Building a Connected Culture by Centering Human Relations
Continuing the Conversation: It Takes a Village
Dates
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Location
Downtown Elkhart
The Lerner Theatre
The Tolson Center
Elkhart Public Library
Who Should Attend
Students: Middle & High School
Families & Caregivers
Educators & School Leaders
Business & Civic Leaders
Community Organizations & Service Providers
About This Year’s Event
This year, the Thought Leadership Conference offers a focused, community-centered experience built around a shared conversation. Rather than traditional conference sessions, the Institute creates space for connection, dialogue, and collective reflection.
It is a community conversation designed to encourage participation, reflection, and connection.
Guest Speaker Anchor Days
• Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES)! - May 7
Youth & Family Community Fair
Interactive community partner booths highlighting resources and opportunities for youth and families.
Free Community Convening
A free, public community event featuring Mayor Rod Roberson, Superintendent Dr. Larry Huff, and Chamber President Levon Johnson in a moderated dialogue, focused on youth, families, workforce pathways, and community vitality
Pre-Event Activities
Pre-event activities are scheduled in advance for designated participant groups and are not available for general registration.
Pre-Event School Engagement: Youth Story Circles
Scheduled for April/Early May
at Elkhart Community Schools
In-School Event for
Secondary Students, 8th-9th grades
Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff: Fireside Chat & Workshop
May 5, 2026 • 5:30 p.m.
Tolson Center for Community Excellence
In-School pilot family experience for Secondary Students, 8th-9th grades families
Ways to Participate
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Open to the public
Author Conversation: A Community Dialogue with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
May 6, 2026 • 1:00 p.m.
Elkhart Public Library, Downtown Elkhart
Youth-Serving Organizations & Caregivers
Family and Community Education with Featured Speaker
May 6, 2026 • 5:30 P.M.
Elkhart Public Library
Thursday, May 7, 2026
3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Open to the Public
General Admission Ticket Required to Attend
Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES!) with Seth Maust
May 7, 2026
3:00 p.m.
The Lerner Theatre – Stage
Youth & Family Community Fair
May 7, 2026
4:00-8:00 p.m.
The Lerner Theatre – Gallery
Continuing the Conversation: Opening Reflection with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
May 7, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.
The Lerner Theatre – Auditorium
Continuing the Conversation: "It Takes a Village" Panel Discussion
May 7, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.
The Lerner Theatre
President Levon Johnson, Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Rod Roberson, City of Elkhart
Dr. Larry Huff, Elkhart Community Schools
Book Signing & Photos with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff
May 7, 2026
7:30 p.m.
The Lerner Theatre
Community Engagement & Photo Session
Our Sponsors
Author Conversation: It Takes a Village
An informal gathering featuring a book talk with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff, followed by a meet-and-greet with educators, caregivers, youth-serving organizations, and community partners.
Purpose
- Gain insights from Dr. Doucleff’s global experience on how communities support and raise young people
- Encourage reflection and dialogue among educators, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals
- Build relationships and alignment ahead of the community-wide evening events
How Does the Village Support Youth in a Digital World?
Family and Community Education | ’Til Death Do You Tweet with Stephanie Humphrey
‘Til Death Do You Tweet explores how families, educators, and community members share responsibility for supporting young people as they navigate digital spaces. The session provides an overview of major social media platforms, common risks, and practical tools that help adults guide youth toward responsible, healthy online behavior. Participants gain shared language and strategies to strengthen communication, trust, and digital awareness within their village.
Purpose
- Growing Minds
- Strengthening Skills
- Building Connections
It Takes a Village: Community Fair
May 7, 2026 | 4 P.M.- 8 P.M.| Lerner Theatre
Free and Open to the Community – Tickets Required
A welcoming, interactive space where community vendors and organizations highlight services and resources available to families and youth.
Why Families and Youth Should Attend
- Learn about local supports in one place
- Make direct connections with organizations
- Feel welcomed into a community-centered space
Why Community Partners Should Participate
- Engage directly with families and youth
- Increase visibility of services
- Build trust and relationships within the community
Purpose
- Growing Minds
- Strengthening Skills
- Building Connections
It Takes a Village: Continuing the Conversation
May 7, 2026 | 6:30 P.M. | Lerner Theatre
Free and Open to the Community – Tickets Required
A free, public community convening, Continuing the Conversation: It Takes a Village, featuring Mayor Rod Roberson, Superintendent Dr. Larry Huff, and Chamber President Levon Johnson in a moderated dialogue with one another, led by Levon Johnson, focused on youth, families, workforce pathways, and community vitality.
Purpose
- Demonstrate cross-sector collaboration supporting youth and families
- Build shared understanding around shared responsibility, opportunity, and economic vitality and community outcomes
- Highlight how youth and family investment strengthens workforce readiness and local business development
Questions? Let's chat!
info@icrlead.com