Tennessee Conference on Volunteerism & Service-Learning

The Tennessee Conference on Volunteerism and Service-Learning seeks to expand service and volunteerism across the state. Our goal is to create opportunities for collaboration and use service as a powerful tool for change.

Call for Proposals Dates:
Opens: September 1, 2026
Closes: October 30, 2026

Click here to submit your proposal!

Conference Details:
Dates: February 8, 2027
Location: Franklin Marriott Cool SpringsWho Attends:

This conference brings together service leaders from across Tennessee, including:

• Non-Profit and Volunteer Management Professionals
• National Service Program Leaders
• Service-Learning Educators and Students
• Government Officials
• Students
• Corporate Social Responsibility Professionals

• Lead presenters for selected workshops will receive complimentary conference registration.
• Presenters will be promoted on Volunteer Tennessee social media outlets and in conference materials.

• Typical Session Attendance: 15-30 participants
• Session Duration:
Standard Workshops: 60 minutes
• Room Setup: Theatre or horseshoe-style seating, with LCD projector, screen, flipchart, and markers provided. Presenters should bring their own laptops and any handouts or activity materials.

The Workshop Review Committee will select sessions based on:

• Detailed agenda
• Workshop objectives
• Presentation methods, including opportunities for interaction and reflection (for service-learning workshops, reflection time is expected)
• Audience appeal
• Subject matter expertise
• Clear alignment with selected workshop track 

Interactive sessions are preferred, but informative sessions will also be considered.

• Presenter and Co-Presenter Information
• Workshop Title (15 words max): A clear, concise title that reflects your session's topic.
• Abstract (150 words max): A brief summary of your workshop for the conference program.
• Workshop Track: Select the track(s) that best match your topic.
• Workshop Level: Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced
• Institutional Type (Faculty Track Workshops): Two-Year, Four-Year, Public, or Private
• Detailed Outline (File upload, 500 words max):

o   Agenda (for panel discussions, include panelists and their bios)
o   Clearly defined learning objectives
o   Presentation methods with opportunities for interaction and reflection
o   Indicate whether this is a new or previously presented workshop
o   List any reference materials/handouts participants will receive

Successful workshops should:

• Have clear goals, objectives, and takeaways
• Demonstrate depth of knowledge
• Include time for questions and discussion
• Present diverse viewpoints
• Offer original content
• Target a specific audience and experience level
• Provide reference materials for post-session use

1.    Review the Call for Proposals and Criteria
Make sure your session clearly connects to volunteerism, whether through best practices, innovative models, leadership, trends, or personal/community experiences. Provide detailed content and include all requested information.

2.    Know Your Audience
Identify the volunteer‑related audience your workshop best serves. This could include:

• Volunteer coordinators
• Nonprofit staff
• Corporate social responsibility teams
• Community volunteers
• Students and youth leaders
• Public-sector or civic engagement professionals

Choose the appropriate experience level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) to help attendees select the right session.

3.    Craft a Clear Title and Description
Make it clear what aspect of volunteerism your session explores—motivation, recruitment, retention, community impact, training, equitable service, cross-sector partnerships, innovation, storytelling, etc.

4.   Define Workshop Objectives
Identify the skills, insights, tools, or strategies attendees will take away. Sessions that involve direct interaction, reflection, or participant engagement tend to receive stronger reviews.

5.    Enhance Workshop Quality
To strengthen your proposal and attendee experience:

• Include opportunities for participants to apply volunteer‑related concepts, such as designing engagement plans, practicing communication strategies, or mapping community needs.
• Incorporate interactive elements when appropriate (except TN‑SLC Higher Education Faculty Track).
• Ensure your content fits within the time limit and includes space for questions and discussion.
• Provide reference or takeaway materials focused on volunteerism that participants can use after the session.

6.    Final Review Before Submission 
Before submitting your proposal, complete a final check for grammar, spelling, clarity, and completeness. Confirm that all required information is included and that the volunteerism focus is clearly articulated throughout.