Host an Event — EC LOC
EC LOC Programming

Your Idea
Belongs
Here.

EC LOC is built by and for early childhood leaders of color — and that includes the programming. Your idea, your passion, your people.

Submit Your Event Idea
"Being in EC LOC is like being with cousins or old friends — you don't have to explain anything because everyone just gets it."
Michelle Lopez — EC LOC Member
Sustainability Social Capital Collective Power

You Don't Need to Have
It All Figured Out.

You need to care about the topic and be willing to hold space for it. EC LOC members learn best from each other — not from credentials.

🌱

Share What You Know

Bring a workshop, skill session, or conversation built around something you care about. Tried-and-true or brand new — both are welcome.

🤝

Build Real Relationships

Every event is an opportunity for genuine connection — the kind that turns into collaboration, friendship, and lasting community.

Get Supported & Paid

The EC LOC team handles logistics, promotion, and payment. You opt in for a facilitator gift card — and we handle the rest.

◆ ◆ ◆

So Many Ways
to Show Up.

Whether you want to gather locally or connect members nationwide, there's a format that fits your idea.

Up to $1,000 available

Virtual Sessions

Zoom-based gatherings open to members across all 40 states. Great for workshops, panels, conversations, and skill-building.

Lunch & LearnWorkshopQ&ABook ClubStorytelling
Up to $1,500 available

Regional Meetups

In-person events in your city — dinners, cultural outings, wellness experiences, creative activities, and more.

Dinner GatheringPotterySpa DayBowlingSelf Care
Supported by EC LOC team

Co-Creation Sessions

Help shape what EC LOC becomes next. These collaborative sessions feed directly into our programming and strategy.

REST PlanningBudget InputProgram Design
Flexible structure

Affinity & Ongoing Spaces

Recurring gatherings for specific communities within EC LOC — interest-based, identity-based, or issue-based.

Black Maternal HealthRecurring MeetupLearning Pod

Your Community Is Asking for This.

These themes reflect EC LOC's 2026 priorities: in-person & local connection, momentum toward collective power, and space for co-creation. Topics marked "2026 Priority" are named explicitly in this year's budget strategy.

Not sure your idea fits? Submit it anyway. If it's on your heart, it probably belongs here.
Cross-Racial Solidarity & Coalition Building 2026 Priority
Healing as Leadership Infrastructure
Anti-Blackness & Immigration Justice 2026 Priority
Decolonizing Fundraising & Philanthropic Accountability
Place-Based & Regional Power Building 2026 Priority
ECE Workforce Equity & Compensation
Collective Action & Grassroots Organizing
Black Maternal & Infant Health
Reducing Burnout & Building Belonging
Ancestral Wisdom & Spiritual Grounding
Member-Led Co-Creation & Self-Determination
Early Intervention & Family-Centered Practice

From Idea to Event
in 5 Simple Steps.

The process is designed to be low-stress. You bring the idea — we handle the rest.

1

Submit Your Idea

Fill out the facilitation form with your concept, preferred format, and anything you'll need from the team. A clear idea is enough — no need to have every detail figured out.

You do this
2

Get Confirmed

A team member reviews your proposal, confirms receipt, and locks in the date on the EC LOC calendar. You'll receive an email with the calendar invite.

EC LOC team does this
3

We Handle Logistics

Zoom setup, Mighty Networks event, newsletter promotion, and vendor coordination — all taken care of. You'll never need to make purchases out of pocket.

EC LOC team does this
4

You Host

Show up, share your brilliance, and let the community do the rest. We'll introduce you, and our team will be there to support behind the scenes.

You do this
5

Get Compensated

Opt in for a facilitator gift card when you complete your form. The team will circle back once it's disbursed. Your time and leadership are worth honoring.

You opt in

We've Got Answers.

Do I need to be an expert to facilitate?
Not at all. You need to care about the topic and be willing to hold space for it. EC LOC members learn best from each other — not from credentials.
How much does it cost me?
Nothing out of pocket. Do not make large purchases on your personal account — reach out to the team first and we'll arrange payment directly.
What's the budget for my event?
Up to $1,000 for virtual events and $1,500 for in-person events. Anything beyond that requires prior approval — just reach out and we'll talk it through.
What if not many people show up?
It happens, and it's okay. Choose an activity where low turnout won't be a loss. Keep it flexible, low-stress, and meaningful for whoever comes.
Can I co-host with someone?
Absolutely — and we encourage it. We can connect you with other members nearby who might want to collaborate if you don't already have someone in mind.
What happens after I submit?
You'll hear from Dr. Nicole Cummings Lewis to walk through next steps and get your event confirmed on the calendar.