"The Spirit of SPARC:" Regional Events Foster Peer Connections and Professional Development

Before the first SPARC National Conference convened ten years ago, auxiliary professionals reached out to peers in their region, creating informal but vital networks of support and learning. Ten years on, with SPARC connecting people both annually for the conference and virtually, through webinars, roundtables, and other events, these in-person regional networks continue to thrive.

"Networking is critical to what we do," says Nat Saltonstall, Executive Director of SPARC. "It's the spirit of SPARC and how it all began—people in an isolated profession reaching out to each other. Our regional events embody this spirit, making professional development more accessible."

There's something unique about connecting in person with peers who share the joys and challenges of doing auxiliary work. SPARC offers several opportunities for auxiliary professionals to join regional workshops, and this year we've grown to six one-day events in New England, California, New York, Washington DC, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

"If we want support from people who do what we do and understand this job, we have to connect with people in other schools to do it."

--Jim Patterson, Harvard-Westlake School

Jim Patterson, Director of the Kutler Center and Summer Programs, has experienced first-hand the evolution of regional auxiliary communities during his nearly 32 years at Harvard-Westlake School. The southern California group that he's in, which began over two decades ago, now meets annually as part of the SoCal Summer and Auxiliary Leader's Workshop at Harvard-Westlake.

“What sparked the national conference years ago," Jim says, "is that this is a position in independent schools where often you’re a sole practitioner and doing something very different from what other folks are doing. If we want support from people who do what we do and understand this job, we have to connect with people in other schools to do it."

Having SPARC as a partner has been crucial in professionalizing regional networking. "What's been nice about having Nat and SPARC's involvement is that it puts some structure around the day," Jim says. After a few years of working together, they've learned how important it is to make time to foster authentic connections between attendees—that it's crucial to preserve some of the informality that was a hallmark of earlier regional meet-ups.

“I would encourage those who are not members to use a regional event to tap into the wider SPARC community and the resources that SPARC has."

--Jim Patterson, Harvard-Westlake School

"This is the first year we've had a planning committee," Jim says, "And we realized from the feedback from past workshops that people wanted more time to connect, especially in the morning before the general session. Growing their network of folks who do this type of work is one of the draws of the one-day program.”

Another draw is creating an inclusive, accessible event that requires much less time and financial investment than the national conference. "For some smaller schools, they literally can't afford the fee for SPARC membership or the national conference," Jim notes. "But often they can manage a one-day event."

Above all, Jim wants as many auxiliary professionals as possible to connect with peers and find the crucial support and networking that will help them thrive.

"We want to create an inclusive space for members or non-members regardless of school size, financial goals, budget, or enrollment," he says. “I would encourage those who are not members to use a regional event to tap into the wider SPARC community and the resources that SPARC has. If you work in auxiliary, you're welcome here."

Explore all of SPARC's Regional Workshops:

November 6 in Dallas -Fort Worth, TX: DFW Auxiliary Leaders Workshop

November 14 in Bronx, NY: New York Auxiliary Leaders Workshop

December 3 in Wayne, PA: SPARC/PAISBOA Auxiliary Revenue Workshop 2025

December 5 in Washington, DC: Summer Summit 2025

December 10 in Studio City, CA: SoCal Summer and Auxiliary Leaders Workshop 2025

Date TBD in Southborough, MA: New England Auxiliary Revenue Summit

SPARC member schools enjoy reduced rates to our annual conference, webinars, and many other events, as well as access to professional development tools, videos, and 24/7 support through our virtual SPARC Connect community. Join us today!