Designing and Facilitating Meetings for Equity | Jan 29-30, 2026 I Midwest

A Catalyst for Equitable Collaboration

In the stress of today's school systems, "continuous growth" can feel like one more thing to do. If you're a leader navigating the tension between ambitious equity goals and the reality of limited resources, you are not alone.Join the National Equity Project to discover how to facilitate inclusive, outcome-driven meetings that foster genuine collaboration and become a source of energy and progress, not an added burden.

The Designing and Facilitating Meetings for Equity Institute introduces a powerful suite of tools for equity-centered facilitation. By intentionally designing processes that ensure all voices are heard, you can transform meetings from procedural obligations into engines of collaborative action and systemic change.

There is a profound power in community – the most meaningful learning and lasting change do not happen in isolation, but by coming together. It is in community that we shift power, center the voices of those most impacted, and create the conditions to achieve our boldest goals for educational justice.

Interactive In-Person Experience: Learning That Transforms

Are you currently grappling with silent staff, dominant voices derailing agendas, or meetings that end with no clear action? This Institute will provide the skills to move your team from talk to action. This is an immersive, hands-on institute where you'll gain practical tools and a clear framework you can apply immediately in your context.

You will:

• Build Competencies in Equity-Centered Facilitation: Learn practical techniques to navigate conflict, surface diverse perspectives, and guide groups toward equitable outcomes.
• Design for Inclusion: Discover how to structure agendas and processes that proactively engage participants and disrupt traditional patterns of exclusion.
• Build an Action Plan: Leave with a concrete plan to implement your new skills in an upcoming real-world meeting, ensuring immediate application.

Who Should Attend? Leaders Ready for Deeper Impact

This institute is for K-12 leaders at any level—from principals and central office leaders to teacher leaders and instructional coaches—who are responsible for leading meetings and committed to making them more inclusive, productive, and focused on equity.

Accessibility & Logistics

• Location: COCIAL 21 S Evergreen Ave #200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
• Schedule: Thursday, January 29 - Friday, January 30 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM CT | Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.
• Accessibility: We are intensely focused on humanizing our spaces. We provide frequent breaks and design for interactivity and connection. In an effort to create an accessible space for everyone, we ask that participants refrain from wearing scented products. For more information, please contact us.
• Institute Fee: $1,200 per person

Registration: Credit card registration is our preferred method. For information on paying by check or purchase order and our cancellation/transfer policy, please visit our registration page on our website.

Schedule: Thursday, January 29 - Friday, January 30 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM CT | Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.

Accessibility: We are intensely focused on humanizing our spaces. We provide frequent breaks and design for interactivity and connection. In an effort to create an accessible space for everyone, we ask that participants refrain from wearing scented products. For more information, please contact us.

Institute Fee: $1,200 per person

Registration: Credit card registration is our preferred method. For information on paying by check or purchase order and our cancellation/transfer policy, please visit our registration page on our website.

Contact the National Equity Project at events@nationalequityproject.org with questions.