Discover the Power of Franciscan Community & Civic Engagement
Join Franciscan hearted people from across the country this October 18-20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Together, we will learn, grow, and connect, empowered to make an impact in our communities and beyond.
This transformative event is brought to you by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU). Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, we will amplify our collective voices on pressing national and global issues.
What Awaits You at the Conference
This year’s gathering will offer:
- Training on nonviolent communication and effective civic engagement
- Inspiring speakers and panels presenting diverse perspectives
- Opportunities for prayer, reflection, and Franciscan community-building
- A visit to Capitol Hill to meet with congressional representatives and present our perspectives on peace, justice, and care for creation.
Registration Options
If you’re an individual, click here to register!
Coming as a part of a group? Click here to register.
All registration rates are subsidized to support accessibility for all participants.
Registration includes conference participation, facility fees, most meals and local transportation to Capitol Hill.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Washington, D.C. Please see the FJLC Transportation Guide for more information.
Early Bird Registration (until 7/1/2025): $300 for the general public, $250 for young adults (18-30)
Standard Registration (7/2/2025 – 9/15/2025): $350 for the general public, $300 for young adults (18-30)
Please note that this year, lodging must be booked separately from registration, which will be provided via confirmation email upon registration. We have reserved a block of rooms at the conference venue at a special conference rate and recommend that you book your room at the same time as registration.
The Schedule
Please keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Conference Check-in with FAN at Yours Truly Hotel
1:30 PM Opening session and icebreakers
2:30 PM Break
2:45 PM Session 1: Keynote Address
4:00 PM Break
4:15 PM Session 2: Panel Discussion
5:30 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Prayer
7:30 PM + Cultural activities and social time
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
7:45 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Morning Prayer
9:00 AM Session 3: Nonviolent Communication Training
10:15 AM Break
10:30 AM Session 4: Franciscan Justice Circles
12:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Session 5: Advocacy training and preparation for U.S. Congressional visits
4:30 PM Break/Travel to mass
5:30 PM Catholic Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral
6:30 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Optional time to continue preparing for Hill visits
Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Blessing and Depart for Capitol Hill
9:00 AM Advocacy visits on Capitol Hill
12:00 PM Lunch and conclusion on Capitol Hill
1:00 PM Depart from Capitol Hill
Consider Supporting an Attendee
“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” — Mother Teresa
In a world facing complex challenges, real change begins with each of us. The Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference brings together passionate advocates who are ready to make their voices heard for peace, justice, and the protection of creation.
In past years, through the generosity of our sponsors, we were able to provide subsidized registration fees to young people and the general public, ensuring they could attend and participate in this powerful gathering. We aim to continue this tradition in 2025, but we need your support to make it possible.
The actual cost for each participant—covering conference costs, materials, local transportation and most meals but not lodging—exceeds $400. By supporting an attendee, you ensure that this conference remains accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend, empowering them to be part of a movement that can change the world.
Click here to support a participant
Become a Program Sponsor
Would your institution or organization like to partner with us as a Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference Sponsor?
Click here to learn more about becoming a sponsor.
Click here to become a sponsor.
Our Keynote Speaker
Dr. C. Vanessa White is tenured Associate Professor of Spirituality and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and Director of the Certificate in Black Theology and Ministry. She holds a dual appointment as Associate Director of the Th.M. Program (Master of Theology) at Xavier University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies.
A professed member of the Secular Franciscan order who serves on the board of the Catholic Theological Society of America, her articles and essays have appeared in New Theology Review, U.S. Catholic, AMERICA, National Catholic Reporter and CNN.org. Her recent contributions to the study of spirituality include Balm: Vulnerability, Challenge and Hope in Vulnerability and Flourishing (College Theological Society, 2025). a chapter in DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS: Maternal Theologies and Experience (Paulist Press, 2024), EXPERIENCE:Spiritual Formation in Theological Field Education and the journal, Concilium entitled , “We Shall All Be Free: Theological Education and the Journey Towards Racial Justice and Freedom.” (2023/1) in which she wrote on developing courses that address racial justice.
Dr. White’s research is focused on the intersections of spirituality and praxis and is attentive to issues of discernment, racial justice,diversity/
Why It Matters
At each of the past two conferences, participants left inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference in their communities. Last year, over 100 in-person attendees and 75 virtual participants joined us, engaging in 21 congressional meetings advocating for environmental justice and gun violence prevention.
In 2025, with a larger venue and growing interest, we aim to make an even greater impact. Together, we’ll continue the Franciscan legacy of interceding in favor of peace, justice, and care for creation.
Mark your calendar October 18-20, 2025 for this life-changing experience, and join us in amplifying the Franciscan voice for peace and justice.
For questions, contact: Nora Pfeiffer, npfeiffer@franciscanaction.org
“The staffer that we met with knew that we were a faith based organization, and she knew that we were representing God and Francis. She said, ‘Most people come in with ulterior motives, but because you’re faith-based, you come in with purity of purpose.’ Know that when you do this work and are acting on behalf of your faith, that is the driving force. Let your faith inform your politics, not the other way around.”
– Carolyn T.
“Last year I was extremely nervous to go to the Capitol and speak to legislative assistants. I didn’t know if my voice would be heard, but it is because of attending this conference that I’ve heard how loud my voice can be when I’m consciously making an effort to cultivate change.”
– Nyla M.