2009 National CASA Conference

Contributed by: Donna Huntsman, Friends of CASA Executive Director

The room was a buzz. You could feel the excitement, the anticipation. Something big was about to take place…

Imagine being in a room with 1,400 devoted CASA supporters. Some are board members, some are volunteers, some are staff…but everyone is a child advocate. Those in attendance are from all over…Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, Alaska, and Arkansas. Forty-eight states are represented. You look around the room and you can see a unique blend of people sharing their diverse backgrounds, accents and experiences.

Suddenly, everyone jumps to their feet and begin to applaud and holler as Dr. Phil and his wife Robin walk into the banquet hall.

This was my experience at the 2009 National CASA Conference – Taking advocacy to a higher level. The conference was held over four days, April 25-28th, in Denver, Colorado.

Dr. Phil McGraw, the host of the very successful syndicated daytime talk show DR. PHIL, and his wife Robin McGraw, were invited to give the key note address. They spoke to the need of getting every child in foster care a CASA volunteer. They thanked everyone for their commitment and challenged us to recruit 100,000 additional volunteers.

But, most importantly, they spoke of their commitment and desire to help CASA attain the goal of giving every child an advocate, a voice.

…everyone in the banquet hall was standing and applauding as Robin and Dr. Phil stepped off the stage. It was an invigorating experience to surround oneself with passionate people sharing the same belief and cause as you.

Dr. Phil Talks About the National CASA Program in his Show

Dr. Phil and Robin Thank CASA Volunteers