Virginia Boys & Girls Clubs

2026 Capacity Building & Sustainability Symposium

November 13–14, 2026 | Richmond, Virginia

A statewide professional development experience bringing together Boys & Girls Club leaders and staff from across Virginia to strengthen leadership, exchange practical strategies, and build stronger organizations for the young people they serve.

Explore the Symposium Register Now

Building Stronger Clubs Across Virginia

The 2026 Capacity Building & Sustainability Symposium will bring together professionals representing Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the Commonwealth.

Across two days, participants will engage in focused learning, peer exchange, and practical conversations designed to strengthen leadership, program quality, communications, fundraising, and long-term organizational sustainability.

Days

Learning Tracks

Statewide

Collaboration

Symposium Schedule

Friday, November 13

Executive Leadership Experience

11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Arrival, Lunch & Networking

Check in, pick up symposium materials, and connect with fellow Boys & Girls Club leaders from across Virginia. Lunch will be available beginning at 12:00 p.m.

12:45–1:45 p.m.

Opening Keynote: What's Your Superpower?

Dr. Antoinette L. Allen

What makes you uniquely you? In this energizing, humorous, and inspiring keynote, Dr. Allen will encourage participants to discover their unique gifts, embrace their experiences, and recognize how their individual strengths can make a meaningful difference.

1:45–1:50 p.m.

Break

1:50–3:50 p.m.

Statewide Leadership Discussion

Leah Dozier Walker

What does it take to build a stronger, more connected statewide movement? This interactive working session will explore shared priorities, opportunities for collective action, and ways to shape a statewide strategy and roadmap for the future.

3:50–4:00 p.m.

Break

4:00–6:00 p.m.

Storytelling with Data: Workshop

Alex Velez

How can you use data to tell a more compelling story? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn and practice effective data storytelling strategies through hands-on exercises, discussion, and real-world examples. Discover how to make data visualizations and presentations clearer, more engaging, and more impactful.

6:00–6:30 p.m.

Break & Transition to Dinner

6:30–9:00 p.m.

Dinner & Networking Reception

Enjoy an evening of dinner, music, and conversation with fellow Club leaders. Connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and build relationships as we close out the first day of the symposium.

Saturday, November 14

Professional Development Day

Saturday features full-group sessions and three concurrent learning tracks, allowing attendees to choose breakout sessions that best align with their roles and interests.

8:45–9:30 a.m.

Breakfast & Networking

Start the day with breakfast and conversation as you connect with fellow Club leaders and colleagues before the morning sessions begin.

9:30–10:15 a.m.

Opening General Session: Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor & Who You

Fatima Nash

How do you stay connected to your purpose without sacrificing your well-being? This engaging session explores the signs of burnout, the pressures that normalize overwork, and the importance of reconnecting with your identity, values, and purpose. Through guided reflection and practical examples, participants will discover ways to establish healthier boundaries and build habits that support meaningful, sustainable work.

10:15–10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30–11:20 a.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Executive Leadership & Administration

Scenario & Contingency Planning

Melissa Cameron

Explore approaches to anticipating organizational challenges, evaluating potential scenarios, and preparing for unexpected disruptions. Discover how thoughtful contingency planning can support stronger leadership decisions and organizational resilience.

Programs & Youth Development

Supporting Youth Mental Health

Explore the importance of recognizing and responding to youth mental health needs in Club environments, with a focus on creating supportive spaces for young people.

Speaker to be announced.

Marketing, Communications & Fundraising

Will Donors Find You and Trust You? Fundraising in the Age of AI

Lucas Metropulos

Your next donor’s first impression of your Club may begin with a question to an AI assistant. What will they discover, and will it inspire them to give?

Join nonprofit founder and fundraising strategist Lucas Metropulos for an interactive exploration of how AI is changing donor discovery and why authentic storytelling, credible evidence, and clear communication matter more than ever. Through practical examples and audience discussion, participants will examine their Club’s digital first impression, explore ways to use AI without compromising authenticity, and identify steps to strengthen donor confidence and fundraising communications. Attendees will leave with a readiness checklist and actionable next steps. No technical experience required.

11:20–11:30 a.m.

Break

11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Lunch & Keynote: Dynamic Chaos

Dr. Antoinette L. Allen

How can leaders navigate disruption, uncertainty, and difficult transitions? In this candid and engaging keynote, Dr. Allen will explore the human impact of change and how leaders can help themselves and others move through challenging circumstances toward renewed purpose and possibility.

12:45–1:00 p.m.

Break

1:00–1:50 p.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Executive Leadership & Administration

Building the Right Board & Planning for the Future

Robert L. Dortch Jr.

How can nonprofit leaders build boards that actively support their organization's mission and long-term success? This session will explore the importance of effective board engagement, identifying the right mix of board members, and preparing for the organization's future. Participants will consider ways to strengthen board leadership, align governance with strategic priorities, and position their Clubs for long-term sustainability.

