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NACON WORKSHOP SUMMARIES
Proper Maintenance and Care of Coast Guard Equipment: Students learned the proper care and maintenance of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as well as other Coast Guard issued equipment. Training was provided by a District Operations Training Officer (OTO).
Social Media and the Auxiliary: Attendees to this workshop experienced the ways that various social media networks can assist the local officials, members, flotillas, and CG units for not only social events but for member accountability during emergency situations. Ryan Banks of the Public Affairs Department conducted the sessions.
Setting up and Running On-Line Unit Websites: Students were presented information and were demonstrated how to modernize their web presence with new National approved branding and “how to” maintain the sites each month with content. Presented by Bill Pritchard, Department Director-Chief Technical Officer.
PaddleSports America PE Course: Kayakers and Canoeists – They Are Boaters Also—Attendees examined all the new Paddlesports America text materials and teaching tools to reach and teach the vast new audience of novice boaters. This workshop focused on what enhances the newest Auxiliary approved seminar course and how to can gain further interest in other Public Education courses. It took a look at how to increase the number of certified Instructors and how to encourage paddlecraft experts to join forces with the Auxiliary to reach kayakers and canoeists. Anne Lockwood, Director of the Education Department, provided this informative workshop.
Coast Guard’s Ombudsman Program and the College Detachment Programs: Students learned about the Ombudsman program that allows Auxiliarists to qualify for this position at local stations, cutters, and sectors. The program provides assistance for the active duty personnel and their families in a wide variety of areas. Attendees also learned about the College Detachment Program which is designed to recruit college students into the Auxiliary. This workshop presented overviews of how to start these programs at the local level. Instructors were Gene Romanick, Division Chief Recruiting and Retention, and, Andrew Welch, Branch Chief University Programs.
Performance Measurements in the Auxiliary: Students were presented a review of the progress and developments in the Auxiliary’s Performance Measurement Program that included methods for measuring our accomplishments in each mission area and the value of our contribution to the Coast Guard and the Boating Public. ANACO-PS Nick Tarlson hosted the sessions.
New GIS functionality available in AIMS: Participants learned about the Geographic charting function that allows alerts to be sent to selected members (various qualifications) within a given radius of an event or incident. The presenter was Steve Pegram-BC-RIS and assisted by ANACO-CIO Bruce Miller
Inflatable Life Jacket Training Kits: Attendees were presented a “How To” workshop that covered the proper maintenance techniques for caring for inflatable life jackets based on the National Safe Boating Council’s experiences. ANACO-RBS Robin Freeman and Fred Messaman, Deputy Director-NSBC presented.
International Round-Table discussion: Attendees from five foreign Coast Guard Auxiliaries met with representatives of the active duty U.S. Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary. They shared experiences, problem solving and a discussion on incorporating social media networking into their programs. Various presenters were involved.
~jim 08-26-10