Serving Humbly
The National Leadership Conference roared back to life this summer after two years of virtual and abbreviated gatherings and brought with it a fresh outlook supported by a strong sense of community.
by Dana Rieck
“We all look at NLC as such a place of hope,” said NLC Co-Director Erin O’Brien. “We see that in the participants, and it reminds us there are things to be hopeful for. Future generations will make big positive changes.”
This year, approximately 75 volunteers dedicated countless hours to planning and executing this powerful week. When volunteers describe their experience with NLC, the concept of community inevitably creeps into the conversation. It’s the driving force that motivates them to come back year after year – in some cases for decades – to put on a lifechanging program full of tradition and transformational moments.
This year, NLC saw new leadership under O’Brien and fellow Co-Directors Michael Harter and Beth Wilson. The three American Youth Foundation staff members worked hard to prepare a transformational eight-day experience for teens and young adults – familiar territory, as each spent several years as NLC volunteer staff.
Most people join the volunteer staff after they complete the NLC program themselves. That was the case for Shawn Herron, but unlike most volunteers, he returned in 2018, more than 30 years after he was a program participant.
Wilson said these dedicated individuals are key to the program’s success. “Volunteers work their tails off,” said Wilson. “Not only that, but they “It felt like coming home,” he said. “I don't remember the curriculum also have such a positive energy that we couldn't bring without them. and I don't remember a lot of the specifics from 30 years ago, but When I leave, my heart is so full because the participants and the I remember the feeling and the sense of community. That's the biggest volunteers give their all.” part of the experience.” Herron credits the passion NLC elicits to the connection, commitment, and shared values of staff and participants. Herron also enjoys being able to support the transformation of high schoolers knowing the impact NLC had on his life. 6
