ABFE’s vision for 2015 places us at the center of a movement that inspires grantmaking entities, philanthropic individuals and nonprofits in the US to work collectively towards a brighter future for Black communities and the country as a whole. As such, we have identified five (5) central areas of focus for strategic alignment and application of the best and most promising practices for empowering philanthropy to invest effectively in Black communities. The 2015 conference will call attention to responsive philanthropy in Black communities through:
1. Constituency Engagement;
2. Policy Change, System Reform and Program Delivery;
3. Leadership and Infrastructure in Black Communities;
4. Research/Data; and
5. Communications
Above all, the 2015 conference will spotlight individuals, programs, policies and practices that mitigate persistent issues of disparity in Black communities. This conference will lift up contemporary and cutting-edge philanthropic strategies. The conference will take a deep dive into the foundation of philanthropy for which systemic change is formed, and how leadership, infrastructure, constituency engagement and organizing for the Black community are governed. This conference will mobilize thought leaders and key organizations, who will share strategic investment practices and effective programs to increase sustainable, improved and greatest impact for the Black community. We have what we need, let’s work together to effect lasting change.
Join the movement and welcome to Napa!
Guidelines for Submission
We invite you to submit a proposal for a session presentation to be offered at our 2015 conference. We encourage innovative and creative presentations that not only relate to the theme of the conference, but are grounded and aligned with ABFE’s Responsive Philanthropy in Black Communities Framework and defining characteristics.
Presentations may focus on policy and systems change, programmatic practice, and/or innovation in the form of workshops, demonstrations, panels, videos and/or discussions.
ABFE is requesting proposal submissions for our 2.5 hour "Black Facts" issue area summits in Education, Employment and Workforce Development, Criminal Justice, Policing and Mass Incarceration, Wealth and Asset Building, Health and Wellness. Also, we are seeking proposal submissions for the 15-minute flash presentations in the "ABFE Innovation Market: Where New Ideas are Shared".
Sessions should be tailored to fit within these time frames and must include time for audience questions. All presentations should include relevant materials that support the topic and serve as learning tools for attendees (e.g. PowerPoint; white paper; web links; etc.), Theses materials will be provided, electronically, to participants. You are welcome to bring handouts as well.
The deadline for proposal submissions is Friday, January 16, 2015. All proposals must be submitted by email to dani@aspecialgathering.com.
All proposals must include the following via an electronic form (please check and include):
- Session Title/ Presenter(s) name and contact information.
- Two or three learning objectives: What will participants learn from this session?
- Presentation/Session Description: (50 words or less, to be used in the conference program (if selected. The description should "sell" your session. Ask yourself, would you want to attend the session that you are describing?
Proposal Description: The narrative should be up to 200 words and include:
1. purpose, session content
2. proposed format,
3. target audience,
4. maximum audience size,
5. and any special material or needs.
Proposal selections will be made based on our review criteria and how well the proposal complements the overall conference content and objectives.
DEADLINE FOR SUMBITTING PROPOSALS is Friday, January 16, 2015, 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific.
The 2015 Planning Committee will notify you by Friday, January 30, 2015 regarding the status of your proposal.
For additional information, please contact Dani Johnson, ABFE’s Event Producer at dani@aspecialgathering.com or call (410) 685-7664.