Call for Proposal

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB): Justice demands we take the necessary steps to reimagine and begin to create systems to ensure that every person has fair conditions, support and agency to live free of oppression, with humanity and joy. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated and once again brought the deep economic, social and racial disparities that exist in the United States to the forefront of public debate.

The 2022 National Home Visiting Summit seeks proposals demonstrating a clear connection to the meeting commitment of DEIB that advance the home visiting field and connected systems of care through innovations, diverse perspectives and with a focus on impact. The representation of parent and provider voice, as well as those who have been historically marginalized, will be elevated and prioritized during the Summit. Proposals should have clear learning objectives, specific strategies for engagement and relevance for the Summit audience.

Commitment to Using Inclusive Language

Language is powerful and – when it reflects lived experiences and the humanity and joy of all people language can serve as a conduit for change. As such, we encourage speakers to consider the narratives and modes of thinking that they would like to amplify about the individuals, families and communities they are in partnership with in their home visiting work. We encourage presenters to view each component of their presentation as an opportunity to demonstrate respect for the individuals, families and communities to help eliminate deficit-based perceptions related to gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, mental health, age or religion. We ask contributors to be thoughtful in proposals and presentations about the implications of language.

We recommend several resources for shifting language and thinking to center equity and intersectionality. We recognize that language is evolving and DEIB commitments are a lifelong journey and invite discussion, reflection and feedback in preparation for, during and after the Summit. Please email your comments and questions to the conference planning team.

Resources include:

• American Psychological Association (APA) Style – Bias-Free Language
• Black Mamas Matter Toolkit
• CDC – Health Equity Guiding Principle for Inclusive Communication
• Health Equity Style Guide for COVID-19 Response: Principles Preferred Terms for Non-Stigmatizing, Bias-Free Language

• Proposals addressing key areas of focus for the 2022 Summit that include representation of parent and provider voice, and address topics impacting historically marginalized people, will be prioritized. Please provide specific examples when drafting your proposal.
• The session’s content and speakers promote inclusion and diversity within the context of the presentation and broader home visiting field. Proposals should speak directly to issues of racism and DEIB when possible. Please provide specific examples when submitting.
• The session provides relevant and innovative content. Preference given to presentations that align with the field-building vision of the Summit by highlighting important issues surrounding systems building, innovative and/or field-advancing practice(s) and creative/unique collaborations and partnerships.
• The session engages attendees in the learning and discovery process by actively facilitating participant involvement. Speakers are expected to provide perspective and insight through dialogue, storytelling, case studies, lessons learned, etc. Accepted proposals will include examples of how attendees will be engaged throughout the session.
• Participants are provided with multiple strategies that expand thinking and can be applied to practice.
• To create space for all voices to be shared at the Summit we will take into consideration the number of sessions in the agenda with the same speakers and organizations represented. We encourage prospective speakers to consider ways to elevate partners, practitioners, parents and colleagues into speaking roles when deciding to submit a proposal.