Monday, July 19, 2010

Details have Arrived

So what the NYLC did instead of mailing a huge package of letters was to create for each individual who is enrolled in the conference their own sub website. Each page has customized PDF files for pretty much every aspect of the conference, from travel arrangement forms to insurance forms to dress code. If you have any questions or would like to see any of this information please dont hesistate to ask and I will send you a copy.

Before I post any of the cool things I am letting Tiffany read up on the paperwork, since she has a bit of studying to do, on the Constitution, on Congress, on our Senators and Representatives, and how the House and the Presidency actually work.
It should be a huge learning experience for her!

Thank You all Again!
Chuck

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Update

Just a heads up that I did recieve the official reciept for the first payment and her confirmation into the Conference. I am still awaiting the packet containing all the nitty gritty details. As soon as I get that I will post any new and relevant info.

On the financial side we do have enough to cover the second payment and are chipping away at the final $600ish dollars for her tuition. The all thats left is airfare and food fees.

Thank You all for your support!

Chuck

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

It has begun!

So it is official. As of this morning Tiffany's first payment has been submitted. I should be getting a more detailed package about all the nitty gritty details today that I hope to share with her as soon as I speak with her today.

Chuck

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Trip Details Update

Good Morning All,

I just spoke with a representative to answer some questions about Tiffanys trip to DC. Most of my questions will be answered in detail once I enroll her this week, I am just waiting for the transfer from paypal to finalize before paying the first $450fee.

1) Dress code is listed in detail, but basically it will be a mix of semi-casual, business attire and the final dance is promish...gotta work on this one.

2) The set up at the airport for arrival is set up so that there will be a designated meeting area and a large window of time to allow for multiple arrival times from varying airlines. There is a $40 shuttle fee and they will be met by representatives in NYLC shirts with large signage to mark who the are.

3)They recommend for lunches between $10 and $15 dollars a day, then snacks, souvenirs..etc.

I should have her enrollment begun by midweek. Once I recieve the full info pack I will be sure to post all relevant details here. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to comment and I will answer them asap.

Thank You All,
Chuck

Sunday, July 4, 2010

NYLC Schedule of Events

The following is a list of the events to take place during Tiffanys attendance at the National Young Leaders Conference;


Day One
Exploring Leadership in Our Nation's Capital
Registration for the Conference
Applying for Success: College Admissions Seminar
Welcome and Get Aquainted
Keynote Speaker: A Call to Leadership
Orientation

Day Two
National Issues and the Global Community
If I were President: Executive Branch Simulation
Public Service Leadership: A Briefing from the Executive Branch
Exploration of the Nation's Monuments and Historic Sites
Leadership in Action: Concurrent Elective Workshops

Day Three
Greetings from a Member of Congress
Floor of the House of Representatives
Orientation Tour of Capitol Hill
Congressional Appointments: Meetings with scholars and Senators and Reps.
Model Congress Preparation
Testing the Constitution: Judicial Branch Simulation

Day Four
Current Issues and the News Media
National Press Club Breakfast
News, Views and Commentary
Panel: Distinguished National Journalists
A Town Hall Meeting: Discussion of Current Issues in National Politics
Model Congress: Hearings, Lobbying, Leadership Briefings

Day Five
The Model Congress
The Student Model Congress Convenes: Legislative Branch Simulation
The Smithsonian and National Mall: Self Selective activies at the Museum
Evening Banquet and Dance

Day Six
Accepting the Challenge of Leadership
Commencement Address and Presentation of the Certificate of Achievement
Departure

Donations Update

Here is where we stand as of 7/4/2010:

$1,192.83 dollars US has been donated so far!!

I would like to thank all of you have given what you could to ensure Tiffany attends the conference. There is no way we can do this without your help, and to know that you care so very much for her is heartwarming. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Chuck

Starting Out with Costs

So to share the details of the start of this adventure I am going to post where we started out at, and where we stand now.

Below is an itemized list of the costs associated with the trip to D.C.,

Tuition: $1,560.00 dollars US
Travelers Insurance: $109.00 dollars US
Airfare: $200.00 estimate based on oct 5th departure on US Airways
Lunches and snacks: $150.00 estimated ($25 daily, not covered by tuition)


I have read and reread the FAQ on the NYLC website, http://www.cylc.org/NYLC to make sure that I am not missing any other issues and so far all looks good. They did not make it clear in the papers sent that airfare and some meals were not provided, so the initial cost I had estimated has gone up a bit. I know that I had posted a total of $1700 dollars but as you can see the cost has risen. Even so, I think it's still very doable hope that we can still make this work.

Thank you all again, and I will be listing a bit more information today as I can between velcroing the children to the ceiling and pressure washing them after each meal....

Sincerely,
Chuck

An Introduction

Hello Everyone,

I have created this blog in order for our family and friends to stay up to date on my daughter Tiffany's nomination to the Congressional Youth Leadership Council and her upcoming trip to Washington D.C. to attend this years National Young Leaders Conference.
Due to our current financial situation we were faced with a dilemma. I am currently unemployed and attempting to finish a degree at CPCC. My wife works part time at Walmart, so our income is incredibly limited. The fees to attend the NYLC are rather steep and we found ourselves in a less than desirable position. Out of desperation I have reached out to you, and already many of you have jumped at the chance to help Tiffany be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
In order to allow all of you to see where your hard earned money has gone I intend to use this blog to keep all of you up to speed on all of the details of Tiffanys journey. I will add links to the NYLC website, list a complete breakdown of the amount of funds we are reaching for and what they will be used for. I will also add all of the deadlines so you can see just how important it is to keep pushing until we reach our goal and are able to put her on a place to DC in october.
I would like to again thank each and every one of you who have found it in your hearts to help us make sure that Tiffany has the ability to be a part of something that very few are invited to attend.

Sincerely,
Charles Porter