SHAPE THE SPACE
SHIFT THE STORY
Every idea shared, moves us toward collective transformation.
2025 National Community Leadership Summit:
Call for Session Proposals
We invite community leaders, organizers, educators, practitioners, and changemakers to submit a proposal to lead a session or workshop at this year’s Summit, taking place in Boston on October 23rd and 24th, 2025.
Session formats may include workshops, roundtable discussions, interactive learning labs, or creative storytelling sessions. All proposals should align with the 2025 theme: Unwavering Resistance: An Invitation to Beloved Community.
Applications are Now Closed!
LOGISTICS
Selected session proposals will take place during the Summit in Boston, MA on October 23rd or 24th, 2025. There are a limited number of sessions that can be accepted. Session proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis and the application requires the learning objectives and brief session description.
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.
If accepted, you will be notified by email.
SESSION GUIDELINES
This year's theme is Unwavering Resistance: An Invitation to Beloved Community.
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 beloved communities.
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 Summit theme: Unwavering Resistance: An Invitation to Beloved Community.
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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.
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Sessions will be 60 or 90 minutes; please indicate your preferred length.
Support Available: Vital Village Networks will offer optional coaching, tech support, and office hours to assist presenters with preparing interactive and engaging sessions. Register for office hours below.
Summit Registration
All presenters must register to attend the summit.
Please note that summit registration ends September 30, 2025.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Proposal Submission
All proposals must be submitted by Friday, June 6, 2025 in order to be considered. However, we strongly encourage you to submit your proposal as soon as possible due to limited availability.
Guidelines are specified above and on the submission form.
Acceptance Notification
Proposals will be reviewed & accepted on a rolling basis until Friday, June 6, 2025 (11:59pm ET).
You will be notified of your acceptance via email no later than Friday, June 27, 2025 (5:00 pm ET).
Final Session Materials Upload
If you are using slides for your presentation, we ask that you please share a copy of the final presentation materials as a backup by Friday October 3, 2025.