Gabby Rivera
Writer &
LGBTQ Youth Advocate
WENDY DAVIS
FORMER
TX STATE SENATOR
MANDELA BARNES
FORMER Lt. Governor
of Wisconsin
laphonza butler
president of
emily’s list
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK
Little Rock, AR
CLICK HERE TO book your room
Payment Plans
Available Now
Payment Plans
See FAQ’s for details
Awards
Submit a Nomination
CLICK HERE for all awards
At Convention, we’ll celebrate NLC alumni changemakers and recognize chapters for making change in their communities.
Winners of individual awards will receive a free ticket to NLC Convention.
Nominations/applications are open April 17 – June 1, 2023.
NLC alumni can can nominate a fellow alumni, a chapter, or apply directly for an award.
Please see our FAQs and nomination form for award descriptions.
General
When is the event?
Thursday, August 3, 3:00 PM CT – Sunday, August 6, 12:00 PM CT
What is the exact location?
Little Rock, Arkansas
When can I register?
Registration opens on Monday, April 17 and tickets can be purchased up to 48 hours prior to the event start date on August 3, 2023. Please visit this link:
What is the host hotel?
Little Rock Marriott,
3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, AR, 72201
(501) 906-4000
What is the dress code?
You can expect a variety of experiences at Convention. Be prepared to bring business-casual attire and cocktail attire for receptions.
This year’s Convention will also feature a three-hour long bus tour on a chartered bus.
Participants are encouraged to bring a variety of layers incase the hotel or bus are cold, or the summer Arkansas climate is hot, per their preference.
Can my partner and children attend too?
Yes, guests of NLC alumni are welcome to attend Convention, provided they also purchase a ticket if they are over 18 years old.
Topics discussed may feature adult content including sex, drugs, and alcohol. Speakers and Spark!Talk presenters may use expletive language in their presentations.
That being said, Convention is most appropriate for an 18+ audience. All children under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Can non-NLC alumni attend?
As long as a ticket is purchased, Convention is open to all NLC alumni, Fellows, applicants, partners, sponsors, and supporters.
Can I register at the venue?
Unfortunately, registration closes 48 hours prior to the event start date. You will not be able to register at Convention.
If I have questions, who can I contact?
For any additional questions please contact Karen Pandy-Cherry at [email protected]. Please give at least 48 hours hours for a response.
Tickets
How much are convention tickets?
Early bird ticket prices are $275 through May 31, 2023 at 12:00 PM CT.
Regular admission tickets will be $325 starting May 31, 2023 at 12:01 PM CT.
Ticket Sales end August 1, 2023.
How do I pay for the registration?
Use this link to buy your tickets for convention.
local chapter volunteers
I am an NLC volunteer, how do I register for convention?
NLC is happy to offer our volunteers a discounted ticket price of $150.This rate applies to all volunteers including LEAD trainers, PY22-23 and PY23-24 chapter leaders, immediate past members of the National Programs Committee and National Diversity Committee, incoming members of the Senior Programs Advisory Committee, and current Caucus leaders. Volunteers will receive an email with their registration code on April 17th. Please contact staff at [email protected] with any questions.
What food is covered by my paid ticket?
Your ticket will cover breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and a Celebration Dinner on Saturday evening.
Payment plan option
This year, all convention participants will have the option to pay for their convention ticket in installments. Payment plan option will be available Friday, April 21st.
Participants will be able to pay in three, non-refundable installments.
Please note hotel and airfare are not included.
Payment plan option
This year, all convention participants will have the option to pay for their convention ticket in installments. Payment plan option will be available Friday, April 21st.
Participants will be able to pay in three, non-refundable installments.
Please note hotel and airfare are not included.
Payment plans will only be available until June 1, 2023.
Are there any restrictions for registration?
NLC is inclusive of all ages. Topics discussed may feature adult content including sex, drugs, and alcohol. Speakers and Spark!Talk presenters may use expletive language in their presentations.
That being said, Convention is most appropriate for an 18+ audience.
We also expect all attendees to uphold NLC’s values, especially our values of equity, community, and progress. Review more here: httsp://www.newleaderscouncil.org/about/.
If something comes up and I can no longer attend, can I get a refund?
If you are no longer able to attend Convention you may request a refund by July 15 or, if you are willing and able you may donate your purchased ticket to a Fellow or NLC volunteer by notifying us by June 1 at [email protected].
