Life as a Rookie:
Two Convention Rookies Share Their Edmonton Experience

By Dave Steele and Myra Skerrett
 

Flying out to Edmonton with my pseudo-Mentor in the seat beside me, I was very curious about what my first National Convention was going to be all about.  Up till now, my exposure to Progress was just through my own club (Halifax) but were my eyes opened wide over the three days that followed.

I joined Progress to become involved in the community, to give back to that community and to work with a team of 50 guys that wanted to do the same.  Little did I realize that the team is actually over 750 guys and gals across Canada, all contributing to make a difference in their respective communities and across our nation.

I found it a bit overwhelming but very energizing to see so many Progressians attend the convention and hear the passion about what they do.  I met so many people, most of us different but all sharing a common goal.  The days were packed with meetings, seminars and workshops but so were the nights, with other social events that allowed us to celebrate the great work we all do.

I came out of the convention with a new energized drive for Progress, a greater awareness of what Progress is all about, a few new responsibilities (should learn to bite my tongue), an anticipation of Saskatoon in 2005, too many new friends to mention and a strong sense of belonging to something great.

In closing, I recommend to anyone that has not attended a National Convention, rookie or otherwise, to try and attend one because I flew out as a member of a club but returned as a member of a great passionate national family.

Dave Steele
2004 National Convention Rookie
Canadian Progress Club Halifax

I am a relatively new member, having joined Calgary Wild Rose on March 10, 2004. This fall, I attended my first National Convention in Edmonton as one of the “rookies”.  From the moment I arrived at the check in desk, I knew this was going to be a memorable few days.  At registration we were given a goodie bag and a huge agenda outlining activities, meetings and parties over the coming days.

(Shown at right:  Back Row: Myra Skerrett, Pat Alexander, Donna Berthelet, Laura Davey, Jennifer Hameluck; Front Row: Robin Waldo, Patti Nolan, Cari McLaughlan).

I have never seen such a well-organized conference, packed with so much to do.  Each day was planned by the half hour, so you knew where to be every 30 minutes.  And if you didn’t have the big agenda, you could whip out your mini agenda in the back of your nametag to know where to be next. That little agenda saved my butt many times!

Our days were filled with meetings, guest speakers and workshops.  There was even time to do a bit of shopping in the mall!  I particularly liked how we started the sessions on Thursday morning—nothing like a bit of Bailey’s to sweeten the coffee!  On Friday I attended “Rookie Camp” hosted by the one and only Carlos Pardo.  Each rookie was greeted with a glass of champagne and firm instructions to wear red noses so we rookies could be identified at the AGM the next day.  Well, in the excitement between Friday and Saturday I lost my red nose, and was duly fined at the AGM.  But at least I made it!

I have heard a lot about the social activities at convention, but had no idea they would be so much fun. Each night there was something different to look forward to.  We danced by the wave pool to the music of a steel band, donned our western duds and two-stepped to a country band at Fort Edmonton, and we “tied one on” and rocked the night away at one of the infamous hospitality suites.

For me, the highlight of convention was the President’s Ball.  Seven girls from the Calgary Wild Rose club were able to share in the excitement as our President, Patti Nolan, was named “Progression of the Year”.  That evening was incredibly special to us and we will never forget it. I am so proud to be in a club that has come so far in such a short time under Patti’s leadership.  Congratulations, Patti!

Convention means different things to different people, and now I know what it means to me.  Each of us shares a common bond no matter where we live: we are committed to helping others, and we are committed to Progress.  Convention is a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals and clubs who are making a difference in communities across this nation.  Convention is about meeting people who are so full of life and fun that you can’t wait to see them again next year.  It is also about learning the big picture of Progress and appreciating this organization and its members on a national scale.  I thought I knew why I joined Progress last spring.  Now I know why I did.  The Canadian Progress Club is like none other in the world and I am glad to be part of it.

See you all next year!

Myra Skerrett
Calgary Wild Rose