How can you use your conference organization experience to promote social justice and equity?

If you have ever organized a conference, you know how challenging and rewarding it can be. You have to plan the logistics, the content, the speakers, the budget, the marketing, and the evaluation of the event. But did you know that you can also use your conference organization experience to promote social justice and equity? In this article, you will learn how to leverage your skills and knowledge to create more inclusive, diverse, and impactful conferences that can advance your career and your cause.

1 Why social justice and equity matter

Social justice and equity are the principles of fairness, respect, and dignity for all people, regardless of their identity, background, or circumstances. They are essential for creating a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. As a conference organizer, you have the opportunity and the responsibility to promote these values through your events. You can do this by ensuring that your conference reflects and addresses the needs, interests, and perspectives of different groups and communities, especially those that are marginalized, oppressed, or underrepresented.

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Daniel Hardegger, PhD

#Visionary, #Negotiator, #Researcher, #Leader
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Conferences and other events, that include a variety of perspectives from different communities, groups and stakeholders are usually much more interesting because they allow to have a more meaningful discussiona and develop more comprehensive solutions. Additionally, these solutions tend to be more succesfull and more sustainable as they have not been developed by the a small homogenous group but by a diverse group that included as many perspective, concerns, interests and ideas as possible.

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2 How to choose a relevant theme and format

One of the first steps to promote social justice and equity through your conference is to choose a theme and a format that are relevant and meaningful for your target audience and your goals. You can do this by conducting a needs assessment, a stakeholder analysis, and a market research to identify the gaps, challenges, and opportunities that your conference can address. You can also consult with experts, partners, and potential participants to get their input and feedback. Your theme and format should be clear, concise, and compelling, and they should reflect your vision and mission.

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3 How to select and support diverse speakers

Another important step to promote social justice and equity through your conference is to select and support diverse speakers who can share their expertise, experience, and insights with your audience. You can do this by reaching out to different networks, organizations, and platforms that represent or work with various groups and communities, and by inviting speakers who have different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. You can also support your speakers by providing them with guidelines, resources, and coaching to help them prepare and deliver their presentations. You should also ensure that your speakers are compensated fairly and equitably for their time and contribution.

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Daniel Hardegger, PhD

#Visionary, #Negotiator, #Researcher, #Leader
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Building a pool of diverse speakers for conferences and other events also means to go beyond the usual networks one already knows and usually works with. Don't be afraid to talk to people, organisations or network you don't know (yet). Always be honest and open about our intentions and what you can offer. While this might not always lead directly to new speakers, it usually creates new connections and opportunities for an exchange if your intentions are sincere (and not just marketing).

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4 How to design and facilitate inclusive sessions

A third crucial step to promote social justice and equity through your conference is to design and facilitate inclusive sessions that engage and empower your participants. You can do this by using different methods, tools, and techniques to create interactive, participatory, and collaborative learning experiences. You can also use different formats, such as workshops, panels, roundtables, Q&A, and networking sessions, to cater to different learning styles, preferences, and objectives. You should also ensure that your sessions are accessible, safe, and respectful for all participants, and that you address any issues or conflicts that may arise.

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Gloria Willingham

Mentor/Coach, Author, Speaker, Fulbright Scholar
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Championing social justice in conferences demands an active, inclusive dialogue, not just passive learning. My transformative experience in Shreveport, Louisiana, as a VA Medical Center Nursing Education Chief, illustrates this. I broke the norm by including patients and families alongside health experts in a health equity workshop. This diverse panel fostered a richer dialogue, challenging professionals to see beyond clinical standards and hear real voices impacted by their practices. It's vital we embrace such dynamic, community-driven approaches for true equity.

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Daniel Hardegger, PhD

#Visionary, #Negotiator, #Researcher, #Leader
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Designing inclusive sessions also means to take into account the experience and expections of the speakers and the audience. To do so, it is important, first, to have a close exchange with the speakers and how they would like to design their content and, second, especially after the conference, to have an open-minded review about the conference and the audience itself. Finally, it also the task of the moderator(s) of the conference to create an inclusive and open atmosphere for the speakers and participants.

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5 How to market and communicate your conference

A fourth key step to promote social justice and equity through your conference is to market and communicate your conference effectively and ethically. You can do this by using different channels, such as social media, email, website, and media outlets, to reach out to your target audience and stakeholders. You can also use different strategies, such as storytelling, testimonials, and data, to highlight the value and impact of your conference. You should also ensure that your marketing and communication materials are accurate, transparent, and inclusive, and that you avoid any stereotypes, biases, or misrepresentations.

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6 How to evaluate and improve your conference

A fifth and final step to promote social justice and equity through your conference is to evaluate and improve your conference based on the feedback and outcomes of the event. You can do this by using different methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation, to collect and analyze the data and information from your speakers, participants, partners, and sponsors. You can also use different criteria, such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, to measure and report the results and impact of your conference. You should also use the lessons learned and the recommendations to improve your future conferences and to share your best practices and challenges with others.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use your conference organization experience to promote social justice and equity?

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1 Why social justice and equity matter

2 How to choose a relevant theme and format

3 How to select and support diverse speakers

4 How to design and facilitate inclusive sessions

5 How to market and communicate your conference

6 How to evaluate and improve your conference

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conference Organization

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How can you use your conference organization experience to promote social justice and equity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Why social justice and equity matter

2 How to choose a relevant theme and format

3 How to select and support diverse speakers

4 How to design and facilitate inclusive sessions

5 How to market and communicate your conference

6 How to evaluate and improve your conference

7 Here’s what else to consider

Conference Organization

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