About Raising Futures

Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 9:00am - 5:00pm

Raising Futures Conference: Cultivating Hope and Connection for Parents & Caregivers

Welcome to the Raising Futures Conference, a pioneering event designed to empower and unite parents and caregivers in Champaign, IL. We believe in the strength of community and the power of shared knowledge to navigate the journey of raising the next generation.

Our mission is to create a supportive space where you can connect, learn, and grow. The path of parenting and caregiving is filled with complexities, joyful moments, unexpected pivots, and profound challenges. Whether you feel surrounded by a village or are navigating this path on your own, we know it is not always easy. That’s why we created Raising Futures.

This year, our 2026 theme is Hope in Challenging Times. We are bringing together inspiring speakers to share uplifting messages and practical wisdom. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and tools to add to your parenting toolkit, meet other local parents and caregivers who understand your experience, and explore a comprehensive resource fair.

Join us on Saturday, March 28th, for a day dedicated to you. Let's build a stronger, more connected community together, fostering hope and resilience for the future of our youth.

The conference is free for all attendees and registration is required. Visit the registration page to register! Have any questions? Please contact us here.  

WHAT YOU CAN

EXPECT

45 minutes

of uplifting and empowering keynote

12

exciting, informative, and engaging breakouts and workshops

20+

organizations represented at the interactive resource fair


Full Schedule

  • 9:00am - 10:00am - Check-in & Breakfast

    Conference begins at 10:00!

  • 10:00am - 11:30am - Welcome & Keynote

  • 11:30am - 12:30pm - Lunch

  • 12:30pm - 3:30pm - Resource Fair

  • 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Breakout 1

  • 1:30pm-1:45pm - Break/ Workshop Transition

  • 1:45pm - 2:45pm - Breakout 2/ Workshop Transition

  • 2:45pm - 3:15pm - Afternoon snack/ Breakout Transition

  • 3:15pm - 4:00pm - Breakout 3

  • 4:00pm - 4:15pm - Transition to Closing

  • 4:15pm - 5:00pm - Closing Address


Lunch Menu

Mains

  • Three Cheese Penne Bake

  • Beef Brisket

  • Pulled Honey BBQ Chicken

Sides

  • Mixed Green Salad

  • Tucson Rainbow Pasta Salad

  • Creamy Cole Slaw

  • Grandma’s Baked Beans w. Bacon

  • Cornbread

Dessert

  • Cookie assortment