The 2009 Chapter Development Retreat & AGM was a great success!!  Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out during the weekend and thank you to Blue Mountain Resorts.

Special thanks to Sheri, Tracey, Heidi, Anita and Keith from Chatham-Kent Multiple Births for being our Hospitality Suite hosts. Everyone had a great time Friday and Saturday night, and walking around The Village at Blue taking pictures as per their quest!

Another extra special thank you to Lori from Multiple Births Guelph-Wellington for taking on the huge task of coordinating and running the Silent Auction. As well as a big thank you to Wendy from Temiskaming Multiple Births for coordinating and running the Instant Raffle.  More thank yous to Candi and Nancy for their selling skills in raising money via two 50/50 draws!  You are all fantastic volunteers and we are absolutely grateful for all of your efforts in helping MBC reach its goals.

Below is the original invitation to join us at the Retreat!

It is with great pleasure that the MBC Board of Directors announces the 2009 Chapter Development Retreat & Annual General Meeting will be held October 16-18 at Blue Mountain Resorts in Collingwood, Ontario. Located 45 minutes west of Barrie, on the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain Resorts promises to be a picturesque location for three days of learning, networking, mentoring and relaxing (activities). For more information about the resort itself, take a look at their website at www.bluemountain.ca. We have secured special conference rooming rates at both the Village at Blue Mountain Mosaïc and the Blue Mountain Inn.

Download the Registration Form in PDF format for specific details, schedule and fees. (updated August 11, 2009)

Chapter Executives & Volunteers: Review this document for more details specfically for Chapters - Letter to Chapters July 19/09

Huge thank you to our Sponsors and Donors - click here for a full list of those that have made a difference in the success of the 2009 Chapter Development Retreat & Annual General Meeting

Free copy to the first
50 delegates registered!

Our Presenters for the 2009 Chapter Development Retreat are:

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Jacques Brunet – Opening Address - Jacques is a Skills Coach, a Master of Ceremonies and an award-winning Professional Speaker on topics such as change, loss, the art of asking and communications skills. He has authored three books, "How to be an Effective Master of Ceremonies", “Power Thoughts and Ideas for Success” and “Now You’re Talking: More than 50 Ways to Improve Your Next Presentation.” Jacques combines his diverse experience, passion, energy and humour, to deliver inspiring presentations.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Jacques will inspire and enlighten delegates, sharing his perspective on how we all have the ability to ‘Light a Fire’: to encourage ourselves and other Chapter members who may need confidence to step forward as a volunteer or to take on a new role within our Chapters. Canada’s multiple-birth community is shaped by the choices we make as individuals. Stepping forward or staying involved is a decision we make that results in the personal satisfaction of knowing we are helping other multiple-birth families, not for recognition or compensation, rather as a response to our desire to make a difference, to be there - supporting multiple births together.

TEAM-BUILDING WORKSHOP: After his key-note address, Jacques will facilitate a team-building workshop.

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Spencer Brennan – Over the past 25 years, Spencer has worked as an addiction therapist, volunteer coordinator and adult educator and has presented workshops in Canada, the United States and Australia. He currently coordinates the Ontario Self-Help Network (OSHNET) at the Self-Help Resource Centre of Toronto. In this capacity, he supports the development of both local and regional self-help/mutual aid initiatives by providing consultations, networking opportunities, resource materials and fee-for-service workshops. All of these activities support volunteer community members and professionals to integrate self-help strategies into their organizing efforts. For further information and downloadable resources, visit the OSHNET website at www.selfhelp.on.ca.

FULL GROUP SESSION: Keeping Your Group on Track: In this interactive workshop delegates will learn ways to better maintain your Chapters. We will review the stages of group development, explore methods to share responsibilities and deal with difficult situations, exchanging tips to maintain momentum and morale.

WORKSHOP #1: When the Going Gets Tough-Dealing with Conflict: Conflict is a normal part of group dynamics. Conflict resolution improves with openness, clear process and practice. In this workshop we will explore our personal reactions to conflict, discuss common conflicts in groups, and practice conflict resolution skills.

FULL GROUP SESSION: Self-care for Volunteers: An opportunity for Chapter volunteers to examine why they get stressed, and offer some behavioural suggestions to manage the rough spots, in & out of group. Especially good for co-facilitators. Come prepared to share and participate.

