Welcome!
Following the success of last year’s regional forums, Elevate Kansas is bringing communities together once again to explore practical strategies for building stronger partnerships and creating lasting local impact.
Strong communities are created when people with different experiences, perspectives, and expertise come together around a common goal. Whether you’re leading an organization, serving your community, or looking for new ways to make a difference, your voice and experience matter.
The Elevate Kansas Community Development Forums offer an opportunity to connect with others who are committed to helping Kansas communities thrive.
You will find value in this event if you:
- Work with children, youth, or families
- Help organize people around community issues
- Serve on a coalition, committee, or board
- Lead an organization, business, or local initiative
- Volunteer your time and talents in your community
- Bring people together to solve problems
- Want to strengthen relationships and partnerships
You’ll hear inspiring stories from Kansas communities, learn practical strategies for strengthening partnerships, participate in engaging discussions, and leave with ideas and resources you can put to work right away.
You’ll leave with:
- New connections and relationships
- Practical ideas you can apply in your community
- Real examples from Kansas communities
- Strategies for building stronger partnerships
- Tools and resources to support your work
Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Joyce McEwen Crane, PhD
A fifth-generation Kansan with decades of experience working alongside rural and urban communities, Joyce McEwen Crane, PhD, understands that meaningful engagement is about more than simply extending an invitation.
It requires understanding what matters to people, how they see the world, and what motivates them to become part of the work.
At this year’s Community Development Forums, Joyce will offer a fresh perspective on engagement and explore how we can work more effectively across sectors, differences, and competing priorities.
We’re excited to welcome Joyce and learn from her experience, perspective, and energy.
Dates & Locations: (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Local Time) Check back for more information about speakers!
- Jetmore – September 21, 2026, Central Time
- Registration Closes September 7, 2026
- Salina – September 28, 2026, Central Time
- Registration Closes September 14, 2026
- Garnett – October 7, 2026, Central Time
- Registration Closes September 23, 2026
- Goodland – October 26, 2026, Mountain Time
- Registration Closes October 12, 2026
- Alma – November 9, 2026, Central Time
- Registration Closes October 26, 2026
Cost: $25 person (lunch included)
Join community leaders and changemakers from across your region for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration—and discover what’s possible when passionate people come together. If you’re invested in your community’s future, you belong here.
If you have any questions about this event, or need to cancel or change your reservation, please contact Kristina Helmer at Kristina.Helmer@wichita.edu.
Participants can cancel their registration up to one week before the event date.
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