Friday, October 11, 2002, 10:00-11:30 a.m. WHY ISSUES MATTER Susan Ellis, Energize, Inc., Pennsylvania Session Description: This session will broaden your perspectives about how the news of the day affects your work, whether it’s an unexpected government initiative, a national crisis, or a publicity surge.  Move beyond the daily “how-to’s” and look at the context in which volunteers and volunteer program managers operate. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe at least five  current issues facing volunteerism today 2. Assess whether a trend or issue will have an impact on their own volunteer program 3. Identify how to keep informed about the newest trends 4. List possible actions in response to an issue, whether to welcome a positive trend or avoid the traps of a negative one Level:  Intermediate-Advanced Conference Theme(s): Balance, Community