The 2023 EdLoC National Convening, held in Las Vegas last month, was a sold-out event that brought together education leaders of color to discuss innovative and actionable solutions to address the challenges facing low-income and underrepresented children and communities. The theme of the event, "Leading the Charge," reflected the urgency of the moment and the need for new approaches to dismantle systemic barriers and create sustainable change.

Over the course of three days, attendees engaged in substantive and thought-provoking discussions about a wide range of issues, including access to high-quality education, ending generational poverty, creating schools that meet the needs of all children, and advancing multiple solutions to complex challenges. The event also featured dynamic presentations and workshops from leading change-makers, entrepreneurs, and cross-sector collaborations, highlighting the bright spots of progress in our communities.

Presenters and attendees at the convening showcased bright spots where change-makers are dismantling systemic barriers and transforming life trajectories in communities of color. These solutions must be developed with and come from those directly affected, recognizing the complexity of the challenges facing our children and families.

One of the most powerful takeaways for our team was the importance of connecting with others in this space. As members of local, ethnic communities, EdLoC members recognize the value of building strong relationships with other leaders of color, as well as allies fighting for the resources, supports, and policies that low-income and underrepresented children and families need. By coming together, sharing best practices, and learning from each other's experiences, attendees left the convening with renewed energy and a sense of solidarity.

Considering joining us at next year’s convening!

Become a Member

If you are a senior leader of color ready to join a national coalition dedicated to advancing the collective work of dismantling barriers to the academic and economic advancement of communities of color, we encourage you to submit your interest to join the EdLoC Network in one of two ways:

1. Request a Member Nomination—If you have a relationship with someone who is currently in the EdLoC Network, you can reach out to them directly and request they submit a formal nomination on your behalf via our members-only EdLoC Connect Portal. Once a nomination is submitted, you will be contacted by EdLoC staff to set up a Cultivation Call, so we can get to know more about you, your values, and your motivations for joining EdLoC, prior to making a membership decision.

2. Submit a General Inquiry—If you do not have a relationship with a current EdLoC member, we encourage you to submit your resume and a short statement of interest (no more than a paragraph) to Selections@EdLoC.org, with the subject line: “New Member Inquiry.” Once an inquiry is received, you will be contacted by EdLoC staff to set up a Cultivation Call. After the call, all prospective members without a formal member nomination will be asked to submit professional references for review prior to making a membership decision.

Our Selections Process will reopen in January 2023, and decisions will be made on a rolling basis. Once reopened, you should expect the entire process from Submission of Nomination/ Inquiry to Notification of Selection Decision to take about six to eight weeks. Should you have any additional questions regarding membership, we ask that you send them to Selections@EdLoC.org with the subject line: “Membership Question.”

 Thank you for your interest in EdLoC and advancing communities of color!