Dear Group Colleagues: We hope that you are still basking in the warmth, connections and group training acquired from our in-person and virtual Connect 2025. How wonderful it was to meet and engage with so many of you in San Francisco and online! Whether in-person or in the virtual community format, we are privileged to be a part of such a rich and vibrant community where we all get to be learners and teachers. It is now time to begin planning for AGPA Connect 2026. The dates are March 2 to March 7, 2026. The in-person meeting will be held in New York City at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and the virtual meeting will be held via Zoom. AGPA Connect 2026 Theme: “Group Life: Holding Space for Deeper Connection in Complex Times.”  AGPA is Connecting Virtually and In-Person. With your thoughtful and culturally responsive expertise, we can build together an exciting and innovative program with BOTH in-person and virtual offerings. A concurrent virtual and in-person program provides accessible quality mental health training for group therapists worldwide. We encourage submissions that will be presented virtually whether you are with us in-person in New York or joining remotely. Why Diversity Matters at AGPA, Connect & Group Life: - Enriches Therapeutic Dynamics: Diverse groups bring varied perspectives, enhancing opportunities for empathy, communication, mutual understanding, connection, and shared responsibility and accountability for healing and inclusion among participants.
- Addresses Systemic Inequities: Recognizing and addressing systemic oppression reenacted within therapeutic settings fosters healing and promotes social justice.
- Improves Clinical Outcomes: Culturally responsive therapy practices lead to more effective interventions and better client engagement.
- Expands Professional Competence: Engaging with diverse groups challenges clinicians to grow, adapt, and refine ethical therapeutic skills. AGPA has made available a growing selection of live and on-demand offerings to help your development in these professional principles.
Proposal Guidelines: - UPDATE: We are now offering more options for the types of presentations that you may propose and/or join. The limitation is that you may participate in a maximum of two events. For example, you may participate in an institute and a workshop, two open sessions, two workshops, or any combination.
- Session Formats: A wide array of learning opportunities that include formal presentations and lectures, experiential learning and demonstration groups, and courses, are welcome.
- Content Focus: We are open to multiple theoretical perspectives that are grounded in evidence- and/or practice-based research. As part of your proposal, you will explain how you will address and integrate issues related to diversity (e.g., differing ages, races, skin color, sexual orientations, religions, gender identities, cultures, immigration status, body size, abilities, neurodiversity, and socio-economic realities), power dynamics, privileged and non-privileged identities, intersectionality, trauma-informed care, social justice, and/or anti-oppressive practices with inclusive facilitation strategies.
- Engagement: Sessions should be interactive, promoting participant reflection and dialogue.
- Accessibility: Ensure content is accessible to attendees with diverse learning needs, abilities, and backgrounds.
Submission Details: We look forward to receiving your in-person AND virtual program proposals as we plan and prepare for an outstanding AGPA Connect 2026! Sincerely, Ginger Sullivan, MA., LPC, CGP, AGPA-F Brenda Boatswain, Ph.D., CGP, SHRM-CP Co-Chairs, AGPA Connect |
