2011 National Leadership Conference
Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida
August 10-12, 2011
The 2011 NLC theme, Spotlighting Community Solutions for Underage Drinking was fitting, as there was a consistent message of what new tools, research and technologies are being developed and currently utilized as resources in the efforts to enforce underage drinking laws nationwide.
The 2011 NLC included:
- Pre-conference activities for EUDL Coordinators and invited guests
- Youth Track and Presentations
- Experiential Learning Exercises for law enforcement and practitioners,
- Law Enforcement and Success Story Awards
- On-site radio interviews with UDETCs internet radio station
- The New Volunteer of the Year and Youth Achievement awards
The conference had engaging plenaries with strong presentations by enforcement, judicial, youth, researchers and community leaders. There were more than 100 breakouts with presenters sharing their successes and challenges best practices in preventing underage drinking. Parallel to the general conference track was a separate youth track. The youth track was attended by nearly 250 youth representing 33 states/territories Through the youth track the conference provided a great opportunity for youth to exchange ideas and strategies. This year the youth also presented their own featured dialogue Youth Voices Across All Ages: Speaking Out Against Underage Drinking.
Each NLC conference also has an engaging networking reception to give participants the opportunity to meet colleagues and develop new partnerships. This years special entertainment included enjoyable performances by Marylands own vocalist Adalia Jimenez, the RIO Band and an impromptu youth flash mob-which danced to the Black Eyed Peas classic “Let’s Get It Started”.
In keeping up with technology, the NLC was on Facebook and twitter as a link to those offsite. Facebook was also helpful in sharing updates and keeping many of the participants in touch with those that couldnt attend. What a great way to extend our reach!
UDETC also got significant recognition post-conference through state media outlets when attendees return home. The Conferences first Youth group awardees (Dover Youth-to-Youth) appeared on a local TV station and in articles congratulating them on their award and presentations at the NLC conference. Also acknowledging the essential role of Law enforcement, Jim Spence, an agent with Kansas Department of Revenues Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), was recognized in Kansas media has being awarded the Law Enforcement Partner of the Year Award by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center (UDETC).
For additional information on UDETC youth activities, join our ListServ or contact Mary Gordon: toll free; 1-877-335-1287 X2752; 301 755-2752 or [email protected]