Collective Belonging Professional Development
March 23–25, 2026 | Oakland, CA
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
Coffee, snacks, and lunch provided
Create Brave, Healing-Centered Spaces Where All Youth Belong
Collective Belonging is a three-day, experiential professional development training for educators and youth development professionals who want to intentionally design learning environments where every young person—especially those most marginalized—feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead.
Rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) and a healing-centered approach, this training focuses on the mindset shifts and practical strategies needed to build classrooms and programs grounded in belonging, authenticity, and equity.
Participants will explore how gender and racial bias—particularly toward girls and Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized groups—shows up in institutions and daily practice. Through reflection, dialogue, and hands-on learning, educators gain tools to interrupt bias, strengthen relationships, and foster inclusive, student-centered spaces.
What You’ll Experience
- Interactive, practice-based learning grounded in real classroom and youth program scenarios
- Tools and strategies to support student belonging, voice, and leadership
- Guided reflection on identity, bias, and facilitation practice
- A supportive community of educators committed to equity, wellness, and growth
What You’ll Receive
You’ll receive the Girls Leadership SEL curriculum, including 40+ lessons in Brave Space Groundwork, along with our Let’s Ground activities and All Kinds of Powerful Questions curricula—together offering 70+ ready-to-use, developmentally appropriate lessons aligned designed to support adolescent youth, with the needs of the most marginalized students at the center.
WHO THIS TRAINING IS FOR
Educators and youth development professionals working with adolescents, including teachers, coaches, counselors, social workers, program staff, and formal volunteers in schools, afterschool programs, and community-based or mixed-gender learning spaces.
Why Collective Belonging
This training creates more than professional development—it builds community. Participants are invited into a space where they can practice wellness, show up authentically, take risks, learn from one another, and reconnect with the purpose that brought them to this work.
“I showed up to empower my girls, and I am leaving understanding that this is what I needed for me.” —Collective Belonging Participant
Cost
$750 – Sliding Scale. Price includes food and beverages, and the comprehensive Girls Leadership SEL curriculum.
We recognize that access to professional development funding varies. Our sliding scale offers you the opportunity to pay the amount that aligns with the funds that you have available to cover the cost.
Have Questions?
If you’re not sure whether this training is right for you, or if you need additional information before registering, please email us at info@girlsleadership.org
