Conference, Conference, Conference.

Last week was a busy one for me. I was only in the office one day.

Monday & Tuesday I sat through the Governor's Conference on Volunteerism - not the most interesting sessions I've ever sat through, but a few had some value. There was one amazing keynote speaker, one of the heads of USAID, who discussed the power of faith-based organizations to get things done abroad. She spoke of how those orgs are more able to gain the trust of the people than government, making it easier for them to create real changes in the country. I love that.

Thursday through Sunday I spent my time at the Hands On Network conference in New Orleans, an intriguing mesh of discussion, lecture, service, and tourism. The breakout sessions at this conference were far more relevant and engaging. There were some important folks there, most of whose names I've already forgotten, and even a few celebrities. A few cast members from daytime TV's Guiding Light showed up, as well as one of the women that hosts a show about flipping houses. In each session at this conference, I found myself passing notes with my fellow VISTAs about what real civic engagement means, what role the government should play, where faith-based organizations belong, etc. It was intellectually stimulating and completely inspiring. Now that I've shaped this life of service for myself, I cannot imagine living any other way.

In addition to all of these great sessions, I was able to go on a tour of the remaining Katrina destruction. While initially this may sound a little exploitative, I assure you it was not. No one paid any money for the tour, and its primary purpose was to show us how much still remains to be done in the reconstruction efforts. I hadn't realized. Katrina and its victims have largely disappeared from the American consciousness, but they still ache with the pains of her destruction. They still need folks to tear down, let alone to build the city up again. This was not as apparent in my December trip to New Orleans; the French Quarter, the city's tourist district, has been entirely restored already.

There was definitely some time for St. Patrick's Day fun, good food, and exploration. I didn't duplicate any of my experiences from the New Year's adventure, and I found even more appreciation for the city and its people.

I have just a few days left in town before I head out again, this time to Madison, WI to check out the university. They made me a really spectacular offer, and they're paying for the flight, so I figure it's worth a look. Tonight, for the rest of the evening, I plan to read some of the faculty's published work to see what they've been up to. So, to all of you - Good Night, and Good Luck.