June has been an exciting and enriching month for the NCARC team! One of the standout events of the year was the National Children’s Alliance Annual Leadership Conference, held June 9–11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This year, six NCARC staff members joined over 800 child advocacy professionals from across the country for several days of learning, collaboration, and connection.
A major highlight of the conference was our very own Deanna presenting two impactful sessions. On Monday, she led “Building an Effective Agreement for Serving Tribal Communities,” which drew a strong crowd and sparked important conversations among participants. Later in the week, Deanna co-presented “Native Nations and State Chapters: Building Meaningful Partnerships” alongside Carrie Little, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Oklahoma. Together, they explored historical trauma, the unique needs of Indigenous communities, and the vital roles both state chapters and NCARC play in fostering meaningful relationships with Native Nations.
Throughout the conference, staff members attended a variety of sessions designed to strengthen practice and deepen understanding. Beth was particularly excited about the sessions on simulation training— something we hope to bring into our online resources and trainings. The NCARC team also carved out time to work together on a training for state chapters. The two-part online training will provide concrete, actionable steps local CACs can take to cultivate meaningful partnerships with Native nations. We’re excited to pilot this with California CACs this October.
Of course, the week wasn’t all work! The team made time for a special visit to the National Museum of the American Indian. For some, it was their first experience at the museum; for others, a welcome return. Either way, the museum offered a beautiful and calming retreat from the pace of the city.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s conference and all the opportunities it will bring!