Associate Members
It's Time to Prepare for the Baltimore Conference!
By Detective Jill Smallwood-Rustin, 2010 National Associate Members' Rep.
Jun 25, 2010 - 11:04:40 AM

Greetings Associate Members,

I'm sending this article as a friendly reminder to begin preparing for the 34th Annual Training Conference. Our Executive Director, the national office staff, and the Maryland Conference Host Committee are placing final touches on what they  promise will be a great training and social experience for all attendees.  Law enforcement personnel can begin a stress free week starting off with a discounted concert from Frankie Beverly and Maze on Saturday July 10, 2010 at 8:00pm. 

For those Associate Members who will be attending the conference for the first time, I will be available to assist you with navigating through a week of training and social events. I'll recognize some of you by the star identifying you as a first time attendee. Membership Chairperson Sergeant Shirley Berger and Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant will have information available in the registration area for first time attendees, look for the booth.  Members at the booth will be able to answer questions however, be sure to attend the orientation meeting  for first time attendees on Saturday July 10, 2010 from 4:00pm -5:00pm.  More importantly, please don't forget to attend the Associate Member's Caucus on Sunday July 11, 2010 at 5:00pm. This year we will be voting for our new National Associate Members' Representative.   

At your first conference you should try to do as much as possible which will leave you tired but, with a total picture of NOBLE.  Attending a variety of classes, meetings, and social events will help you learn the organization and the personalities which form it. This will also give you an opportunity to observe and listen to those who represent you on the Executive Board and whether or not they have the best interest of the associate membership.

May I also suggest you bring business suits or business casual attire for each day of training and a more relaxed and casual attire for social events during the evening hours.  Remember, regardless of who paid your registration fee, you represent yourself, your agency, and the law enforcement community, “business first-train hard, play hard" is our unspoken motto. Formal attire is worn the last evening of the conference (Wed. night 7/14) at the closing annual awards banquet and President's Ball.  I have met some brothers who weren’t aware they could wear tuxedos, you can, and it is just as appropriate to wear a very nice business suit. 

Your registration credentials are always worn to identify you as a participant at the conference.  Forget past practices, pay your dues, register for the conference, and wear your credentials.  As usual security will be tight and there is a mandatory requirement to wear your conference identification for some of the social events.  Those who forget them or have not properly registered will not be permitted into classroom areas or events specifically for NOBLE attendees. Remember to bring your NOBLE pin or bullion which is often worn along with your registration credentials.  The NOBLE pin or bullion is worn on the left lapel or left side of your body above the heart. 

The Memorial March will be Wednesday July 14, 2010.  NOBLE would like to see as many as possible in your summer dress uniform or a business suit at the Memorial March, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera. Remember to bring small tokens (i.e. stickers, pencils, small toys) as giveaways from your agency for the children from the community who stand and watch the parade of officers who march through their neighborhood.  I cannot begin to express how inspiring it looks to watch a sea of uniforms marching down the street and into a church service, this time together is truly a conference highlight. 

To the new members or first time attendees, watch, listen and participate. And by all means take advantage of all opportunities to network. Again, bring your business cards and an open mind, this annual conference will be a total learning experience.

See you in "B-More"!