At Convening Toward Liberation, we know the importance of celebration in times of adversity. We create intentional gatherings — retreats, conferences, galas — as a way to bring a wide-range of ideas together and build lasting and meaningful relationships. We transform how the community sees and experiences events through our commitment to honor everyone’s humanity. Our goal is to promote a just world by modeling it. We call our process universal design.

Every aspect of our gatherings provides an opportunity to advance a more just world. When we speak of universal design, we think purposefully about how everyone in the audience sees themselves in the programming and amenities. As a few examples, we:

• Consider how wider aisles allow expanded accessibility and greater comfort;

• Appreciate how thoughtful planning can welcome attendees with food allergies or needs rooted in their religious faith; and

• Make thoughtful use of closed captioning and sign-language interpreters

• Through our experience building successful gatherings, we know how every aspect of an event plan is an opportunity to welcome every person in attendance.

In that spirit of transformation, we lead by serving. We work with organizations who are committed to social justice and passionate about liberation. Those values inspired our partnership, and they are foundational to the events we lead.