San Diego's Second Annual "It Takes A Village" (ITAV) Conference Declared Success

Oct. 8, 2009 - PRLog -- The Second Annual "It Takes A Village" Conference, brought to you by Indigo Village and Family Journeys, was held at The University of San Diego, Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice on Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Over 120 parents, educators, exhibitors, and speakers gathered for the day-long educational event, including keynote speakers Pamela Dunn and Chris Brickler, educational breakout sessions, new Author Alley showcase, and the popular Vendor Resource Marketplace held outside in the sunshine around the fountain in front of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.

"It's quite a testament to the parents and teachers who invested their time to attend an educational event on a Saturday," said Heather Lampron, It Takes a Village Conference Director and co-founder, mother and parent educator. "We honor all those engaged in raising and educating the youth of today, and want to be there to support them."  

Some of the highlights of the conference were the keynote addresses. The conference theme was "Creating the Family of Our Dreams", and keynote speaker Pamela Dunn, author, and president of Global Relationship Centers, provided parents and teachers with tips to help them inspire children to reach for their dreams, noting that even seemingly impractical or far-fetched childhood dreams can prepare children for life in unexpected and amazing ways!  Also in keeping with the conference theme, filmmaker, composer, director Chris Brickler presented a moving multi-media presentation on love, family, and relationships.  Both speakers were greeted with standing ovations, and stayed afterward for questions and discussion.  

Some of the most popular educational breakout sessions from this year’s conference included "Siblings (or Peers) as Friends, or Taming the Rivalry!" by Shannon Parsons, " The Five Love Languages, Learn to Speak Them All, and Strengthen Your Connection! For Parents and Teachers " by Heather Lampron and Joe O'Quinn, “Balancing Love and Discipline,” by Cathy Northcutt; and “Advanced Redirecting Children's Behavior, Maintaining the New Positive Discipline Methods” by Susie Walton.

“I want to say a tremendous ‘thank you’ to every person and business who helped us host another successful It Takes A Village Conference,’” Lampron added. “The conference’s success is a testament to what a great family-friendly city San Diego is; we care about families and schools, parents and teachers. Here’s to next year!”

ITAV 2010 dates have been set!  The conference will once again be held at the beautiful Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice on Saturday, October 16, 2010.  Sponsorships are available, and the conference is actively seeking a headline sponsor for a nationally known keynote speaker.  Please contact Heather Lampron or Susie Walton for details at villageconference@gmail.com.

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Family Journeys Institute is a San Diego-based educational organization created by parent educator Heather Lampron and teacher Joe O'Quinn to provide, advocate and promote awareness for the need of positive parent education, communication, and relationship skills in the community.

Indigo Village started as Susie Walton's dream wherein she envisioned a new kind of center that allowed for all kinds of people, young and old to learn, laugh, take care of themselves, grow and create. Indigo Village has created a home for a wide variety of classes, services and celebrations.