This excludes payment plan tickets because they are non-refundable.
Are there opportunities to secure financial support to attend?
NLC partners with venues and sponsors to ensure the price of Convention activities are minimized and kept to an accessible rate. Financial support may be available for participants in need. Please email [email protected] if you would like to be considered to receive financial assistance.
All submissions remain confidential.
Logistics
What are the accomodation arrangements for guests?
NLC has secured a group rate for Convention attendees of $119/ night. Use the following link to make a reservation: Marriott Little Rock NLC Room Block
What is the expected weather?
The average temperature in Little Rock in August is a high of 93/71° F. Rain is possible; expect humidity.
Is there airport transportation to and from the hotel?
The Convention host hotel, Little Rock Marriott, provides a complimentary shuttle between the airport and the hotel and in the surrounding area.
Taxis or rideshare services can be arranged by travelers at the airport.
I am driving to Convention. Is parking covered in my ticket or hotel reservation?
Overnight parking is $30/ night and $18 for day visitors. There are alternate parking options near the hotel.
What happens if the event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond NLC’s control?
In the event of situations beyond our control, attendees will have the option to receive a refund, or apply their ticket purchase to the date of the rescheduled event.
WILL THE CONVENTION BE OPEN TO THE PRESS?
Yes, portions of the program will be open to press. To submit a media inquiry, please email [email protected].
Inclusivity and accessibility
I am a person with disabilities, will I be able to get accommodations?
NLC is happy to work to provide accommodations, please indicate on the registration form and reach out to us at [email protected].
ADA-accessible rooms are available at the Little Rock Marriott upon request and NLC HQ can make audio and visual accommodations as well.
Why are we excited to be in Arkansas for Convention this year, despite harmful legislation proposed that impacts trans folx and other marginalized groups?
Our theme for Convention this year is Creating Change Where Change is Needed.
At NLC, new leaders are committed to being the change we seek. Many NLC chapters are located in areas where there is still much more progress needed to transform their communities. In the face of staggering inequality, institutionalized discrimination, and harmful policies, local leaders hold the line. They don’t give up; they dig in. New leaders go where they are needed most.
The complex history of Little Rock, Arkansas – where civil rights and social justice battles have been waged and progress continues to be made – is the place to convene and reflect. Little Rock played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with local leaders and activists such as Daisy Bates and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. making frequent visits to the city to organize and advocate for change. Little Rock is the home of the infamous Little Rock Nine, who in 1957 were prevented from attending a previously all-white high school, adding to the national reckoning on racial segregation.
As a community leadership movement dedicated to progress, we will hold Convention in Little Rock not only to support the NLC Arkansas chapter who is working hard, as all chapters do, to train local leaders to bring change to Arkansas, but also as a commitment to fighting for change in communities that face social, racial, and economic injustice.
What accommodations NLC will be able to negotiate with the venue to ensure safety for transgender convention attendees. Will the venue be able to provide all-gender, or non-gender bathrooms for safety?
NLC has been prepping each venue and partner on our values that require trans-inclusive policies, including inclusive bathrooms.
How will NLC provide an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for attendees?
NLC selects and preps venues, speakers, and partners according to their alignment with our values. NLC HQ and our planning committee vet Convention partners for their inclusion of and respect for communities often excluded or harmed in our country, such as communities of color, women & gender nonconforming folx, the LGTBQIA community, and people with disabilities.
If an attendee experiences a hostile or unwelcoming experience with one of our venues, please report here.
What are the COVID requirements for this event?
New Leaders Council continues to closely monitor public health conditions and will always operate following all state and county health orders to safeguard its community and event attendees.
Guidelines may change at any time and this page will be updated to reflect current conditions. New Leaders Council will require all attendees to be fully vaccinated for COVID before arriving for the 2023 Convention. Guests will indicate their vaccination status during online registration and agree to share a photo or copy of their vaccination card at Convention check-in. Electronic copies will be accepted.
If a guest is not vaccinated, they will be required to mask during all indoor activities, social distance at all times, and provide a COVID-negative PCR test within 48 hours prior to the beginning of Convention on August 3.
The only exemption to this policy will be religious or documented medical reasons. When this occurs, specific health protocols including pre-event COVID testing must be followed, and otherwise, attendees will not be admitted.
