A New Beginning
Attending the first New Activities Directors Institute (NADI) Conference for new leadership advisors and directors was an incredibly enriching experience for me, both professionally and personally. As a new leadership advisor with one year under my belt, I arrived at the conference at University of California, Santa Barbara eager to learn and grow, and it certainly did not disappoint.
One of the most impactful aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect with seasoned advisors—the institute’s instructors, Lindsay Charron (CADA President Elect, Ensign Intermediate School), Petra Davis Johnson (Tesoro High School, Area F Board) and Denise Van Doorn (CADA Past President, Area H Lead, Bear Valley Middle School) —who generously shared their insights and experiences. They also provided a wealth of resources through a well-organized Google Classroom, many of which I have already incorporated into this school year’s plans. Yes, our school started on August 7! I didn’t even know there were actual standards for leadership, but now that I do, I’m integrating them into our ASB Leadership activities this year.
The whole-group discussions, including Q&A sessions, broadened my perspective on what it means to be a leadership advisor and emphasized the importance of fostering a positive school culture. Whether it’s celebrating campus birthdays, recognizing the honor roll, or launching “Fill Your Cup” initiatives, I’m excited to have my students make a bigger impact on campus and in the community. I also enjoyed discovering what personality color resonated with me, as well as the activity of filling out an index card to learn about others—I’ve already done both with my two ASB classes. Additionally, I loved the thumb ball activity and immediately purchased two from Amazon! Google it, you’ll find it.
I also realized that leadership is not just about organizing events or, as the instructors repeated, “making posters.” It’s about empowering students to take initiative, build confidence, and create lasting change in their communities.
In just a few days at this conference, I gained practical tools and strategies for organizing student activities, managing groups effectively, and creating inclusive environments where every student feels valued. I was especially inspired by learning about pep rallies and witnessing students lead one at CADA Leadership Camp, which was happening alongside our conference. I gained so much insight from casual conversations with different people, whether over a delicious Mexican food dinner or while sitting together in the university cafeteria.
Overall, the NADI conference was a transformative experience. It not only provided me with the knowledge and tools needed to be an effective leadership advisor but also reaffirmed my commitment to this important work. I left the conference feeling inspired, more confident in my abilities, and ready to implement what I’ve learned to make a meaningful impact on my students and school community.
Help a friend, next year
To learn more about the New Activities Directors Institute check the CADA Website, ask your Area Coordinator or come to the CADA Convention in San Diego. It may not be posted right away on the website as we just got the program off the ground, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Originally printed in CADA News Volume 124, Number 1 (September 2024)
