Rock Valley Culture of Belonging Academy Summer 2026 Kickoff Conference

Thursday, June 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
and Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Attire: Business Casual
The purpose of the conference is to examine the challenges and best practices to achieve Cultural Excellence and Belonging: Creating healthy, inclusive, and accessible work and learning environments.

The conference is FREE for attendees and supported by a $20,000 grant from Healing Illinois and in-kind donations from Rock Valley College. "Healing Illinois, an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), managed in partnership with the Field Foundation, has launched a 2025-2026 grant cycle and distributed more than $4.3 million in grants to nonprofits to foster racial healing and community healing statewide" ( IL Dept. of Human Services, 2023).

*Day One: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, Plenary sessions, and panel discussions. Lunch with theatrical performances promoting Cultural Excellence and Belonging, listening circles sessions in the afternoon, facilitated by the RVC Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center.

*Day Two: Action Planning Workshop, the Belonging Begins with Us: Rockford Taskforce Belonging Pledge, Dignity of Belonging Awards Luncheon, including giveaways to local attractions.

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Host or Publisher RVC Cultural Excellence and Belonging Office