The Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC) recognizes the profound impact that newcomers from around the world have had on redefining and revitalizing Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and economy and we have chosen immigration as the central theme for our conference. We are seeking presentations that recognize the impact of immigration in Philadelphia. 

The PACDC Community Development Leadership Institute is accepting proposals to present at its Equitable Development Conference, Immigration: A Tapestry of Philadelphia, on Monday, October 7th for one day of workshops and learning seminars exploring how communities can advance equity. More than 250 attendees are expected from neighborhoods throughout the city and region. 

We ask that presentations focus on achieving Equitable Development and fall under our definition stated below.

What is Equitable Development? A pro-growth strategy that confronts structural and institutional forms of inequality by creating sustained equality in Housing, Health, Education and Economic Opportunity for low- and moderate-income households and institutions by ensuring they: 

• Have influence over decision making that shapes their neighborhood inclusively; 
• Benefit from improved neighborhood conditions; 
• Have access to community resources and services that improve their quality of life and fulfill their basic needs close to where they live; 
• Have choices about where to live and work; and 
• Are not involuntarily displaced from their neighborhood of choice. 

Presentations can be in a workshop, round table discussion, seminar or other format and are expected to be interactive and include participant engagement. All proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Please use the following link to submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/7DX6MD8roy5rcJN4A 

More about what PACDC is looking for:

The tapestry of our city is interwoven with the dynamic culture and perspective of immigrants. As a sanctuary city, Philadelphia thrives on the success, contributions, and impact of its immigrant community. We understand that historically our nation has opened its borders despite the political stance to immigration, as it increases the labor force and boosts its economic sectors.  We want to recognize the migration and lived experience of immigrants and how it has shaped the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Philadelphia directly in the systems of education, housing, health care and economic development. 

We are in search of innovative, thought-provoking presentations that explore the complex issues facing communities grappling to ensure that the successful growth of our city is not limited to the few or based on zip code. We ask that presentations focus on concrete and effective solutions and pathways that community developers and their partners can realistically implement. We are especially interested in presentations exploring how neighborhood groups—formal and informal—can begin to define what equitable development means for their communities. We are seeking presentations that are interactive and engaging. 

Our team envisions creating a space where we will learn and reflect on the policies, structures, systems and issues that keep communities behind. We are interested in learning from thought leaders in the Community Development space that are creating new methods and ideas to advance equitable communities. We also welcome presenters from diverse sectors such as: housing, economic development, community engagement, advocacy and organizing, education, health care, and environmental awareness. The conference will feature workshops and plenary discussions, and selected seminars exploring in-depth topics. The day is designed to create opportunities for shared learning and networking in support of the amazing work already occurring in communities near and far, but also to collectively demonstrate how our region is advancing the conversation on immigration and equitable development.    

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Jeanna Murat, Director of Membership Engagement & Programming at jmurat@pacdc.org.