Hello RESNA members!

Similar to last year's conference, we are going to be having a slew of "First Timer" events to welcome newcomers to the RESNA community. A critical area where you can help out is by becoming a RESNA Buddy (a.k.a. sidekick). Last year, we had more requests for RESNA buddies than we had volunteers. This year, we are "jazzing it up" to make the process flow a little more smoothly and to ensure everyone involved has a rockin' good time. Best of all, RESNA Buddies and First Timers get to wear beads!

The basics:

Experienced RESNA members (RESNA Buddies) will be matched up with new attendees who have never been to a conference. As a RESNA Buddy, we ask that you:

1. Contact your First Timer (via email) before the conference to give a personal welcome and to coordinate a time to meet as early in the conference as possible (no later than before the end of the first full day of workshop sessions),

2. Introduce your First Timer to at least one or two other professionals at the conference that may help him or her begin the networking process, and

3. Be open to answering questions the First Timer might have about the conference or RESNA, or share some of the experiences you've had at RESNA conferences.

From this networking experience, it is a hope that the first timer may find a mentor in the field that will last in an ongoing communication.

This year, there will be optional organized events for the first timers once they arrive at the conference. These include an exhibit hall walk-through for first timers the opening night and the First Timers Meeting, among others. Although not an obligation of the RESNA Buddies, you would be welcome to participate in any of these activities (hint: arrange to meet your First Timer at one of these events)! We will also provide RESNA Buddies and First Timers with beads to help you identify each other.

Any questions you have about this program may be directed to Amanda Reinsfelder or Karl Brown

We want to make this a fun experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to working with you to make this program a success this year!

To sign up to be a 2009 sidekick, please email Amanda by May 1! Let her know your SIG and primary area(s) of work/interest and if you would be willing to meet more than one First Timer. This way, we can try to match you with a First Timer with similar interests.

Sincerely yours,

Amanda Reinsfelder
reinsfeldera -at- gmail.com

Karl Brown
brownkw1 -at- yahoo.com