BETTER TOGETHER 2023 was a national conference I attended for The Salvation Army this past week. Over 1,800 people came together to learn about Community Relations and Development (CRD), Social Services (SS), and Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in Dallas, TX. The difference between this conference and other organizations is that we start with worship services every morning.
Being a faith-based organization, The Salvation Army believes in ministering to the whole man or woman in this case. Being a woman of faith, it was worth the early morning effort before each keynote session to sit in the presence of the Lord through music, biblical teaching, and prayer.
Working in the organization for more than 31 years now, this conference was different in that it incorporated three key components of the organization. Two provide direct services to those in need (SS & EDS) and the third (CRD) is the component that raises awareness and funds for the other two.
What Better Together 2023 demonstrated is that we need each other to be the best organization we can be. Separately we get our work done, but together we are a force to be reckoned with in serving others in Jesus' name and without discrimination (mission statement). For Social Services it is our clients and shelter residents, for Emergency Disaster Services it is our first responders and disaster victims, for Community Relations and Development, it is our volunteers, community partners, and donors.
The MANIFESTO for the BT23 conference read:
Individually, we are leaders, pastors, disaster responders, social workers, development professionals, fundraisers, and communicators.
From Baby Boomers to Generations X, Y, and Z – we are problem solvers, visionaries, men, and women from all backgrounds. But together, we are an unstoppable force for good.
Our weaknesses: fortified by another’s strength.
Our opinions: enhanced by another’s perspective.
Our ideas: kindled by another’s spark.
Together, we serve –
So that children won’t go to bed hungry,
Homelessness won’t end in hopelessness,
And families recover from disasters.
Together, we work –
To create a world where people are no longer for sale,
Where every human is dignified,
And every soul is known by Jesus.
Together, we fight –
To break the cycle of poverty in America,
To tell our story with greater passion and purpose,
And to better articulate human need.
Together, we strive –
To grow infinitely,
To risk fearlessly,
And to trust completely.
Together, we ask bigger questions and seek greater answers.
Together, we transform our neighborhoods, communities, nation, and world.
Because Together is God’s intention for all.
I spent five wonderful days listening, writing, recording, questioning, discussing, and learning from other professionals in my field of development. I conversed with colleagues. Told my story to close friends. Cried for one of our speakers (Michael, Jr.). Toured the Dallas Cowboys training center (27-year supporters of The Salvation Army). And loved every tiring moment of this wonderful opportunity.
My takeaways included:
Gratitude for the time and energy spent on organizing the conference - Thank you NHQ
Experiences I will never have again - Banquet on the turf of the Dallas Cowboys field
Friendships gained through late-night conversations - Dr. Masango & his beautiful bride
Knowledge gained through presentation and sharing of ideas - Session & workshop leaders
Introduction of current divisional leaders to new leaders with grace - Majors Steve & Chris Merritt
Being in the presence of God during worship - Brittany Parks, Phil Laeger, & Dr. Bill Ury.
Knowing we are better together because we consciously chose to work together for OTHERS.
The Founder, General William Booth, would be proud. I certainly am!
What She Said ~ Beverly
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