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Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
What is the summit?
This one-day summit, unlike any other, will bring together change makers from across the country who are dedicated to ensuring that children and families have equitable access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. This summit is an opportunity for personal and professional development, to work together to focus on community capacity building and engagement strategies to promote child wellbeing.
Participants will be able to:
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Network and learn from peers & experts
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Learn from interactive sessions focused on topics such as: family engagement strategies, trauma-informed practices, data storytelling tools, leadership pathways, & more.
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Share your work & expertise with others
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Add to your toolbox of strategies, stories, tools to move your work on the ground forward
Where will it be held?
The summit will be held at the George Sherman Union (775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215) at Boston University in Boston, MA.
When will the summit take place?
Doors will open at 7:00AM for registration and the event begins at 8:00AM. The last session will end at 3:00PM, but attendees can remain in the GSU for networking until 5:00PM.
Who should attend?
The summit is open to anyone who is passionate about supporting children and families!
Fellow attendees and speakers include:
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community leaders,
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policymakers,
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educators,
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practitioners,
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community-based organizations,
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researchers,
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funders, and
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families
Registration
How do I register?
You can register online through Eventbrite until October 15th. A link to the registration can also be found here: bit.ly/vvnsummit19
If you have any trouble using Eventbrite, please call 617-414-3674.
What does it cost to register?
Registration fees are determined based on the size of the organization you work for and are waived if you are a student or a community champion. For more details, please visit the Registration page.
Small Non-Profit
(budget <$1 million)
Midsize Non-Profit
(budget $1-5 million)
Large Non-Profit, Foundation,
or Government Agency
(budget >$5 million)
Student or Community Champion
$50/person
$100/person
$150/person
Free admission
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel your registration within 30 days of the event (no later than September 30).
Can I transfer my registration?
Please call 617-414-3674 about registration transfers.
Sessions
What topics will be covered?
The National Leadership Summit will cover a wide range of topic areas including advocacy, community organizing, leadership development, data storytelling, shared governance and dignity/equity frameworks.
Certain break-out sessions and workshops require advanced registration. You can sign up for these at the time of conference booking.
Will materials from the summit be accessible afterwards?
Yes! We will be posting presentation slides, handouts, and resource links from each session to the Leadership Summit website.
We encourage you to connect with the session presenters if you’d like to stay in touch and learn more.
Venue and Location
Will there be parking?
Parking can be purchased ahead of the Summit for $12 for the day via your Eventbrite Registration. The deadline for purchasing the pre-paid parking rate is October 15th. Parking will be available at Lot R (766 Commonwealth Ave) or Lot K (Warren Towers - 700 Commonwealth Ave).
If you are not able to prepay for parking, event parking will be available the day-of for $17 at Lot K (Warren Towers - 700 Commonwealth Ave).
What are the accessibility features of the venue?
The George Sherman Union building at Boston University complies with ADA accessibility standards as all spaces are wheelchair accessible and there is disability parking available on-site. Disability parking is located in Lot J behind the College of Arts and Sciences at 240 Bay State Road. There is a ramp that leads directly to the George Sherman Union from the parking lot (short 1-2 min walk).
Of note, we will also offer language interpretation throughout the event in Spanish and Haitian Creole. We will also have Vital Village Student Guides on-site to assist attendees with finding locations and transitioning between breakout sessions.
What to Expect
Will there be childcare?
Yes, childcare will be provided by Care.com for children ages 6 and under. There are a limited number of childcare spots available.
Please indicate if you are interested in utilizing childcare on your registration form and you will receive a follow-up email prior to the Summit indicating if a childcare spot is available for you.
Will there be interpretation services at the event?
Yes, language interpretation services will be provided by the Boston Interpreters Collective (BIC) in Spanish. Interpretation will be available during whole group potions of the Summit and 1 breakout session.
Two different types of interpretation will be used during different portions of the Summit:
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Simultaneous: Using special audio equipment (microphones, headsets, etc.). A person speaks in one language into Microphone 1 while an interpreter speaks into Microphone 2 in a different language that participants can hear through headphones at the same time as the person is speaking.
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Consecutive: A person speaks in one language and then pauses to allow for the interpreter to repeat what has been said in a different language
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Source of Definitions: How to Build Language Justice by Antena
At the Summit, there will be a Language Interpretation available for equipment pick up and questions.
Will meals be provided? How do I let staff know about my dietary needs?
We will offer a breakfast and lunch buffet for our guests during the Leadership Summit which will include clearly labeled entrees and side dishes. We will provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free entrée options for all meals.
If you have a severe food allergy, please let us know either at time of registration or via email at vital-village-summit@bmc.org so that we can ensure appropriate accommodation.
What is the dress code for the event?
The attire for this event will be casual. Weather in Boston in October will be cool, so please bring layers.
Will photos and videos be taken at the event?
We hire professional photographers and videographers to capture parts of the event for future Vital Village Network media promotion and publication.
However Leadership Summit attendees can choose not to be filmed. Please see a staff member for a red sticker which you will be asked to attach to outerwear to ensure you are not included in photography or videography.
Panelists and speakers will be asked to sign authorization forms for use and release of images. The form will be made available prior to the event and at registration tables the day of.
How can I share feedback after the summit?
Your feedback and input is very valuable to us. During the summit, there will be an opportunity to provide feedback through a variety of ways- we will have interactive and written evaluation tools on site.
After the summit, let us know your thoughts by completing this brief contact form or email us at vital-village-summit@bmc.org.
Overnight Accommodations
I am traveling from out of town. Is there a hotel room block?
The hotel for the 2019 National Community Leadership Summit will be the Boston Marriott Cambridge (50 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02142). Rooms are available at the group negotiated rate of $319 per night which includes a hot breakfast. Please book by September 27, 2019.
Transportation from the hotel to the George Sherman Union will be provided the morning of October 30, 2019.
If calling the hotel to make reservations please reference the following group name: NOW Conference.
For more details, please visit the Hotel and Travels page.
I’m new to or visiting Boston. What are things to do while I’m in town?
Fall is a beautiful time to explore the city of Boston. From Boston University, you are a quick walk to iconic sites - such as Fenway Park - as well as a short train ride to downtown Boston to check out historic sites, such as the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, and Boston Common.
Check out this handy local guide from Vital Village, with suggested activities and restaurants to explore.
Staff Contact
Who should I contact for more information?
For general inquiries about the summit, please contact vital-village-summit@bmc.org.