Save the Date: November 2nd, 2026, in Williamsburg!
This year’s theme is The Village We Build: Strengthening Youth and Communities. Our planning committee quickly decided on the village as our key focus. Inspired by the African proverb “it takes a Village to raise a child,”, we recognize that as out-of-school time educators and champions, we are a vital part of the collective who are responsible for the most vulnerable among us – children.
The Maasai people of Kenya and East Africa have a traditional greeting, “Kasserian Ingera”, which translates to “And how are the children?”. Asked of parents and non-parents alike, this greeting acknowledges that the health of a community and society is reflective of how children are treated. Youth must be centered and protected.
Our conference imagery depicts adults connected shoulder to shoulder, forming a protective circle that symbolizes an anchored shield. It takes a village to raise a child, but adults need a village too. We want to authentically belong and be cherished for who we are. We want to know that during our daily demands and in times of intense stress, we don’t have to go at it alone. We have our village to back us up. We have solidarity in the face of external challenges.
