2026 Alliance Annual Conference

The Power of Story: Weaving Connections, Building CommunityThe Power of Story: Weaving Connections, Building CommunityWe are regrouping! We invite you to join us in Los Angeles in January 2026 for an updated, refreshed Alliance conference to build on what we had planned for January 2025. Together, we will explore the universal power and importance of story: story to build community, to heal, to strengthen connections, and to delight. Working with our keynote presenters and host school, we decided that our best deed would be to pick up our theme and format as planned, a year later than planned. Our focus will be on inspiration, engagement, connection, nourishment, and practical support.When: Friday, January 16 through Sunday, January 18. As you make travel arrangements, note that both Friday evening and Sunday morning will be essential parts – plan to be there for both. Consider coming early to visit Los Angeles-area Alliance and independent Waldorf schools.Who: This conference is open to anyone working out of the creative impulse of Waldorf education – teachers, school leaders, support staff, parent partners….What:Through presentations, story, song and games, workshops, discussion groups, artistic activities, and time to network and connect, we will explore the fundamental human activity of storytelling through these 3 major perspectives: “I” – who is the storyteller? Why does this matter? “You” – whose stories do we tell? How do we truly listen and develop awareness of the other? “We” – the power of story to build community and authentic connections, to give courage and to heal through challenging times.Where: Ocean Charter School in Los Angeles will be our host.Registration Information:To take advantage of the Alliance Member rates, your school must be a member in good standing, meaning membership dues are current.RegistrationAlliance Member: $380Non Member: $480Just in Time Registration (though Dec. 15)Alliance Member $320Non member: $420Early Bird Registration (through Dec. 5th)Alliance Member: $280Non members: $380Schools sending 5 or more participants receive a tiered discount on each ticket:5+ = $25 off per ticket10+ = $35 off per ticket15+ = $45 off per ticket20+ = $50 off per ticketTo receive this discount, contact [email protected] to receive the discount code.Keynote Presenters:We are truly delighted to (re)introduce our two major keynote presenters:Anjum MirFor over 20 years, Anjum Mir has supported parents in establishing healthy home rhythms as a parent and child teacher and educational consultant. Her teaching experience has taken her from public and private schools to Waldorf Education, which she discovered while looking for an educational system that honored the development and spiritual well-being of her first child. A mother of four, she is currently School Co- coordinator at Westside Waldorf School in Los Angeles. She is on the board of WECAN and several other education-focused organizations and is involved in teacher education and training. She has worked intimately with over 500 families helping them facilitate space for children to unfold in their development. Anjum draws from her work with Pikler, Waldorf methods, meditation, non-violent communication, Positive Discipline, and her own spiritual path to support families and teachers.Baba the StorytellerBaba has been a professional speaker since 1994 and is one of the few recognized U.S. born practitioners of the ancient West African storytelling craft known as Jaliyaa. He has received numerous awards over the years for his work as a folklorist, traditional harpist, storyteller, community activist and volunteer. Baba has presented in thousands of schools and other institutions all across the world, including Waldorf schools and conferences. He presents deep truths about being human and our ask as educators through engaged and engaging storytelling.Thematic and Artistic Workshops:Explore a variety of in-depth thematic and creative artistic workshops, offering something for everyone to learn and enjoy! View works offerings here.Schedule:All times are local (Pacific Time).Friday7:00-7:30: Welcome and Conference Opening7:30-8:45: Keynote Speaker8:45-9:15: Dessert SocialSaturday8:15-8:45: Welcome, Announcements, Ocean Charter School’s Story & Roll Call8:45-10:15: Keynote Speaker10:15-10:45: Break10:45-11:40: Discussion Groups11:45-1:15: Workshop1:15-2:10: Lunch – (Lunch provided with your registration)2:15-2:40: Whole Group Movement2:45-3:45: Art Workshop I4:00-5:00: Art Workshop II*Optional Saturday dinner and conversations at Ocean Charter School (dinner only available by pre-order)Sunday8:15-8:30: Welcome and Announcements8:30-10:00: Keynote Speaker10:00-10:20: Break10:20-11:10: Discussion Groups11:15-12:40: Workshop12:45-1:15: Plenum & Closing1:15-1:45: Lunch (optional boxed lunch only available by pre-order)2:00-3:00: Annual General Meeting

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