These requests must be communicated prior to purchasing an event ticket.
I don’t have my vaccination card. Will I still be able to attend Convention?
Guests who don’t have their vaccination card at registration will be asked to call their vaccine provider who may be able to email a copy of the card. Electronic copies will be accepted. If you are unable to locate or share your card, you will be asked to wear a mask during all indoor activities. If you don’t have your card, you will be required to provide a negative COVID test that has been taken within the 48 hours prior to August 3.
Will guests be required to wear masks?
NLC will follow all applicable state and county health orders, including indoor mask mandates if put in place. If cases continue to rise and a mask mandate is needed, NLC will let all registered guests know by August 1, 2023.
Guests may choose to wear a mask at their discretion while enjoying indoor activities. Meals will be shared in both indoor and outdoor spaces and we ask that all guests take precautions to social distance during times when masks cannot be worn.
I am immunocompromised. What safety precautions will be taken at NLC Convention?
Everyone is welcome at NLC Convention. We want to provide the safest experience possible, especially as COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to ebb and flow. We will be requiring all guests to be vaccinated against COVID-19, commit to showing proof of vaccination during the registration process, and share a photo or copy of their vaccination card at Convention check-in. The only exemption to this policy will be religious or documented medical reasons. When this occurs, specific health protocols including pre-event COVID testing must be followed, and otherwise, attendees will not be admitted.
To increase digital equity, we will also strive to record and share as much live content as possible with our alumni who cannot attend.
Where can I offer a suggestion on how to make Convention inclusive and accessible?
Please email [email protected] if you have any suggestions, questions, or additional requests.
Program and schedule
What awards will be given out at the Awards Dinner?
Nominations/applications are open April 17 – June 1, 2023. Award nominees/applicants will be reviewed and selected by a Committee of NLC volunteers and staff by June 15, 2023. Awards Dinner will be Saturday, August 5.
WHERE CAN I OFFER SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROGRAM?
Please email [email protected] if you have any suggestions, questions, or additional requests.
Awards
How to nominate or apply
Nominations/applications are open April 17 – June 1, 2023. Award nominees/applicants will be reviewed and selected by a Committee of NLC volunteers and staff by June 15, 2023.
NLC alumni can can nominate a fellow alumni, a chapter, or apply directly for an award at this link. Please utilize the same form for self nominations.
I’m an alumni who won an award! What do I win?
Congrats! Alumni awardees will receive one high-quality award. Nominations for Alumni and Chapter awards are open from April 17 to June 1. The NLC Convention Awards Committee (made up of NLC senior volunteers and staff) will review submissions and complete deliberations by June 15.
ndividual/ Alumni award recipients will receive 1 complimentary ticket to convention and 1 discounted ticket for a guest (Guest ticket price $150). If an awardee has already purchased a convention ticket they may either request a refund or can donate their purchased ticket to a Fellow or alumni.
Alumni award winners will be notified that they won on June 15, in advance of Convention, so they have time to plan travel. Alumni awardees will be announced publicly at the NLC Awards Dinner on August 5.
My chapter won an award! What do I win?
Congrats! Chapter awardees will receive one award per chapter. Nominations for Alumni and Chapter awards are open from April 17 to June 1. The NLC Convention Awards Committee (made up of NLC senior volunteers and staff) will review submissions and complete deliberations by June 15.
All chapters will be notified of the top three chapters in each category by July 1, so they can plan if they have representatives to accept the award if their chapter wins.
2023 Alumni Awards
Alumni Capstone Award
The Alumni Capstone Award recognizes an NLC alumni who has transformed their Institute Capstone project into an equitable, sustainable impact in their community and beyond. Ideal awardees are alumni of any class who have used their Capstone project to advance equitable and impactful progress, such as launching a thriving non-profit or helping create policy in their community.
Alumni Power of Stories Award
The Alumni Power of Stories Award recognizes an NLC alumni who uses their personal story to not only shift hearts and minds, but policies and structures too.Ideal awardees are alumni who use their platform – whether in-person or digitally – to share their experiences, trials, wins, and lessons learned to highlight a systematic problem and hopeful solution in their communities. Examples include using stories of overcoming and/or dismantling barriers to bring inclusion or access to others, testifying at a government body using personal anecdotes, or writing a book that has shifted the local or national conversation about a topic.
