Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference

The Future is Now. The Fight is Here.

April 14 - 15, 2026

Art by Simone Couther

Proposals are currently being accepted for the following types of sessions:

  • 60-minute sessions (Submissions due January 7)

    These might include: Workshops intended to educate and orient toward action, Panel discussions to bring people with a variety of areas of expertise to engage with a topic, Short film screenings followed by a Q&A, or other presentations.

  • 20-minute short talks (Submissions due January 7)

    Short talks can be mini TED-style talks and/or presentations about research, policy, advocacy, etc. These should be concise, engaging, and informative. Conference organizers will combine submissions to create 60-minute sessions with multiple presenters.

  • Poster session (Submissions due March 4)

    Individuals and organizations may share large format posters during our poster session (part of the closing reception). Share your research, activism efforts, community resources,  or other information. 

The challenges of our time demand more than just discussion; they require a commitment to tangible change. This conference aims to bridge the gap between theory and action by bringing together researchers, policy makers, elected officials, non-profit organizations, community activists, business leaders, the faith community, and all others from across Virginia who are working on pressing social justice issues in our region.

We invite activists, scholars, community organizers, and practitioners to submit proposals for sessions that highlight innovative approaches, successful campaigns, and practical tools for creating a more equitable world. Join us in building a conference that not only deepens our understanding of social justice but also empowers us to be catalysts for meaningful, lasting change.