Shape the Space. Shift the Story.
2026 Call for Session Proposals
Every idea shared, moves us toward collective transformation.
2026 National Community Leadership Summit: Call for Session Proposal
We invite community leaders, organizers, educators, healers, practitioners, and changemakers to submit a proposal to lead a session or workshop at this year’s summit, taking place in Boston, MA on October 22 and 23, 2026.
Session formats include workshops, roundtable discussions, panel discussions, interactive learning labs, and creative storytelling sessions. All proposals should align with the 2026 theme: Cross-Pollinating Solutions: Moving our Radical Dreams Forward.
Deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at (11:59 pm ET)
Logistics
Selected session proposals will take place during the summit on October 22 or 23, 2026. The number of sessions is limited. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis and require learning objectives and a brief session description. Submissions are accepted until Wednesday, June 26, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
If accepted, you will be notified by email no later than Friday, July 24, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
Session Guidelines
This year’s theme is Cross-Pollinating Solutions: Moving our Radical Dreams Forward.
We welcome workshops, interactive sessions, and dialogues that engage participants in reimagining, strengthening, and restoring systems to advance children’s wellbeing, prevent trauma, and build cross-pollinating, beloved community.
Session types may include:
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Workshops (skills-building, participatory)
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Roundtable discussions
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Panel discussions (moderated)
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Interactive learning labs
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Creative arts-based or storytelling sessions
Proposal Guidelines:
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Sessions must align with the 2026 theme.
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Sessions should prioritize community-centered approaches, participatory methods, or practical skill-building.
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We strongly encourage approaches that uplift diverse voices and foster collective action.
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Presenters must be available to deliver their session in person in Boston, MA.
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Sessions will be 60 minutes.
Support Available
For accepted session proposals, Vital Village Networks offers optional coaching, tech support, and office hours to assist presenters with preparing interactive and engaging sessions.
Vital Village Networks is committed to supporting you. We offer optional 1:1 office hours. Please contact us at summit@vitalvillage.org for questions or requests.
Summit Registration
All presenters must register to attend the summit. Summit registration ends September 30, 2026.
Important Deadlines
Proposal Submissions
All proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, June 26, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. We strongly encourage you to submit as soon as possible due to limited availability.
Acceptance Notification
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of acceptance via email no later than Friday, July 24, 2026 (5:00pm ET).
Final Session Materials Upload
For presenters using slides, please share a copy as a backup by by Friday October 2, 2026.