We came together for three days under the theme “Stronger Together: Inspiring Change, Nurturing Hope.” From August 26-28 in Keystone, Colorado, that theme became real. The result was 600 professionals, family members, advocates, and community leaders coming together, collaborating at tables, connecting organizations across sectors, and sharing their commitment to do this work differently.

Jodi Hardin opened our conference with a powerful conversation about collaboration—how it comes in many shapes, how each of us plays a role, and how it works best when we’re candid about both our successes and our challenges.

Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith brought us together around hope and resilience. She reminded us that burnout is real, that vicarious trauma is a real occupational hazard of caring work, and that hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s an actionable strategy we can practice and sustain.

And Nate Bustamante told us his story—a powerful reflection on moments that define a life and the systems that shape those moments. Speaking from lived experience, he showed us what’s possible when support arrives just in time, and challenged us all to inspire change.

Across seven breakout tracks—Collaboration that Creates Capacity, Family Engagement that Works, Innovation Lab, Lived Experience as Leadership, Policy to Practice, Respectful, Responsive Practice, and Workforce Wellness—we explored practical tools, innovative ideas, research, data, and real-world application.

Educators shared what’s working in their classrooms. Healthcare providers talked about screening and early intervention. Advocates discussed policy pathways. Parents and caregivers with lived experience shaped the conversation and shared the real life impacts of Colorado’s policies and systems . Teams working in communities across Colorado shared what they’ve learned: the wins, the pivots, the lessons.

The 2026 Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference has wrapped. But the work continues.

And in two years, we’ll gather again.

We’ll see you in 2028. Bring the lessons from what you learned. Bring what you’ve tried since August. Bring your stories. Bring your questions. Bring your whole self.

Until then, stay connected. Stay committed. Keep strengthening families and communities.

Colorado, you made this conference special. Thank you.

Questions? Thoughts? Want to stay connected with the prevention community? Join our email list for updates about the 2028 conference and other resources.

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We need you!

We will have engaging keynote presenters, fun activities, and much more, but this conference wouldn’t be the same without you sharing your expertise, experiences, and lessons learned.

Whether you’re a practitioner, advocate, researcher, community leader, or someone with lived experience, your perspective is an important part of what makes this conference impactful!

We are currently seeking sessions that offer insight, tools, ideas, practical application, and enriching discussion to address the following areas:

• • Collaboration that Creates Capacity
  • Family Engagement that Works
  • Innovation Lab
  • Lived Experience as Leadership
  • Policy to Practice
  • Respectful, Responsive Practice
  • Workforce Wellness

See full descriptions of all session areas on the Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it okay if this will be my first time presenting?

Absolutely! We welcome both seasoned presenters and new voices. If your session aligns with the conference purpose and session areas, we encourage you to submit a proposal.

Q: How do I submit my proposal?

Proposals must be submitted using the Call for Proposals submission form. Proposals sent by email cannot be reviewed or considered. Please note that you will not able to save an unfinished proposal and return to your work, so gather all of the information you need before starting.

Q: When is my proposal due?

Submit your proposal for a breakout session by March 1, 2026.

Q: When will I know whether my proposal was accepted?

All complete submissions will be reviewed by the conference planning committee, and you will be notified via email no later than May 1, 2026 regarding whether your proposal is accepted.

Q: Are there any benefits if my proposal is selected?

Selected proposals will receive complimentary conference registration for up to two presenters. Please note that presenters are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and per diem.

About the Conference

The Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference is a biennial event and is a joint collaboration across the family support continuum, from prevention and public health through restoration and child welfare. 

The Strengthening Colorado Families and Communities Conference is brought to you in partnership by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, the Colorado Department of Human Services, and Illuminate Colorado.