CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
HEDR is now inviting presenters, facilitators, artists, researchers, and community leaders to contribute to Small Town, Big Ideas: Intersectional Paths to Equity in Urban and Rural Communities, a two-day gathering focused on innovation, storytelling, and place-based equity work.
This event will bring together voices from across sectors and communities to explore how identity, geography, and power intersect to shape people’s lived experiences. Whether you’re working in a rural township, a suburban neighbourhood, or a major city, we want to hear how your ideas and practices can inspire others and help build stronger, more inclusive communities.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking dynamic and engaging presentations that push the conversation forward and offer fresh perspectives on equity, inclusion, justice, accessibility, decolonization, and community transformation. Presenters are encouraged to think boldly and creatively—your session can take almost any form:
-
A TED-style talk
-
A film screening followed by facilitated discussion
-
An experiential workshop
-
A lecture or research-based presentation
-
A community forum or conversation circle
-
An arts-based or storytelling workshop
If your idea sparks learning, challenges assumptions, or opens new possibilities, it belongs here.
CALL FOR WELLNESS & DISCOVERY SESSIONS
We are excited to invite facilitators, creators, and organizations to submit proposals for Wellness and Discovery Sessions at our upcoming conference. We are seeking innovative, engaging, and equity-centered experiences that inspire reflection, build community, and elevate learning for our members.
What We're Looking For
We welcome proposals for:
-
DEI-Focused Programming: Sessions that highlight intersectional approaches, emerging trends, and transformative practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
-
Wellness Experiences: Activities that support personal and collective well-being—such as mindfulness, movement, art-based engagement, storytelling, cultural healing practices, or restorative sessions that complement the conference theme.
-
Discovery Sessions: Interactive, hands-on opportunities that spark curiosity, skill-building, and meaningful conversations rooted in community and connection.
Who Can Apply
We encourage submissions from both non-profit and for-profit organizations, independent facilitators, and small businesses working in the DEI, wellness, community engagement, and social impact spaces. We are committed to showcasing diverse voices and expertise from across urban and rural communities.
Ethical & DEI-Centered Vendor Selection
Our vendor selection process is grounded in the principles of equity, transparency, and community accountability. We prioritize:
-
Representation from equity-deserving groups
-
Cultural safety and trauma-informed practices
-
Ethical, community-centered approaches
-
Inclusive design and accessibility
-
Fair evaluation based on clear criteria—not on organizational size, budget, or popularity
All proposals will be reviewed through an intersectional DEI lens to ensure that selected vendors align with our values and contribute meaningfully to a welcoming, inclusive conference environment.
Submit your proposal by February 14, 2026, to events@hedroundtable.com.