WORKSHOP #2-Chapter Exchange A—Public Relations/Awareness: This panel discussion will spotlight effective public relations and awareness strategies followed by a group discussion on how to develop your Chapter’s relationship with educators, medical professionals and social service providers. Delegates will also discover new ways to reach diverse groups within the multiple-birth community.

WORKSHOP #3-Chapter Exchange B—Fundraising and Funding: Interactive session—Chapters will share their most popular fundraisers (including clothing sales). Handouts, fundraising opportunities and other useful tools to aid in fundraising and acquiring funding will be provided.

Lynda P. Haddon – Lynda has over 15 years of experience running prenatal classes for expectant multiple-birth parents in the Ottawa area and has presented at seminars in Canada and the United States. Lynda has many roles as an MBC national volunteer including Breastfeeding Support Network Chair, Loss Support Network Chair, and is a past President of MBC (formerly POMBA Canada). Lynda has written and developed a large assortment of MBC’s publications. www.multiplebirthsfamilies.com

WORKSHOP #4-Chapter Exchange C—Chapter Prenatal Sessions: Interactive session—This workshop will focus on the essential curriculum of a multiple-birth prenatal session. It will review the uses and illustrate the benefits of MBC fact sheets. The presentation will allow Chapter representatives to engage in discussion aimed at answering all relevant questions about how to set up and optimize these valuable prenatal learning initiatives.

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

MBC & YOU! This informative and interactive discussion will include templates and handouts. Delegates will learn more about MBC Support Networks, MBC tools for Chapters, MBC technology—using the MBC website, Chapter websites, Facebook, other online tools—MBC membership renewal and other useful resources that will improve the work of delegates at the Chapter level.

Workshops #2 and #3 on Saturday and all workshops on Sunday will be presented by various MBC Directors and national volunteers.

These workshop topics have been designed to focus on the needs expressed by Chapters through the recent MBC survey and consultation over the last year. As well, more time will be dedicated to Chapters sharing best practices with each other.

While the workshops and learning are important, so is the time to relax or try something new! Below are the activities on-site or nearby that may be of interest to delegates in scheduled free time, including the Friday morning of the conference weekend. You must register and pay in advance for these activities. Although the conference will officially begin mid-day Friday, we encourage you to make plans now to arrive on Thursday to enjoy some “you” time with friends that evening at one of the many restaurants/activities on-site and then be ready to try a scheduled activity or spend time relaxing at the spa on Friday morning. Chapters…start fundraising now! Volunteers…save your pennies! You will not want to miss an opportunity like this!

October 16th—Friday Morning Activities (9am-noon)

Start your weekend retreat right—choose one
 of the following fun activities!

These activities are not included in your registration fee and are completely optional but MUST be booked and paid for in advance. All options have minimum participant requirements; options will be removed if numbers are not met. 

Le Scandinave Spa—up to 3 hours

• Scandinavian baths, Finnish sauna, Norwegian steam room, Nordic waterfall, hot baths & cold plunge baths, indoor & outdoor relaxation—$31.08 per person, transportation after 10 am

• Swedish Massage (60 minutes) plus baths, etc. above—$120.75 per person 

Scenic Caves Nature Adventure—1-3 hours ($36.75 per person incl. transp.)

• Self-guided walking trails through the caves, caverns and to the suspension bridge takes approximately 2 hours to complete

Zip Line & Suspension Bridge—2-3 hours ($57.75 per person incl. transp.)

• High among 200 year-old oak trees, up to 60 feet above the ground, get ready for an experience like no other. During your tour you will enjoy Ontario’s longest suspension bridge and zip line.

Nature Hike—1.5 hours ($36.75 per person incl. transp.)

• Explore the hills and trails of the Niagara Escarpment. Tours will reflect the fitness level of the group

Iron Chef—2 hours ($63.00 per person )

• A culinary experience with an environment that promotes creativity, communication and cooperation amongst participants.

Yoga Class ($26.25 per person)

All prices include GST. Choose and pay for these
activities on the next page. Activities MUST be booked and paid for in advance. Activities will be reimbursed only if sessions are cancelled due to lack of interest.

The programming has been finalized. To learn about the workshop topics, and presenters, and to plan your recreational activities, download the registration form above. There will not be online registration this year.

We look forward to spending time relaxing, learning and sharing with you in October 2009!

For more information, to offer volunteering or financial support for the Conference, or to identify topics you would like to see addressed during the Chapter Development retreat, please to contact the Committee at
conference2009@multiplebirthscanada.org.