2008 HCH Conference Network Events

MEDITATION & STRESS REDUCTION
Thursday | June 12 | 10:30 AM - 12 NOON
When your work exposes you directly and continuously to human suffering, the need to remain open and giving is high but the opportunities for emotional renewal are low. Even the most seasoned professional experiences giver's fatigue. Researchers have shown the powerful effect mindfulness can have on reducing stress and increasing vitality. Join bestselling author and Buddhist meditation teacher SusanPiver to learn simple mindfulness techniques-and the philosophy behind them-that you can put into use immediately.

Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Say "I Do" and the new book, How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life, which offers insight and information from Buddhism about conquering the fears that hold you back. Piver is a graduate of a Buddhist seminary and authorized meditation instructor in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. Piver leads meditation retreats across the country and offers workshops on meditation, creativity and the art of a contemplative life. She is a frequent contributor to Body & Soul magazine and The Shambhala Sun and is frequently in the media, including appearances on Oprah, the Today show, CNN, and in the press including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Money and others.

How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life is a winner of the 2007 Books for a Better Life Award in the Spiritual category. "I have long recommended meditation as central to a healthy lifestyle. Susan Piver teaches this important practice in a trustworthy and practical way - and shows us how to use its lessons to create a fearless life." - Andrew Weil, MD, author of Healthy Aging

"Susan Piver has worked her magic again. She gives us an everyday approach to Buddhism, so that all of us can benefit from the wisdom of this magnificent philosophy. In this wacky world we all need practices and perspectives that ground us in the here and now. Navigate and swim the river more gracefully with Susan's advice." - Rodney Yee, author of Yoga: The Poetry of the Body

REGIONAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Friday | June 13 | 7 - 8:30 AM
On Friday morning, seating in the conference hotel's ballroom will be organized in regional groupings during the continental breakfast. There, you will be able to meet your regional Steering Committee representatives, meet other clinicians working in your region and ask questions you may have about the Network.

2008 AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Friday | June 13 | 8:30 - 10 AM
Following the keynote address during the opening plenary, the Network will present its Award for Outstanding Service. With the presentation of this award, the Network strives to foster peer-to-peer recognition of the dedication and passion we see so frequently in clinicians working with homeless families and individuals. We hope to honor the clinicians who labor tirelessly, but unrecognized.

13TH ANNUAL NETWORK MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Friday | JUNE 13 | 2 - 3:30 PM
Join HCH Clinicians' Network members at our annual meeting, which provides an opportunity to meet other members, build new friendships and catch up with old friends. Network Chair Bechara Choucair will provide a summary of the year's activities and a glimpse of expected activities for the coming year. There will be a very brief business meeting where we elect new Steering Committee members and we salute this year's Local Heroes. We plan to introduce a new feature during this year's gathering, a process that we call Shoptalk. Members will be invited to discuss their work, noting any new or emerging trends or identifying pernicious challenges. The Network will use the information gathered during this forum to help direct future activities and direction of our organization.