the not-for-profit sector. Being a cynic, I contemplated getting up in the front of the room and saying "you can't" and sitting down.

Let me start by saying it is really REALLY hot in Palm Springs. I'm not sure my brain can actually function in this type of heat. I am now more convinced than ever that Vancouver is, actually, heaven on earth. At least you can walk outside during the day, anyway. But other than that, I am enjoying the annual Alliance Conference very much, though it's just getting going.