2027 Request for Proposals | Workshops

We invite you to submit workshop proposals that align with the 2027 ALP National Conference theme, "Think Bigger, Act Bolder, Lead Together." This conference will focus on equipping leaders with the skills and strategies to drive positive, sustainable change in their communities. While the following areas represent key focus topics for our event, we also welcome submissions that explore innovative concepts outside these themes, provided they resonate with the ALP mission.

1. Alumni Engagement

Sustained engagement with alumni enhances program impact. Workshops could include:

• Building and managing an engaged alumni network.
• Leveraging alumni as program advocates and mentors.
• Creating meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement and contribution.

2. Youth Programming and Innovative Youth Engagement

Youth are integral to future leadership. These sessions may focus on:

• Designing impactful, relevant programs for young leaders.
• Approaches to innovative youth engagement and retention.
• Tailoring program content to meet the unique needs of young participants.

3. Board Development and Governance

Strong boards are essential for organizational success. Workshops may focus on:

• Best practices for board recruitment, development, and retention.
• Aligning board leadership with organizational goals, values, and program success.

4. Community Impact and Conversations for Change

Local leaders drive change through dialogue and action. Topics may include:

• Facilitating civil discourse on complex or polarizing issues.
• Showcasing local civic initiatives that address specific community needs.
• Engaging stakeholders in ongoing dialogue to shape community growth.

5. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

DEIB is central to inclusive communities. Workshops should focus on:

• Strategies for building inclusive cultures within organizations and communities.
• Overcoming bias and promoting diverse leadership.
• Practical tools and frameworks for DEIB training and implementation.

6. Leadership & Personal Development

These sessions empower individuals to strengthen leadership skills and foster personal growth. Topics may include:

• Self-assessment techniques for personal and professional development.
• Enhancing resilience, adaptability, and self-leadership in today's landscape.
• Building emotional intelligence and reflective practices for transformative leadership.

7. Program Offerings and Operations

Geared toward program directors, these sessions cover the essentials of successful operations:

• Best practice strategies for operating and managing Community Leadership Programs.
• Enhancing program curriculum consistency and quality.
• Scaling programs to meet growing community needs while retaining impact.

8. Technology and AI

Technology is reshaping how programs operate, teach, and engage. Sessions may explore:

• Practical AI tools for curriculum design, communications, and administrative efficiency.
• Responsible adoption: ethics, data privacy, and digital equity for community programs.
• Leveraging technology to enhance participant experience and expand program reach.

9. Organizational Sustainability: Capacity, Revenue, and Visibility

Sustainability requires strategic planning, diverse funding, and the visibility to support both. Topics could include:

• Assessing and expanding organizational capacity while maintaining mission alignment.
• Diversifying revenue through earned income, grants, donor engagement, and corporate partnerships.
• Marketing, social media, and content strategies for expanding audience reach.
• Planning and executing events that foster connection and engagement.

Beyond These Focus Areas

We understand that transformative leadership can encompass a wide array of topics, so we also welcome innovative proposals that may not fall directly within these categories. If your workshop aligns with our goal of fostering impactful, sustainable leadership, we encourage you to submit a proposal and share your unique perspective with our conference attendees.

Ready to bridge connections and build community? We're looking for workshops that deliver actionable strategies and fresh insight. Review the guidelines below before you submit.

Who Can Submit

• Community Leadership Program directors and staff
• Community leaders in business, nonprofit, government, and education
• Consultants and subject matter experts in leadership development, DEI, civic engagement, or financial sustainability
• Researchers and academics with evidence-based practices
• Practitioners with proven strategies for complex community challenges

New and experienced speakers are equally welcome. All proposals are reviewed for relevance, clarity, and alignment with conference goals.

Session Formats

Skip the lecture. We prioritize sessions built for participation:

• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on activities, case studies, and small group problem-solving.
• Roundtables: Facilitated small group discussion around a focused topic.
• Case Study Presentations: Real-world applications with interactive elements like scenario role-play or brainstorming.
• Skill-Building Clinics: Practice-based sessions with demonstration and constructive feedback.

Design for every learning style with a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on elements.

Session Length

• 60 minutes: Concise presentation with a short interactive component.
• 75 minutes: Deeper exploration, extended interaction, or multiple presenters.

Indicate your preferred length in your proposal.

Interactive is Required

Every session must include at least one:

• Group discussion or problem-solving activity
• Hands-on practice with a skill or framework
• Live polls or Q&A

Attendees should leave with takeaways they can use Monday morning.