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Arizona Convocation 2004

February 29 and March 1, 2004

Share Your Voice, Share Your Vision,
Build Your Story

The Arizona convocations began in 1999 as a catalyst to building collaboration between libraries, archives, and museums in order to support preservation of Arizona’s cultural heritage and to promote resource sharing.

The 2004 Arizona Convocation was held on February 29 and March 1 in Pinetop, Arizona. The theme of the Convocation was “Storytelling: Sharing your voice, sharing your vision, building your story.” Our intention was to inspire attendees to think about telling their professional, organizational or community’s story to supporters and to governing bodies. In a time when resources are difficult to obtain, the ability to clearly communicate one’s message is pivotal. The program was designed for directors, staff, volunteers, board members or anyone who speaks for or about an organization.

Don Doyle, a nationally recognized storyteller, professional actor, director of theatre and opera, and a Professor Emeritus of theatre and storytelling at Arizona State University, was the featured keynote speaker for a group of approximately 85 participants.

Monday’s lunch program reflected on the change from Native oral storytelling to other formats, such as publishing and multi-media. Susan Secakuku, Hopi, read from her new book, “Meet Mindy: A Native Girl of the Southwest”, and Cedric Hendricks, San Carlos Apache, shared two dynamic PowerPoint presentations.

Tim Delaney, founder of The Center for Leadership, Ethics and Public Service spoke during a general session Monday afternoon. Mr. Delaney provided a foundation for strengthening cultural institutions’ collective voice by describing how libraries, museums and other cultural keepers contribute to Arizona’s powerful nonprofit economic engine.

Lastly, attendees were divided into 3 smaller groups, each led by a facilitator, and took part in a vision building session entitled Vibrant Libraries, Museums and Archives of the Future: Which Path Do We Chose? Participants were asked to answer the question: “How do libraries, archives and museums thrive in the 21 st century?” Discussion amongst the groups on the topic of strategic planning was encouraged and comments from the groups were gathered by the facilitator.

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