CVM Highlights
11th Annual Community Voice Mail National Federation Conference
Each year CVM National brings members of the CVM federation together under one roof providing a 2-day conference to share ideas, resources, information. This year's conference was held October 2-3 at The Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, WA. Over 40 representatives from 35 CVM sites gathered to focus on this year's theme of "More Than Just Voice Mail."
A highlight of this year's conference was a presentation about the role of technology in the lives of homeless individuals by Georgia Tech PhD student Christopher LeDantec entitled, "Life at the Margins: Assessing the Role of Technology for the Urban Homeless."
CVM Golden Phone Awards
The Community Voice Mail Golden Phone Award is an annual award to recognize the contributions of outstanding CVM sites and CVM supporters.
One award is presented to a CVM site that has made an exemplary contribution to both its community and to the CVM Federation. Nominations are made by Federation members and winners are chosen by the CVM National Staff. Recipients are awarded at the annual CVM National Federation Conference held each October in Seattle, WA.
The 2008 Golden Phone for outstanding site was awarded to Chicago CVM, hosted by
Inspiration Corporation, and its steadfast and hard-working manager, Karl Greene. His commitment to his partner agencies and his client advocacy has allowed him to build a strong program that serves more than 1,000 people every year.
The 2008 Golden Phone award for outstanding CVM supporter went to Lynn Schusterman, Chair of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma for her enthusiasm and generosity instrumental in launching the Tulsa, OK site. Read more here.
CVM Responds to Hurricane Ike
Several Texas Community Voice Mail sites played a role in helping with Hurricane Ike recovery. Special thanks to Houston for producing a broadcast message alerting CVM clients of the storm and providing information ensuring their safety.
A heartfelt thanks to Austin and San Antonio for working with FEMA to provide displaced Houston residents CVM numbers after Hurricane Ike roared through the area.
Bellingham, WA's Opportunity Council Launches New Project
A new site is available to Washington State residents. The Telecommunications Consumer Education and Training Project may help to get you reconnected with basic phone service, increase your knowledge of consumer rights, and decrease the cost of your telephone service.
Using Broadcast Messaging
CVM is using Broadcast Messaging to distribute information to its clients, bringing further opportunities for employment, housing and resources to those in need. Watch Video.