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2026 INTERRUPT RACISM™ SUMMIT

request for proposalS

Monday, November 2, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST

Hyatt Regency Rochester

Submission Form

About the Urban League of Rochester

The Urban League of Rochester, NY, Inc. (ULR) was founded in 1965 in the wake of racial unrest and protests that crippled the Rochester community. The formation of the agency, as an affiliate of the National Urban League, was intended to address the material needs of poor and racially oppressed citizens by working toward economic empowerment, equity, and social justice.

Today, we continue our work to dismantle systems of individual, organizational, and structural racism.  By partnering with local government to address inequitable laws, businesses and corporations to change policies, and community members to lead change efforts, we hope to improve equity across all races, genders, and populations in our community.

Summit Overview

The 7th Annual INTERRUPT RACISM™ Summit is more than a gathering; it is a call to renewed resolve. In many traditions, the number seven represents completion and reflection, a time to take stock of what has been accomplished, what has been learned, and what must come next. This year’s theme, “We the People,” will highlight Rochester’s demonstrated progress in sustaining communities by leading with dignity, humanity, and a commitment to the common good.

Urban League of Rochester seeks proposals for presentations 55 minutes in length. Presentations should align with one of the four tracks:

1) Structural Equity (Commission on Racial and Structural Equity - RASE)

2) Institutional Change (Businesses)

3) Personal Development (Individual)

4) Youth Voice (ages 16-21)

Submit A Proposal

Proposals must be submitted online. The submission form will open on Monday, June 22, 2026. Submissions will be accepted through 11:59 PM EST on Friday, July 17, 2026.


Proposal Components:

1) Workshop/Presentation Details:

  • Title

  • Abstract (for promotional materials): <100 words

  • Learning Outcomes:

    • What are the learning outcomes of this workshop/presentation

    • How will attendees apply what they have learned during your session? After your session?

    • How will you encourage active, participatory learning?

  • Resources:

    • Do you plan to recommend resources or suggest follow-ups to attendees? If so, what?

    • Do you hope to promote the sale of any items, including books, during your session? If so, what?

  • Ideal Audience for Session: Max 50 words

  • Have you presented, or facilitated, on this topic in the past? If so, please list when, where, and, if available, provide a link to sample content.

2) Presenter details (required for each presenter):

  • Name and contact information (E-mail address and Phone number)

  • Organization or affiliation (if applicable; unaffiliated individuals or groups are welcome to submit proposals)

  • Bio: <100 words in third person

  • Photo or headshot

  • Consent statement for use of image, likeness, or sample materials for promotional purposes.

Proposal Review:

The INTERRUPT RACISM™ Summit team will review submissions, and all applicants will be notified of the status of their proposals by Friday, August 14, 2026.

Presenter Benefits:

Discounted ticket price for up to 2 presenters per presentation.

Preferred seating during the Legacy Luncheon and Keynote address.

Special recognition in program materials.

Additional Information:

Please feel free to submit any questions about the INTERRUPT RACISM™ Summit and the proposal submission process to the Urban League at interruptracism@ulr.org. We welcome you to encourage others to submit a workshop proposal and help ULR promote participation in the INTERRUPT RACISM™ Summit on your social media platforms. We look forward to receiving your proposals by Friday, July 17, 2026.