15th National Empowerment Conference
+ 2024 Civic Leadership Forum

Join us for a Historic Filipino American Event! Be part of NaFFAA’s 15th National Empowerment Conference (NEC) and 2024 Civic Leadership Forum on August 16-17, 2024, at The Atheneum in Detroit, Michigan. Co-hosted by NaFFAA Michigan, this landmark event will bring together Filipino American leaders from across the nation for two days of inspiration, empowerment, and community building. Hear from visionary speakers, participate in dynamic activities, and connect with fellow trailblazers dedicated to making a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our heritage, honor our history, and shape the future. We can’t wait to see you there!

MAP TO THE VENUE:

Special rate for members! Please call +1 (800) 772-2323 and give the code: NaFFAA.
For more info, visit The Atheneum Suite Hotel.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS:

Support the Filipino American Community — be our Sponsor and Partner!

If you have any questions, reach out to ryan.namata@naffaa.org

Call for Speakers

We are calling for speakers! The deadline to apply to be a speaker is July 14th, 2024. Speakers will also receive 1 day complimentary registration, 50% off the second day, and 50% off gala tickets.

Program Agenda

Pre-Conference • Thursday, August 15
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Registration Opens
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Opening Reception
Day 1 • Friday, August 16
8:00 AM - All Day
Registration
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wellness Activities
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Opening Remarks by NaFFAA Leadership

The importance of coming together as a community to talk about Civic Engagement and Empowerment

9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Welcome Keynote
9:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel Session 1
  • Description: Panelists discuss the pivotal role of social media in political campaigns and present real-world examples of success to inspire through real-life success stories, and equip campaigners with valuable insights for navigating the digital landscape effectively and responsibly.
11:05 AM - 12:15 PM
Panel Session 2

Description: Fil-Am Chambers and businesses can positively impact  elections. This panel discusses their potential role in supporting civic engagement, and provides tangible examples of their contributions to the community and civic initiatives.

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Provided Lunch + Keynote 2
1:30 PM - 2:40 PM
Panel Session 3

Description: Panelists that specialize in fundraising detail the processes for campaign outreach, staffing, and fundraising, and offer valuable best practices. They will cover real-world campaign strategy stories, thereby equipping individuals and teams with the knowledge and inspiration needed for effective political campaigning.

2:45 PM - 3:55 PM
Panel Session 4
  • Description: A panel of successful elected officials inspire potential candidates, educate on campaign speech writing and delivery, and facilitate valuable discussions through questions about their personal experiences and expertise.
4:00 PM - 5:10 PM
Panel Session 5
  • Description: The future of civic engagement may involve re-engaging citizens at the local level, creating new forms of participation, and using digital tools to deepen engagement. How are others approaching this question? This panel of community leaders and allies present their best practices in dealing with the future of civic engagement.
5:15 PM - 5:45 PM
Keynote 3
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
CLF Sponsor's Reception
Day 2 • Saturday, August 17
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Wellness Activities
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Day 2 Keynote 4
9:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Panel Session A

Description: Data suggests that reports of hate crimes increase during elections. Experts discuss what leaders in the Filipino community can do to protect their communities in what looks to be a politically tumultuous election year.

10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Panel Session B

Description:

  • Health and wellness are vital to a thriving community, but mental health is largely a taboo topic for many Filipinos. Experts discuss how Filipinos can access mental health coverage, explore emerging trends in mental health treatment and well-being promotion, including digital mental health support, alternative therapies, spirituality, and more.
11:50 PM to 12:30 PM
Panel Session C

Description: The NYC NaFFAA Team was able to find funding upwards of $1.6 million. Hear the team’s efforts in winning the funding from start to finish.

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Lunch Provided + Keynote 5
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Panel Session D

Description:

  • The time is now for Filipino American voters to make their voices heard. Filipinos are the second largest voting group in the Asian Pacific Islander communities, and can potentially decide elections in many parts of the country. Learn how our community-based organizations and national partners are harnessing the collective powers of different generations to elevate the concerns of Filipinos and mobilize our community to act.
2:35 PM to 3:05 PM
Keynote 6
3:05 PM to 4:00 PM
NEC Sponsors' Reception
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Registration Information

Attendees may register for the full conference or can register for individual events below.
If you are a confirmed speaker or sponsor please contact ryan.namata@naffaa.org
for a special registration link.
For students, please contact ryan.namata@naffaa.org from a .edu address
to register at a discounted rate.
For further inquiries, please contact ryan.namata@naffaa.org.