Culture of Belonging Summer Conference
2026 Summer Conference
Please join us for a dynamic experience as we examine the theme "Belonging in Action: From Intent to Impact."
The purpose of the conference is to examine the challenges and best practices to achieve Cultural Excellence and Belonging: Creating healthy, inclusive, and accessible work and learning environments.
- Location: Rock Valley College Main Campus - Physical Education Center (PEC) Gym
- Dates: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Cost: The conference is FREE for attendees and supported by a $20,000 grant from Healing Illinois and in-kind donations from Rock Valley College.
Contact Us
For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact:
- Office of Cultural Excellence & Belonging
- RVC-CEB@RockValleyCollege.edu
- Main Campus
Stenstrom Student Center, Second Floor
Join Us in Shaping a Culture of Belonging
Save the Dates
This year's conference will take place at Rock Valley College's Main Campus in the Physical Education Center on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12, 2026.
Register to Attend
Secure your FREE spot to join us on June 11-12 for a dynamic exploration of cultural excellence, featuring actionable workshops.
Recognize Excellence
Help us honor those who embody the spirit of belonging within RVC District 511 by nominating an outstanding individual or organization.
About the Conference
Overview
Please join us for a dynamic experience as we examine the theme "Belonging in Action: From Intent to Impact."
The purpose of the conference is to examine the challenges and best practices to achieve Cultural Excellence and Belonging: Creating healthy, inclusive, and accessible work and learning environments.
- Location: Rock Valley College Main Campus - Physical Education Center (PEC) Gym
- Dates: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Cost: The conference is FREE for attendees and supported by a $20,000 grant from Healing Illinois and in-kind donations from Rock Valley College.
"Healing Illinois, an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), managed in partnership with the Field Foundation, has launched a 2025-2026 grant cycle and distributed more than $4.3 million in grants to nonprofits to foster racial healing and community healing statewide" (IL Dept. of Human Services, 2023).
Agenda
Day One: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Terrell Strayhorn
- Listening Circles Session facilitated by the RVC Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center
- Lunch with theatrical performances promoting Cultural Excellence and Belonging
- Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions
Day Two: Friday, June 12, 2026
- Action Planning Workshop, the Belonging Begins with Us: Rockford Taskforce Belonging Pledge
- Dignity of Belonging Awards Luncheon (nomination information below)
- Giveaways to Local Attractions
Dignity of Belonging Awards Luncheon
The Dignity of Belonging Awards Luncheon is the closing ceremony for the Rock Valley Culture of Belonging Conference, honoring outstanding individuals, organizations, and institutions that demonstrate exemplary acts of service embodying the spirit of Cultural Excellence and Belonging. Awards will be presented to individuals, organizations, and institutions serving within the Rock Valley College District 511. RVC District #511 includes Winnebago and Boone counties, as well as parts of Stephenson, Ogle, McHenry, and DeKalb counties.
Nominations are due on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Members of the nominating and selection committee are not eligible for nomination. Nominators must be concise and reference evidence in demonstrating their nominee鈥檚 accomplishments. Nominees must have achieved their accomplishments in an event, service, or institution that occurred within the RVC District 511. Nominees are not required to be current residents or based in RVC District 511. Individuals and organizations may be nominated for more than one award category if they meet the eligibility requirements. Nominating statements for every award category are limited to a maximum of 1,000 words. Failure to fulfill the requirements will result in nominations being excluded for consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rock Valley College Cultural Excellence Definition: A commitment from every unit within the institution to uphold high expectations, ensure accountability, and pursue continuous improvement in creating a healthy, inclusive, and accessible campus environment for all RVC students and employees, community members, and external partners.
Belonging Begins with Us: Rockford Belonging Definition: Being seen, understood, and accepted as yourself, recognizing our shared humanity, even when surrounded by people who are 鈥渄ifferent鈥� than you.
- Co-Creating Systems and Structures 鈥� So that all people prosper and thrive.
- Strengthening Community Life 鈥� Building a sense of community for all neighbors, uplifting and empowering residents, and building trust and relationships between community members and our city.
- Opening Doors 鈥� Providing opportunities for engagement in the belonging movement, opportunities for leadership for diverse individuals throughout the community, and speaking up for reform.
- Building Deeper Relationships 鈥� Working to build relationships that are meaningful and trust-filled across our community and within the Belonging Initiative workgroups.