We welcome you to join Franciscan-inspired seekers of peace and justice from across the country for the 2024 Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: Acting for Peace, People, Planet! Meeting in our nation’s capital just a few weeks before national elections, we will learn, grow, connect with others and be empowered as civic participants for creation, peace and justice in our home communities. Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is pleased to partner with the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) in organizing this conference, where we will strengthen our ability to bring our authentic voices to bear on issues facing our communities, nation and world.
Dates: Saturday, October 12 – Tuesday, October 15 2024
(Note: Monday, October 14, 2024 is Indigenous People’s Day)
Where: Washington Retreat House, Washington, DC
Virtual Program: Sunday, October 13 (time TBA).
Watch our video reactions from 2023 Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference participants.
Some of the conference goals include:
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- Inspire participants to connect Franciscan spirituality with service and action for creation, peace and justice in their communities
- Empower participants to practice effective civic participation through skills training
- Build relationships with the wider Franciscan family – students from other colleges, members of the religious communities, lay Franciscan-hearted people, FAN staff
- Increase awareness among participants’ of their valued membership in the Franciscan movement
Tentative agenda:
Saturday, October 12: Check-In begins at 3pm at the Washington Retreat House with opening session at 5pm, then dinner followed by social and cultural activities.
Sunday, October 13: After a morning Catholic mass for those who wish to participate and morning sessions, we will hold an afternoon seminar with sessions on Franciscan formation, how to be peacemakers in challenging times, and how to work together to solve key problems such as environment, voting rights, immigration, and gun violence in the midst of polarization.
*Note* The Sunday afternoon seminar alone will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Monday, October 14: Advocacy training and planning meetings for U.S. Congressional visits on Tuesday, as well as free time to see Washington DC.
Tuesday, October 15: Participants will meet with U.S. Congressional offices to advocate bipartisan approaches to key issues in meetings organized by FAN. We will conclude with lunch before departing.
Conference Speakers and Presenters
(Please check back often for updates on speakers and presenters.)
Sr. Julia Walsh, FSPA - "Community Building as a Franciscan Pathway to Peace"
Julia Walsh is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration who is part of The Fireplace Community in Chicago. She serves as a spiritual director and vocation minister plus hosts the Messy Jesus Business podcast. She is a widely published spiritual writer and author of For Love of the Broken Body.
Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. - "Franciscan DNA - Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation"
Friar Mike is a Franciscan Friar Conventual currently based in Rome, Italy, where he serves his order as the General Delegate for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. He also serves as a member of the board of directors for Franciscan Action Network. Past ministries of Friar Mike include Franciscans International at the United Nations, parish work, teaching high school, and campus ministry.
Registration Information
All participants are asked to cover their transportation to and from the retreat center in Washington DC. See our transportation guide to assist in your travel planning.
In Person Registration Options
All registration rates for in person attendance are subsidized in order to make this conference accessible. If the subsidized price is prohibitive, you may click here to apply for a scholarship.
Full conference with lodging: Early Bird registration will be $250 per person for adults 18-30 and $300 per person for adults over 30. Rate includes conference participation, 3 nights accommodations, and most meals. Early bird registration ends June 3, 2024.
We can accommodate 78 overnight participants. While the number of beds available is very limited, we encourage individuals to register by clicking HERE and groups can join our wait list by filling out this brief form.
Full conference *without* lodging: Registration includes conference participation, facility fees and most meals. Rate is $200 per person for everyone. Register HERE.
Weekend Only *without* lodging: For local participants or those who can only be present Sat. and Sun. Registration is $100 and includes weekend conference participation, facility fees and most meals. Register HERE.
Virtual Registration Option
Hybrid Program: Register to participate virtually in a half-day hybrid program on Sunday, October 13 (time TBA). Early Bird registration is $40. After Oct. 1 the rate will be $50*. Register HERE.
*We want everyone to be able to attend. If this is a hardship, please contact us at info@franciscanaction.org
Would your institution or organization like to be a FJLC Sponsor?
Sponsors will have:
- A table at designated tabling and dessert time (2 hours) on evening of Sun. Oct. 13
- Option to display literature on shared side table of main conference room from start to finish
- Your logo advertised on the FJLC webpage
Please contact FAN staff Nora Pfeiffer for more information.
Consider sponsoring an attendee
Pope Francis said in Laudato Si’ “for we know that things can change.” To do this, we need everyone. FAN will gather people from all over the country in our nation’s capital to strengthen our ability to bring our authentic voices to bear on issues facing our communities, nation and world.
In 2023, due to the generosity of several sponsors, we were able to offer the subsidized registration fees to young people and the general public of $250 and $300 respectively. Registration covers lodging (single rooms, shared bathrooms), meals, materials, and local ground transportation. We hope to accomplish this goal again this year.
The actual cost of these services is more than $575 per person. Consider sponsoring an attendee.
Thank you to our conference partners:
