Request for Proposals | 2025 ALP NC Workshops

We invite you to submit workshop proposals that align with the 2025 ALP National Conference theme, "Lead Change. Leave Changed." This conference will focus on equipping leaders with skills and strategies for driving 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. Leadership Development and Personal Growth

These sessions aim to empower individuals to strengthen their 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.

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

DEIB is central to inclusive communities. Workshops should focus on fostering belonging, equity, and representation, such as:

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

3. Program Offerings and Operations

These sessions are geared toward program directors, covering essentials of successful operations, such as:

• 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.

4. Innovation and Emerging Ideas

This area explores fresh perspectives and emerging trends in leadership and community building, including:

• Adopting innovative approaches to community challenges.
• Navigating social, technological, and cultural shifts in community programs.
• Exploring cutting-edge solutions and models for effective civic leadership.

5. Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse

Building productive conversations and engagement around civic topics is critical. Workshops may cover:

• Techniques for facilitating civil discourse on complex or polarizing issues.
• Encouraging civic responsibility and community involvement.
• Fostering a culture of constructive dialogue and civic action.

6. Community Building and Conversations for Change

Workshops in this area explore ways to create and sustain meaningful community connections and drive change through dialogue:

• Tools for building strong, resilient communities.
• Techniques for facilitating community conversations around important issues.
• Engaging stakeholders in ongoing dialogues to shape community growth.

7. 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.

8. Development and Fundraising

Financial sustainability is essential for impactful programs. These workshops may address:

• Effective strategies for diversifying revenue streams.
• Best practices for donor engagement, grant writing, and corporate partnerships.
• Developing a robust financial plan to support program longevity and growth.

9. 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.

10. Marketing and Events

These sessions explore strategies to enhance visibility, build awareness, and create memorable events, including:

• Best practices in program marketing and outreach.
• Social media and content marketing strategies for expanding audience reach.
• Planning and executing events that foster connections and engagement.

11. Board Development and Governance

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

• Best practices for board recruitment, development, and retention.
• Ensuring board alignment with organizational goals and values.
• Strengthening board leadership and involvement in program success.

12. Revenue Stream Diversity

Financial diversification is key to sustainability. Topics in this area could include:

• Strategies for creating diverse funding sources, including earned revenue.
• Developing partnerships that create new funding opportunities.
• Building financial resilience through a variety of revenue streams.

13. Organizational Growth and Capacity Building

Growth and scalability require strategic planning and resource alignment. Sessions may cover:

• Tools for assessing and expanding organizational capacity.
• Best practices for fostering growth while maintaining mission alignment.
• Building infrastructure and team readiness for growth and scale.

14. Staff Development and Leadership Training

Building skilled teams is essential for program success. Workshops may include:

• Techniques for effective staff development and performance improvement.
• Leadership training tailored for program staff and volunteers.
• Tools for fostering collaboration, team engagement, and retention.

15. Civic Innovation and Local Impact

Local leaders are often at the forefront of innovative solutions. Topics in this area may include:

• Showcasing local projects that have led to significant impact.
• Developing local civic initiatives that address specific community needs.
• Equipping leaders with skills to drive impactful civic change.

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.

Are you ready to lead change and leave changed? We’re looking for engaging, impactful workshops that will equip attendees with actionable strategies and inspiring insights. Please review the guidelines below to ensure your proposal aligns with the 2025 ALP National Conference goals.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome proposals from a diverse range of voices in the leadership and community development sectors. Those eligible to submit include:

• Community Leadership Program Directors and Staff
• Current Community Leaders in business, nonprofit, government, education, and related fields
• Subject Matter Experts and Consultants in areas relevant to our workshop topics, such as leadership development, DEI, civic engagement, or financial sustainability
• Researchers and Academics who bring evidence-based insights and practices
• Innovative Practitioners with proven strategies for solving complex community challenges

Note: Proposals from both new and experienced speakers are encouraged, and all proposals will be reviewed for relevance, clarity, and alignment with our conference goals. 

Workshop Format Options

We believe in creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that resonates with diverse learning styles and fosters active participation. To ensure attendees gain the maximum benefit from each session, we encourage workshops that move beyond traditional lectures and embrace interactive, hands-on formats that prioritize inclusivity and engagement. Below are the recommended session types:

1. Interactive Workshops

These sessions should include hands-on activities, real-world applications, and problem-solving exercises. Presenters are encouraged to use small group discussions, case studies, or experiential activities to facilitate learning, helping participants connect ideas to their own programs and experiences.

2. Roundtable Sessions

Roundtable discussions are ideal for small group interactions around specific topics. We suggest allowing time for group reflection, sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, enabling attendees to both contribute to and learn from the discussion.

3. Case Study Presentations

Sessions based on case studies can showcase real-life applications of leadership strategies. We recommend integrating interactive components, such as participant feedback, brainstorming exercises, or scenario-based role-playing, to encourage a deeper understanding of the topic.

4. Skill-Building Clinics

Designed to help participants practice specific skills, these clinics can focus on areas such as public speaking, program evaluation, or strategic planning. We encourage facilitators to use demonstration, practice exercises, and constructive feedback to create an inclusive, supportive environment for skill development.

Inclusivity for All Learning Styles

To ensure sessions are inclusive of all learning styles, we recommend using a mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques. Consider integrating slides, group activities, and opportunities for hands-on engagement. Interactive workshops provide attendees with more than just information—they foster connection, enable practical learning, and inspire action.

Thank you for designing a session that empowers and energizes all participants!

Time Allocation

Each workshop session is structured to provide ample time for presentation, interaction, and questions. Standard session lengths are as follows:

• 60-Minute Sessions: Ideal for concise, impactful presentations with a short interactive component.
• 90-Minute Sessions: Allows for more in-depth exploration, extensive interactive elements, or multiple presenters.

Please indicate in your proposal if you need a specific session length to effectively deliver your content.

Interactive Requirements

Our attendees value learning that is practical, engaging, and relevant to their work. To meet these expectations, we require workshops to include interactive elements that align with adult learning principles. Examples include:

• Group Activities or Discussions: Engage attendees in small group discussions, problem-solving tasks, or exercises related to the workshop topic.
• Hands-On Practice: Allow participants to practice skills or apply frameworks directly within the session.
• Audience Polls or Q&A Segments: Create opportunities for real-time audience input, ensuring that the session addresses attendees’ specific needs and questions.

Presenters are encouraged to design their sessions in ways that encourage participation, collaboration, and dialogue, ensuring attendees gain practical takeaways that they can implement in their own programs.

Presenting at the ALP National Conference offers a unique platform to share your expertise, engage with an influential network, and contribute to the growth and transformation of community leadership across the nation. By leading a workshop, you’ll have a direct impact on leaders committed to making meaningful change in their communities. Here’s what accepted presenters can look forward to:

1. Share Your Expertise with a National Audience
As a presenter, you’ll have the chance to showcase your insights, strategies, and solutions with leadership professionals from across the United States. This is an unparalleled opportunity to share your knowledge with a highly engaged audience of community leaders, program directors, and professionals who are actively working to drive positive change in their organizations and communities. Your expertise can inspire real-world actions, create lasting impact, and elevate your voice within the community leadership field.

2. Discounted Conference Registration
Accepted presenters who are members of ALP will receive a $50 discount on conference registration. Presenters who are non-members will receive a complimentary day pass to attend sessions on the day of their presentation. This benefit allows you to participate in conference sessions, networking events, and activities, giving you access to learning, connecting, and growing alongside peers and other thought leaders.

3. Increased Exposure through ALP’s Promotional Channels
Your work and expertise will receive exposure through ALP’s extensive promotional channels, including social media, newsletters, and our website. As a confirmed presenter, your profile will be featured in our marketing materials, and your session will be highlighted in our conference program, positioning you as a leading voice in community leadership. This visibility can amplify your impact, reach new audiences, and open doors for further professional opportunities.

4. Opportunity to Inspire and Shape the Future of Community Leadership
Your session could become a pivotal moment of inspiration for attendees, sparking new ideas, collaborations, and initiatives across communities nationwide. By sharing your experiences and solutions, you’re contributing to a collective vision for the future of leadership and community empowerment. This is your chance to be part of a legacy of leaders who are driving forward a movement of change, inclusion, and innovation.