Alumni Equity Champion Award
The Alumni Equity Champion Award recognizes an NLC alumni who has advanced equity in the causes and organizations they serve.Ideal awardees use their professional role, personal affiliations, and NLC network to dismantle white supremacy and combat policies or practices that are racist, sexist, ablist, or otherwise exclude or harm people in their community.
Alumni Mentorship Award
The Mentorship Award recognizes an NLC alumni or chapter board member who has mentored a Fellow(s) or chapter(s) and supported them in the last program year.
Alumni Advancement Award
The Advancement Award recognizes an NLC alumni or Fellow who has gone above and beyond to fundraise and bring in a significant donation(s) or sponsorship(s) for a chapter.
Alumni Collective Impact Award
Alumni Collective Impact Award recognizes NLC alumni that are uplifting the collective impact model. This individual, or group, has organized community-wide and systems-wide change with the help of other local alumni and community partners, using collective strengths and perspectives to make progress.
2023 Chapter awards
Chapter Collective Impact Award
The Collective Impact Award recognizes an NLC chapter’s programming or efforts that are uplifting the collective impact model. This chapter has organized community-wide and systems-wide change with the help of many local alumni and community partners, using collective strengths and perspectives to make progress.
Examples include collaborating across chapters, building external partnerships, participating community service projects, or facilitating community conversations about important local issues. This chapter may have partnerships with individuals and other organizations and have contributed to positive change within their community.
Chapter Equity Champion Award
The Chapter Equity Champion Award recognizes an NLC chapter that has made new advancements in incorporating equity into their programming and operations. This chapter advances equity in their cohort and community.
Examples include efforts that go above and beyond to recruit Fellows from populations that are not historically invested in or finding creative ways to provide support for Fellows during Institute.
Chapter Power of Stories Award
The Chapter Power of Stories Award recognizes an NLC chapter’s programming or efforts are uplifting the power of storytelling. This chapter’s leaders use their personal and collective stories to not only shift hearts and minds, but policies and structures too.
Examples include hosting community roundtable discussions or town hall conversations, a chapter or cohort visit with public officials, or strategic social media campaigns that uplift the personal or professional stories of NLC alumni.
Chapter Institute Award
The Chapter Institute Award recognizes an NLC chapter’s outstanding curriculum innovations and improvements, including adapting lessons to local issues, recruiting dynamic speakers and trainers who engage Fellows in creative ways, or creating collaborative activities that connect Fellows to the materials.
Chapter Mentorship Award
The Chapter Mentorship Award recognizes an NLC chapter’s outstanding mentorship innovations and improvements, including finding creative ways to help Fellows include dynamic mentorship in their everyday lives, or creating opportunities to introduce Fellows to potential mentors or give them access to a larger pool of mentors coordinated by the Chapter.
Chapter Capstone Award
The Chapter Capstone Award recognizes an NLC chapter’s outstanding capstone innovations and improvements, including recruiting alumni to continuously weigh in and assist with Capstone visioning, creating opportunities of collaboration between Fellows, connecting community resources with Fellows using alumni connections, or finding creative ways to uplift Fellows or alumni’s capstone projects.
Chapter Advancement Award
The Chapter Advancement Award recognizes an NLC chapter’s outstanding fundraising innovations and improvements, including creating creative ways for Fellows to successfully fundraise, finding high-dollar and values-aligned sponsors for chapter events, and hosting inclusive events that inspire community investment.
Fundraising Catalysts Certificate
- Chapters who increased their fundraising dollars by…
- 25%,
- 50%,
- 75%,
- 100%
Chapter Resiliency Award
The Chapter Resiliency Award recognizes chapters that have successfully risen above challenges, including increasing their number of Fellows, boosting board engagement, connecting with more chapter alumni, or innovating chapter management operations.
Chapter Digital Innovation Award
The Chapter Digital Innovation Award recognizes a chapter who has creatively engaged with their audiences on social media, including creating beautifully branded content, making fun and informative Reels/TikToks, using their platform to share important issue and cause-based information, building partnerships using social media, and other digital outreach innovations.
Energize Chapter Award
The Energize Chapter Award recognizes an Energize Chapter that has worked to assess, strategize, and implement revitalized programming and leadership for their chapter. Due to their efforts, this chapter has hit the milestones to ensure a strong Institute experience in program year 2023-24.