Sunday night,  I attended a wonderful RoundTable meeting of volunteers of The National Inclusion Project.  Aron Hall led the meeting which was lots of fun and full of so much information.

We started the meeting with some great ice-breakers which gave us the opportunity to meet different people in the room.  The thirty volunteers became relaxed and seemed to jump right in.

Aron discussed many things with us.  I took a few notes, but I am sure that he will be sharing the information with us through the Foundation’s web page.

I am just going to list a few of the things that were mentioned……I wish my notes were more organized.

• Did you know that 5000 kids were involved with the National Inclusion Project this year?
• They will no longer be using the title  of “Grant”.  The organization does much more than just “grant’ money.  They also give hands on training and provide a network system for the “grants”.  No alternate name was mentioned.
• Job of volunteers has three parts.  First, we are a mouthpiece; we share the story.  Second, we are firestarters; we create enthusiasm.  Lastly, we need to be an organizer.
• With the name change, it is wonderful that we can capitalize on the name……Inclusion.
• Challenge for the year…..Beta Alpha chapters together raise $200,000 in 2010!!
• Wait until you see the new “Painted Bottoms” project.

It was wonderful to join with other volunteers and get ideas and excitement from them.  There is so much we can do to support The National Inclusion Project.

A BIG Thank you to Aron who met with us instead of having dinner with Clay at the Country Club dinner.  I hope you know how much everyone appreciated the meeting.

And another thank you to Diane and Jerry for stopping in after the dinner to say hello.

Speaking of Clay Aiken…………did you all see this picture from the dinner last night?  It was reported that Clay sang 3 songs and they were all wonderful.

Update: A recap posted at Clayversity by hippoga:

Aron Hall hosted a Roundtable for “National Inclusion Project” volunteers here at the hotel. There were around 30 people in attendance. Aron spoke eloquently and from the heart about what he hopes “National Inclusion Project” volunteers will be-mouthpieces to “tell the story” of the project and it’s mission, firestarters to be enthusiastic about “National Inclusion Project” programs and fundraising activities and organizers to start local activities in our communities to support the “National Inclusion Project”. We participated in several activities to meet our fellow volunteers and to share successful projects and ideas from around the country. Diane Buble, Jerry Aiken and Kristie Barnes came in to say hello and thank you when they returned from the dinner/miniconcert for the Mirasol members. Diane assures us that Clay’s hair looks good and he sounds great. I’m looking forward to confirming that in person tomorrow!

The enthusiasm is continuing today as Clay Aiken fans celebrate the new National Inclusion Project.

We have been contacted by some of the Clay Aiken fan boards who want to honor Clay and the National Inclusion Project.  Some have started fund-raisers to support the goal of inclusion for all children.

Most of the boards are asking their members to celebrate the new name and new website by making a donation through their Beta Alpha Chapter.  What an excellent idea to show support for the National Inclusion Project and their mission of full inclusion.

Please check with your home board for more information and guidelines about their celebration gift.  And don’t forget to check the Beta Alpha circle on the donation form so your home board gets the credit.

Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child wrote the song “These Open Arms.”  Featured on Clay Aiken’s album, A Thousand Different Ways, the song was one of the more popular tracks on the album.  A professional video of Clay performing this song was made.  Some fans  found the video on sites throughout Europe.  So……..here is the video of “These Open Arms” by international star, Clay Aiken!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KznogLYOJpg