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Past Conferences
Pioneer Network hosts a national conference that is a showcase for innovative thought and transformative practices in the long-term care culture change movement — as well as an opportunity to facilitate communication among people interested in propelling this important work.
A few thoughts, a few notes, a few things to share from Pioneer Network's 12th National Conference, Building a Bridge to a New Culture of Aging
From Karen Stobbe, Conference Director
To those of you who were not able to join us we would like to share a little about the conference with you. And to those of you who were with us, thank you for joining us in Jacksonville!
It is a long-held Pioneer Network tradition to open the conference with remarks from our convener, Carter Catlett Williams. I personally feel it is always one of the highlights of the conference for me. Click here to download a copy of Carter's Morning Plenary remarks.
SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME!
As always, many of our attendees told us that they had a hard time deciding which of our many sessions to attend. Did you miss something you have an interest in? We know the answer is probably … yes. Thanks to our generous presenters, most of the handouts from our Concurrent Session are now available to download. Click here.
SHARE YOUR LESSONS FOR LIVING – MORE ABOUT THE LEGACY PROJECT
 Many people paused to tell us how much they enjoyed Dr. Pillemer's talk at our Wednesday luncheon about his work, The Legacy Project: Lessons for Living from the Wisest Americans.
Since only the youngest person at each table received a copy of his book (with an inscription from the Eldest at each table), many people have asked how they can get their own copy. Click here for more information.
The Legacy Project is continually listing new stories online. You or any Elder you now can go online to Share Your Lessons for Living.
Here is an entry from an Elder that was shared online just days after Dr. Pillemer spoke at our conference.
Heidi says on August 10, 2012 at 5:25pm: Be certain of this: happiness is not the result of smiling, or being positive, or winning or having. Happiness comes from embracing life. "YESSSS!!" is the throaty hiss of rapture. Turn towards it like a compass and "no" will always be behind you. Embrace the depth of your sorrow, the challenge of your loss, the strength of your will as it crosses the bridging fear. Embrace the wonder of creative impulses to catch and transform what is discarded. Embrace the power of salvation in walking toward paths and people and places that do not harm, but embrace. Embrace the wonder that is yourself, your history, your eyes and heart as they take in every moment of now.
MUSIC AND MEMORY INSPIRES
 We had the opportunity to view the Alive Inside documentary which follows the work of Dan Cohen and the team from Cobble Hill with the Memory and Music program. The documentary left many of us who were able to view in tears and inspired.
Would like more information about how to set up an iPod™ program in your community or maybe you have an old ipod you would like to donate ? Click here.
CONNECT WITH THE NETWORK
Kristain Partington from AXIOM News in Ontario, Canada joined us in Jacksonville. He has written several blogs about his time spent with us.
It's Day 2 of my journey into the belly of the beast – that nucleus at the heart of the social movement to change the culture of aging in our society known as the Pioneer Network.
…See, we're talking about transforming elder care from where it's been for too many years back to a place where the gifts and contributions of elders are again respected; where they live lives of meaning free from the constraints of typical nursing home care; free to take risks and make choices; a place where creating new memories and living life to its highest capacity filled with friendship and love is placed above all in importance. …
This movement is about relationships among people doing the work and most importantly, relationships among those they serve who, even in their final days and moments and breath, have much to teach us about patience, sorrow, hope, faith and the spirit that in us all pulses with the essence of humanity.
Relationships are the foundations of the changing culture of aging and here in Jacksonville, they're blooming at a feverish pace.
Here is a link to visit Kristain's other blogs and more on Jacksonville.
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
Do you have a favorite picture from the Conference to share with the Network? Tell me who is in the picture and we will add them to our conference photo gallery and give you a shout out! Please send your jpgs (no photos embedded in word docs please!) to karen.stobbe@pioneernetwork.net
 Here is one of my favorite pictures taken by David Troxel, with Carter Catlett Williams and Virginia Bell. Thanks David!
I will leave you with the last line from Carter William's Convening remarks:
"Let the memories you make here abide in you as sources of inspiration and courage. Hold tightly to what you glean today and tomorrow about possibilities for the human spirit, and together we will spread the passion for change across the land. "
See you in 2013!
 August 11-14, 2013
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
Bellevue, Washington (near Seattle)
Special thanks to our 2012 National Sponsors.
Photo Gallery
Building a Bridge to a New Culture of Aging program (pdf download)
August 1-4, 2011
Saint Charles, Missouri
2011 National Conference Program Book (PDF)
Photo Gallery
Compass Points Self-Guided Activity (PDF)
August 9-11, 2010Indianapolis, Indiana View the Photo GalleryMeeting at the Crossroads Program (PDF)
 Coming Together, Creating Community 2009 Little Rock, Arkansas Coming Together, Creating Community 2009 Program book (3.4MB pdf) Remarks by Dr. Richard Taylor Carter Catlett Williams Legacy Award honoree
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