Do you know what a cool thing to do in January is? Get your calendars and mark an important date for your professional training: January 28-30, 2008, in Minneapolis, MN– Volunteer Administration Institute 2008.

The Office of the National Chair of Volunteers is planning another exciting event; you will receive two-and a-half days of intensive training, innovative practical tools and the newest trends to help you enhance the volunteer resources programs of your units. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet with Red Cross senior leadership and to network with professionals in the field of volunteer management and with your peers.

Continuing a well-establish tradition, the National Youth Council has a strong presence at the VAI 2008. We plan on beating out the cold and warm up the atmosphere with a pre-conference activity on Monday morning; engaging you in a dialogue on how to start, build and maximize your youth program.

As a vivid proof of our recognition for you as professionals making an impact on youth volunteers lives we will engage you in a challenging dialogue on professional development. Another great session will engage you in a panel discussion with National Youth Council members and other youth representatives from major youth lead organizations on how we can map the common ground; build partnerships and learn from each other's success stories on better serving our communities. Last, but not least, we would bring into focus a mission driven youth services, this time with disaster response in the spotlight.

Youth and Young Adults Programs and Services will have a couple of scholarships available. Stay tuned and check the announcements that will be posted on Cross Net and Cross Connections. There will be an early bird registration for VAI 2008, scheduled to be launched on the week of October 15; do not miss it.

This is a must attend training event. More information on VAI 2008 is available, including hotel and travel facts.