March 4-5, 2026
Conference schedule:
March 4:
- 9am: Welcome
- 9:30am: Opening Keynote
- 11:15am: Program and Exhibitor Networking
- 12:30pm: Lunch
- 1:30pm: Service Projects
- 2:45pm: Workshops
- 4:15: Program Meet-Ups
March 5:
- 9am: Welcome
- 9:15am: Plenary
- 10:15am: Service Projects
- 11:30am: Closing Keynote
Opening Keynote
Opening KeynoteRecycled Minds Comedy
This 1.5-hour interactive training is designed to launch the AmeriCorps training day by building genuine connection, trust, and collaborative momentum from the start. Led by Sean Hancock, the session blends engaging storytelling, hands-on improv exercises, guided reflection, and mindfulness practices to help participants connect with one another in meaningful and memorable ways.
Sean Hancock is a speaker and facilitator with Recycled Minds, an award-winning comedy and training company founded in 2002 and recognized locally with Audience Choice Awards and “Best Date Night in the Treasure Valley.” For over 20 years, Sean and Recycled Minds have worked with nonprofits, schools, and organizations using the principles of improv to strengthen connection, communication, and teamwork. His sessions are welcoming, hands-on, and grounded in real interaction, blending storytelling, simple exercises, and reflection to help people engage naturally with one another. The focus is on presence, collaboration, and learning through shared experience. Expect a fun, thoughtful start to the day that helps people feel more connected, energized, and ready to work together.
Plenary
Resiliency: The Leadership Muscle We Must Flex
This plenary explores resiliency as a developable leadership muscle essential for AmeriCorps members at every level. Drawing on experience as a VISTA alum, HR leader, and change management consultant, the session reframes growth-related discomfort as a normal and necessary part of personal, organizational, and community transformation.
Kimber Russell, is a global human resources executive, Organization Change Management consultant, proud AmeriCorps VISTA alumna, and community leader with a strong record of service and talent development in the Treasure Valley. She combines strategic HR leadership with experience in workforce development, consulting, and nonprofit governance to make a lasting impact on others. She feels that the intersection of people, business, technology, and philanthropy is where the time and talents of all humans make the most impact.
Closing Keynote
Service Leadership : Finding Purpose
As members prepare to close out their service year, this session offers space to reflect on their journey, reconnect with their “why,” and recognize the impact they’ve made. Through guided activities, participants will explore how their AmeriCorps experience has shaped their leadership, clarify their personal purpose, and identify how to carry their service-forward mindset into future education, career, and community roles.
Kay Emerson, MS, is the founder of SheRen Consulting and a national trainer with America’s Service Commissions (ASC). With over 15 years in publicadministration, she supports state service commissions, nonprofits, and AmeriCorps programs in strengthening leadership, compliance, and communityimpact. A former commission leader, Kay managed multi-million-dollar portfolios and launched public health service initiatives. She brings a warm, purpose-centered approach that empowers AmeriCorps members to lead with clarity, confidence, and long-term civic commitment.
For questions, please contact:
Micaela de Loyola-Carkin
Project Coordinator, Serve Idaho
208-696-5343
Micaela.deLoyola-Carkin@labor.idaho.gov
Resources
Service project sponsor
Idaho State University – Institute of Rural Health is the 2026 Serve Idaho AmeriCorps Conference service project sponsor.