Over the course of four days in March, staff representatives engaged in a world of learning, collaboration, and inspiration alongside more than 2,500 like-minded professionals at the 2024 Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Conference.
Under the theme “We build. We influence. Together,” the conference provided a comprehensive exploration of critical topics essential to our mission. From advocacy and capacity building to housing and community strategy, homeowner services, marketing and communications, management and operations, resource development, and volunteer engagement; every aspect of Habitat’s diverse work was examined with depth and insight. Notable events and discussions included:
– Notasha Reid Rice, Habitat for Humanity International’s Vice President and Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, led a series of thought-provoking conversations centered on the principles of equity and justice, highlighting their intrinsic importance to Habitat’s mission and vision.
– A Habitation Service featuring Dr. Bernice A. King, a global thought leader and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Dr. King shared her vision for a more equitable world, complemented by a soul-stirring Gospel performance by David Walker & High Praise.
– As proud members of Habitat’s global community, we were grateful for the opportunity to connect with representatives from our three tithe-receiving partners: Habitat for Humanity of Egypt, Habitat for Humanity of Zambia, and Habitat for Humanity of Haiti. These discussions provided insight into their challenges, and how affiliate support is helping them create positive solutions. Shining a light on the scope of international work and its stark differences from the work in the United States only enhanced that we are indeed one planet, one people, who are all in need of safe, stable homes.
– Renowned researcher and author Marcus Buckingham delivered a compelling keynote address, urging us to embrace our strengths and passions in pursuit of meaningful work and personal fulfillment. Challenging us to think differently, to approach all our work from a place of love, and to “let my idea become your idea and together we can make change happen.”
– At the heart of the conference lay Habitat’s commitment to Advancing Black Homeownership, seeking to address systemic disparities in housing access and affordability. Repairing the damage of historical redlining and discrimination requires all of us working together to establish equal access to homeownership and generational wealth.
The conference intensified our passion for Habitat’s mission and reinforced our dedication to building homes, communities, and hope locally, and globally.
