Ignite Social Justice & Leadership Conference

The Ignite Social Justice & Leadership Conference is an annual one-day conference-style social justice program. Students will learn, have dialogue, network and engage in a brave space together.

Ignite social justice and leadership conference

Fueling Hope: Build, Ignite and EndureÌý

For our 2026 conference, we’ll talk about what it means to start a movement that runs on hope, what activism looks like when it’s driven by hope and how hope helps us keep going when things get tough.Ìý

When you participate in the Ignite Conference, you’ll get to hear new ideas, join important conversations and find the confidence to make real and lasting change.

The conference will be held in person on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the University Memorial Center (UMC).Ìý

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Objectives

  1. Social justice education
  2. Leadership techniques
  3. Community and cultural engagement
  4. Resiliency and persistence
  5. Intersectional identity development

Goals

  1. To create transformative educational opportunities on diversity and social justice topics for students informed by the intersectional framework.
  2. To encourage mutual respect, empathy and curiosity while engaging in intergroup dialogue.
  3. Through restorative justice practices, students will cultivate a community of care while participating in crucial conversations.
  4. To develop civically conscious students by encouraging them to interact with communities through service, advocacy and activism.Ìý

Call for ProposalsÌý

We invite faculty, staff and student organizations to actively participate in this year's Ignite Conference by submitting a program proposal. Our 2026 theme, Fueling Hope: Build, Ignite and Endure, asks us to reflect on how hope can drive meaningful social change and sustain activism even in challenging times.Ìý

We encourage you to share your insights, experiences and innovative ideas that align with the spirit of hope—whether through workshops, panels, discussions or creative sessions.Ìý

Consider addressing questions such as:Ìý

  • How do we build movements powered by hope?Ìý
  • What does activism look like when inspired by hope?Ìý
  • How can hope motivate us to overcome adversity and persist in our efforts?Ìý

Your contribution can help spark conversations, inspire action and empower others to make a lasting impact. By submitting a proposal, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the conference experience and advancing the dialogue on social justice and leadership within our community.Ìý

Proposal submissions are due Jan. 19, 2026.Ìý

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