2026 Kansas Recovery Conference
"Bridging Generations: Every Piece Counts"
Workshop Proposal Form

Recovery Conference 2026 Workshop Application Requirements:

• Complete workshop proposal form, in full (see below)
• Complete/attach a biography for each presenter (50 words or less per presenter)
• Mail/Email application & attachments to: Melissa Patrick, (see address on second page)
• PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN (FRIDAY) APRIL 10th, 2026

Note: Workshops may NOT be selected if there is missing or incomplete information!

• All workshops should be a total of 60 minutes in length.
• Workshops must relate to the topics listed below and explained on the previous page. The overall conference theme is BRIDGING GENERATIONS: EVERY PIECE COUNTS

For questions or more information please contact Melissa Patrick
melissapatrick@kansascac.org
(316) 312-3479 (text or call - please leave a message)

The 2026 Kansas Recovery Conference Planning Committee is seeking proposals for presentations in the following topic areas:

DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE - Developing an appreciation for diversity results in an ability to understand and effectively interact with different people. Being culturally competent includes being aware of one’s own cultural worldview, having a positive attitude towards individuals who are different from us, learning about different cultural practices and worldviews, and developing cross-cultural skills. Presentations could include: diversity issues, cultural experiences and understanding, rural/urban issues, consumer outreach to minority groups, GLBTIQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning) issues, effective methods for promoting inclusion, etc.

SYSTEMS COLLABORATION – Systems Transformation involves changing legislation, policy, practices, and community attitudes in ways that will benefit people with disabilities. Some examples of possible presentations could be: Certified Peer Specialist Services, Consumers as Providers, consumer-operated services, consumers as change agents, evidence-based practices, education and training by and for peers, peer advocates in health and human services, program evaluation, participation on statewide committees, building relationships among organizations.

LEADERSHIP – Leadership covers a wide range of activities including advocacy and activism. Advocacy is the art of pleading or arguing in favor of a cause, idea or policy, while activism is energetic action taken to obtain a specific goal. Both advocacy and activism are keys to how consumers share their voices. Other possible subjects could include: self-advocacy, mutual support, promoting and protecting rights, leadership, committee membership, board of directors, legislative issues, advance directives, etc.

FIGHTING STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION- Overcoming mental illness is a two-sided act. On one side, consumers must overcome the symptoms, distress, and disability that result from the illness. On the other side, consumers must overcome public stigma that prevents them from equal opportunities in employment, housing, and health care. Stigma affects individual and public attitudes. Presentations could include: anti-stigma initiatives, public awareness /education strategies, self-empowerment, etc.

TALKING ABOUT TRAUMA INFORMED CARE-- Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to engaging people that acknowledges the almost universal experience of trauma in the lives of people seeking mental health care and seeks to eliminate the re-traumatization that can occur when getting services.  Presentation topics could include: trauma informed practices, understanding self-harm as a response to trauma, self-help and peer support approaches to healing trauma.

ADDICTIONS/DUAL DIAGNOSIS —Workshops focusing on addictions and mental health recovery.  Workshops should provide participants opportunities to have a better understanding of living with a dual diagnosis and moving toward long-term recovery.

RECOVERY AND WELLNESS– People with mental health diagnoses are two-and-a-half times more likely than the general population to have significant physical health problems, which can hinder recovery, negatively affect quality and length of life and create financial difficulties. Workshops should provide attendees opportunities to explore ways to improve well-being and overall quality of life. Examples of possible presentations include: physical health issues, talking with your providers, holistic/alternative healing approaches, peer and mutual support in recovery, use of technology in wellness and communication, wellness tools and techniques such as arts and journaling, creativity, etc.

COVID-19 INFORMATION – This topic area is focused on information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of possible presentations for this topic include: maintaining personal wellness, maintaining safety in organizational settings, responsible messaging / information sharing, utilizing technology to support organization programs.

Selection Criteria
The Recovery Conference Planning Committee will evaluate proposals and select workshops for the 2026 Conference according to the following criteria:

• Clarity of workshop proposal form with all sections complete including: title, description of workshop, contact information and presenter bios
• On-time submission of proposal
• Relevance of the presentation to the suggested topical areas listed above and to the 2026 Recovery Conference Theme: BRIDGING GENERATIONS: EVERY PIECE COUNTS
• Opportunities for participants to learn, interact, and develop new skills