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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 WAVE Conference! Over 190 Village leaders, advocates, healthcare professionals, and government partners—representing more than 75 organizations—came together in Silver Spring, MD for a powerful day of exchange, inspiration, and collaboration. The ideas shared, connections formed, and collective energy reaffirmed our shared commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Village ecosystem across the region. Together, we are reimagining aging and strengthening communities—one connection at a time. 

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CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & MATERIALS:


Conference Agenda DOWNLOAD HERE


MORNING WELCOME & PANEL DISCUSSION: Regional Updates and Collaborative Highlights from Virginia, Maryland and DC

WAVE President Laila Riazi delivered opening remarks and introduced the morning’s panelists: Carol Paquette, Convenor of the Virginia Village Collective; Chelsea Wheeler, Supportive Communities Program Manager, Maryland Dept. of Aging; and Dr. Katrina Polk, Executive Director, DC Villages Collaborative. DOWNLOAD HERE

 

LUNCH KEYNOTE: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Villages

Bob Blancato, president of Matz, Blancato & Associates in Washington, DC and a devoted advocate and leader in national policy for older adults, provided an overview of past, present and future national policies affecting older Americans and delivered an inspiring call to action for Villages in our region. DOWNLOAD HERE

 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS - Slide Presentations

Session 1.1: How Do YOU Attract and Engage Volunteers? Sharing best practices on volunteer management DOWNLOAD HERE 

 

Session 1.2: Putting Technology to Work for Your Village

DOWNLOAD HERE

 

Session 1.3: Building Better Village Websites

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Session 1.4: Marketing Fundamentals for Villages

DOWNLOAD HERE

 

Session 2.1: Fundraising You Can Do Today!

DOWNLOAD HERE

 

Session 2.2: Exploring Logic Models and Evaluation

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Session 2.3: Storytelling and Annual Reports

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Session 3.1: Data That Works for You!

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Session 3.2: Care and Support for a Member’s Changing Needs: Village programs that provide supportive care for members who rely on extra support

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Session 3.3: Highlighting New Village Programs

DOWNLOAD HERE


Washington Area Villages Exchange
P.O. Box 7464
Alexandria, VA 22307-0464
washingtonareavillages@gmail.com