DWU Press Release

MITCHELL, S.D. – They won’t just be talking about changing the world – they’ll give some pointers on how to start doing it.

The Conference for Leadership, Innovation and Social Change is set for Thursday, April 10, in the Sherman Center at Dakota Wesleyan University. The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged; register at www.dwu.edu/leadershipconference. Box lunches are also available for purchase through registration.

“We have been very intentional in the planning process to create a conference that will enable and encourage people to do something that matters,” said Dr. Alisha Vincent, director of the McGovern Center and founder of a global nonprofit organization called Esperance Institute. “Not only do we think participants will find the speakers inspiring but we think the break-out Dialogue for Action sessions will give them the chance to take what is said from the stage and connect it directly to their daily lives. It will be an innovative conference for all ages.”

The conference headliner includes New York Times best-selling author Bob Goff, author of “Love Does,” who will speak on matters of human rights at 11 a.m. Also joining the conference is Molly Hough from Generation Alive, who will integrate the conference themes and reach across all age groups with steps on taking action.

“Bob Goff is a man passionate about life and God. He is an infectious presenter who will challenge everyone present to live full lives in God no matter where they are,” said Brandon Vetter, campus pastor, who has heard Goff speak before.

Goff founded Restore International, a nonprofit human rights organization in Uganda and India which works to pursue justice for the needy, including a case in Uganda where Restore International brought to trial more than 200 cases, some involving children who were jailed without trial, according to his website. He is also an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School and Point Loma Nazarene University. He will inspire attendees to get to the “do” part of life.

The day will also include “Dialogue for Action” sessions, where participants can discuss strategies for innovative social change.

Joining the discussion at 1 p.m. will be five people sharing “InnovaTalks,” inspirational and innovative mini-lectures, including: Jill Weimer, associate scientist and assistant professor of pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, sharing her big idea surrounding research on the development of the central nervous system; Ken Novak, of Mitchell, with “Discommunication: Soul-searching for Honest Christianity”; Stephanie Wescoup, of Mitchell, discussing social change and Native American culture; and DWU senior Kelli Swenson, of Chamberlain, speaking about leadership for the future.

“Everyone will walk away with something from the diverse topics and inspirational content of the conference,” said Fredel Thomas, director of the Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship. “We don’t step away from life often enough to look at the big picture and I think this conference is a great way to take a step away and be inspired.”

The Mitchell Area Youth night featuring Bob Goff will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, in the Sherman Center. This event is also free and open to the public; however, the youth night is targeted toward youth and student ministries grades 6 through 12 and their leaders from the surrounding areas, as well as college students.