Building a Beloved Community Summit

Building a Beloved Community: A Peacebuilding and Nonviolence Summit

When: November 17, 2025 (9 am - 6 pm)

Where: University of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall (Ballroom) | 4227 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

This event is free and available to all individuals

Register here

 

Community pledge: by participating or attending this event, I agree to not doxx, record, or harass other participants in person, online, or via a third party. I agree to respect fellow participants–with whom I may have different ideas, practices, and politics and engage fellow participants in good faith.

Scroll down to learn about the event, awards, program schedule and our sponsors

Building a Beloved Community 2024 | Recap Video

Join us for:

  • A dynamic keynote speech from a special guest speaker (speaker details to be announced soon)
  • Facilitated interactive workshops to promote community and peacebuilding
  • Panel discussions and networking
  • The presentation of our inaugural Building a Beloved Community Awards (scroll down to learn more and nominate)
  • Catered lunch and refreshments

Workshop Facilitators:

  • Monica Ruiz (Casa San José)
  • Morgan Overton (Multidisciplinary Artist centering ancestral memory, humanity, & collective liberation)

Building a Beloved Community Champion Awards

These awards celebrate individuals whose work advances equity, inclusion and the creation of a more compassionate, just and connected community. Submission deadline: October 27th *All awardees have been selected*

Individual Champion

A person who goes above and beyond to advocate for a cause, initiative, or group of people. This designation highlights someone whose personal commitment and actions create meaningful change, often serving as a role model or catalyst for progress.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Demonstrates consistent personal commitment to advancing a cause or community need
  • Serves as a role model or advocate for others
  • Shows measurable impact through individual actions or initiatives
  • Inspires and empowers others to get involved

 

Organizational Leadership

An organization that demonstrates strong commitment to values like equity, innovation, or community well-being. This award recognizes how the organization’s leadership, policies, or practices set a standard for others and produce positive, lasting impact.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Implements policies, practices, or programs that drive positive change
  • Demonstrates accountability and commitment at all levels of the organization
  • Produces measurable outcomes that benefit employees, clients, or the community
  • Serves as an example of how organizations can lead with vision and values

 

Community Collaborator

An individual or group that excels at building partnerships across different sectors or communities. They bring people together, foster trust, and create shared solutions that benefit the broader community.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Builds strong partnerships across different groups, organizations, or sectors
  • Demonstrates inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives
  • Creates shared solutions that benefit the broader community
  • Strengthens long-term trust, cooperation, and capacity within the community

 

Educational Innovator

A person or organization that creates new, creative, or effective approaches to teaching, training, or knowledge-sharing. This award acknowledges those who rethink traditional education methods and develop programs or tools that improve learning and access for others.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Develops creative approaches to teaching, training, or knowledge-sharing
  • Increases accessibility, engagement, or equity in education
  • Demonstrates measurable improvement in learning outcomes or opportunities
  • Serves as a model for rethinking traditional education systems or practices

 

Emerging Leader

A rising individual who shows exceptional promise and early achievements in their field or community. While still early in their career or leadership journey, they demonstrate vision, initiative, and the potential to make significant contributions in the future.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Shows early achievements that demonstrate vision and initiative
  • Displays leadership qualities such as integrity, collaboration, and innovation
  • Has already created positive impact in their field or community
  • Demonstrates strong potential for continued growth and long-term contributions

 

Emerging Student Leader

A rising student who demonstrates exceptional promise and achievements in their field or community. While still early in their leadership journey, they demonstrate vision, initiative, and the potential to make significant contributions in the future.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Shows early achievements that demonstrate vision and initiative
  • Displays leadership qualities such as integrity, collaboration, and innovation
  • Has created positive impact in their field or community
  • Demonstrates strong potential for continued growth and long-term contributions

Event Schedule

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Registration and Check-In 

9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. | Welcome and Open Remarks

9:40 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Fireside Chat

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Break 

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Community Interactive Workshop #1: Borders, Bridges, & Belonging

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Awards Luncheon 

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Community Interactive Workshop #2: Healing Through Collective Action 

2:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. | Break 

2:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. | Community Interactive Workshop #3: Visioning Justice Together

3:40 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. | Break 

3:50 p.m. 4:30 p.m. | Closing Panel Discussion

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | After Conference Networking Event