Karen Olson, President, and keynote speaker Diana Butler Bass.

Family Promise representatives and supporters, more than 260 in all, convened from September 23-25, 2011 in Salt Lake City for their national conference, Moving Mountains. The theme reflected the challenges faced by families and Affiliates alike in the current economy, as well as the amazing work being done by 171 Affiliates across the country each day. The conference was made possible, in part, by the generous sponsorships of American Express, MassMutual, Dinsmore Steele, Recycled Rides, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Brian Jaffe Associates.

A trio of compelling speakers framed the weekend’s activities.

Saturday morning, Mark Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Special Needs at the Department of Housing and Development opened the conference and framed the issue by announcing that federal funding for homelessness will remain flat next year, at $1.9 billion, so it will be more critical than ever for agencies to work smart and work together.

A full house for Diana Butler Bass.

Diana Butler Bass followed with an engaging and entertaining keynote exploring spirituality and hospitality’s roles in social justice throughout history. Dr. Bass is the author of several best-selling books, including Christianity for the Rest of Us and, most recently, A People’s History of Christianity and her speech placed the work Family Promise is doing within a larger, historical context. As Carole Brady, Director of Family Promise of Lake Houston, said, “I really enjoyed Dr. Bass—her energy was specific and provided some insight and levity for us all—she was really great!”

Keynote speaker, Rabbi Michael Lerner.

And Michael Rabbi Lerner, editor of Tikkun magazine, delivered an inspiring keynote on Sunday, urging attendees to "challenge the materialism and selfishness in American society and to promote an ethos of love, generosity, and awe and wonder at the grandeur of the universe." He argued that we must each take an active role in changing the political landscape in America from one dominated by fear and aggression to one infused with hope and love.

Thirty-four workshops were offered.

There were workshops for board members, staff, and volunteers throughout the weekend, all designed to help Affiliates flourish. Thirty-four workshops in all were offered at the conference; from best practices for fundraising to positioning Affiliates as Housing First agencies to online tools designed to build capacity and raise awareness. Michael Diamant, Board Vice-President, Family Promise of South Palm Beach County said, “I came away energized by the speed with which the Family Promise National team has embraced emerging technology to complement our personal interactions to help our Guests.”

Family Promise's 1st Annual Karaoke Night.

It wasn’t all work, however. Attendees still found time for a raucous Friday night charity karaoke party (with proceeds benefitting selected Affiliates) and a Saturday evening stroll down Main Street of spectacular Park City followed by dinner and dancing amidst the natural beauty of the Swaner Eco-Center. And Sunday morning brought an inspirational favorite—the Interfaith Worship Service that has become a conference tradition.

Saturday Night Dancing.

Moving Mountains was a celebration of the dedication Family Promise supporters demonstrate each and every day. But it was also an opportunity for Founder Karen Olson to address the challenges ahead and the need for a collective commitment to the Family Promise name. She urged Affiliates who have not yet adopted the name Family Promise to do so as soon as possible. “Family Promise…a name rich in meaning…two simple words that deliver a powerful message of hope to families. It is our pledge to families to work alongside them and to help them on the path to sustainable independence. And it also expresses the promise inherent in each family.”

Her overarching message was one of hope. “Despite these tough times, I have faith we can get through them. I have faith in Family Promise and our model of outreach. Faith in the families we serve and faith in you. If we work together, work smart, I have faith we can move mountains.”