Programs & Youth Development

Keeping Them Coming Back: Creating Youth Programs That Engage and Inspire

Lauren Healey, Ph.D.

What keeps young people engaged and excited to return to their Club? This interactive session explores the key elements of effective youth development programs, including youth voice, belonging, choice, and meaningful relationships. Participants will learn youth-centered program design strategies and practical facilitation techniques to increase participation, motivation, and sustained engagement. Through discussion and peer feedback, attendees will explore ways to strengthen existing activities and create meaningful learning experiences for young people.

Marketing, Communications & Fundraising

Building Strong Corporate Partnerships

Darrell Booker

What does it take to build corporate relationships that create lasting value? Explore strategies for identifying partnership opportunities, aligning organizational goals with corporate interests, and developing relationships that support long-term collaboration and community impact.

1:50–2:00 p.m.

Break

2:00–2:50 p.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Executive Leadership & Administration

How to Grow a Sustainable HR Career While Helping Young People Thrive

Dr. Rabiah Muhammad

How can leaders create meaningful opportunities for staff growth while strengthening their organizations? This interactive session explores practical strategies for employee development, career sustainability, and HR support, even when resources or advancement opportunities are limited. Through workplace scenarios and discussion, participants will explore ways to recognize employee contributions, support professional growth, and encourage sustainable performance without promoting overwork.

Programs & Youth Development

Behavior Management & De-escalation

Explore approaches to managing challenging behaviors and responding to escalating situations in youth-serving environments, with an emphasis on creating safe, supportive spaces for young people and staff.

Speaker to be announced.

Marketing, Communications & Fundraising

Fundraising Leadership Panel

Robert L. Dortch Jr. & Taikein Cooper

Join nonprofit leaders for a discussion on strengthening fundraising efforts, engaging supporters, and navigating the opportunities and challenges of nonprofit development. Panelists will share perspectives on building meaningful relationships, communicating organizational impact, and supporting long-term fundraising success.

Additional panelist to be announced.

2:50–3:00 p.m.

Break

3:00–3:50 p.m.

Solutions Lab: Facilitated Peer Discussion

Connect with fellow Club leaders to explore shared challenges, exchange practical ideas, and identify potential solutions. These facilitated discussions will provide an opportunity to build on insights from the day's sessions and consider ways to apply them within your Club.

Discussion topics and facilitators to be announced.

3:50–4:20 p.m.

Closing Reflections & Next Steps

Reflect on key takeaways from the symposium, share ideas for putting what you've learned into practice, and explore opportunities to stay connected and collaborate beyond the event.

The symposium concludes at 4:20 p.m.

Learning Tracks

Executive Leadership & Administration

Leadership, organizational management, financial sustainability, governance, and navigating change.

Programs & Youth Development

Program quality, youth engagement, staff development, impact measurement, and service delivery.

Marketing, Communications & Fundraising

Brand storytelling, donor engagement, communications strategy, partnerships, and revenue development.

Speakers & Facilitators

More featured speakers and subject matter experts will be announced shortly.

Our Meeting Space + Lodging

Exterior of The Westin Richmond — The Westin Richmond

Hotel Name

The Westin Richmond

Hotel Address

6631 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
USA

View Hotel Website

Nearby Lodging

Nearby guest accommodations will be provided at Embassy Suites by Hilton.

Exterior of Embassy Suites by Hilton in Richmond — Embassy Suites by Hilton — Richmond

Lodging Hotel

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Hotel Address

2925 Emerywood Parkway
Richmond, VA 23294

View Lodging Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Key details about registration, lodging, and reimbursement for the 2026 symposium.

When and where is the symposium?

The symposium will take place Friday, November 13 through Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Westin Richmond, 6631 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230.

Who should attend?

The symposium is designed for Boys & Girls Club professionals across Virginia who want to strengthen leadership, program quality, communications, fundraising, and long-term organizational sustainability.

When is the registration deadline?

Full registration is due by November 6, 2026.

How many attendees may each Club register?

Each Club may register up to five attendees. Club leadership should coordinate registrations before forms are submitted.

What hotel accommodations are available?

Each Club may receive up to two paid hotel rooms for the night of November 13, with checkout on November 14. Hotel requests are subject to approval and are not confirmed by submitting the registration form.

When is the room reservation cutoff?

The room reservation cutoff is October 20, 2026.

What travel reimbursement is available?

Each Club may receive up to $1,500 in approved travel reimbursement. The limit applies per Club, not per attendee. Reimbursement requires approval, receipts, and supporting documentation.

How do I request accessibility accommodations?

Use the accessibility and accommodation fields in the registration form to describe what you need. This includes requests for an accessible hotel room.

Registration

Complete the official symposium registration form below. Your response will be securely submitted and saved.

Room reservation cutoff: October 20, 2026

Full registration deadline: November 6, 2026