june 23-26

Revolutionary Love Conference 2024

Join us for three days of community and learning as we explore the impact of Revolutionary Love on our collective global efforts.

Becca Stevens talking at National Conference

Revolutionary Love

Join us

June 23-26

Join Thistle Farms in the heart of Music City for a 3-day conference dedicated to supporting survivors of exploitation. Our educational tracks offer long-term organizational strategies for foundational work, therapeutic models and pathways to economic freedom.

This conference, which centers the voices of survivor leaders, is perfect for change-makers in the nonprofit, social enterprise, healthcare, social work, and advocacy fields. Register now and join a vibrant global network committed to love and justice. 

conference details

What is included?

• Welcome Reception on Sunday 
• Breakfast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 
• Lunch on Monday and Tuesday 
• Access to daily marketplace 
• Access to all general sessions, keynote presentations, breakout workshops and wellness sessions

Where to Stay

Our Hotel Host Property

Loews Hotel

Group Rates Available:
June 23, 2024 through June 26, 2024 

Guest Room Rates: 
starting from $249 plus tax 

Group Block Closes:
May 31, 2024 

Keynote Speakers

Becca Stevens

Becca Stevens is a champion of more than 70 organizations and justice initiatives and founder & President of Thistle Farms and the Center for Contemplative Justice.

Degan Ali

Degan Ali is an internationally-renowned humanitarian leader and organization development consultant. She has been at the forefront of shifting power for decades.

Toni McKinley

Toni McKinley is the Executive Director at Magdalene House Austin and an award-winning trauma neuropsychology specialist. As a survivor, she authored "What Happened to Me: Healing for Sex Trafficking Survivors."

Dr. Brook Parker-Bello

Dr. Brook Parker-Bello, founder of More Too Life, is a survivor and leading anti-trafficking advocate, recognized by President Obama with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She has authored prevention programs, developed educational curriculums and Eval, a mental healthcare platform.

Breakout & Workshop Speakers

Conference Tracks

House

Delve into practical strategies for establishing survivor-centered services and fostering meaningful engagement.
Topics include
creating programming inside prisons, incorporating survivor input, the impact of data, collaboration with community stakeholders, advancing technology, relational fundraising, and creating international sanctuaries.

Heal

Explore holistic healing approaches tailored to support survivors at every milestone in their recovery journey.
Topics include job readiness, addressing symptoms versus diagnosis, survivor panels, the importance of mentorship, and discussions on effective support strategies.

Employ

Discover pathways to economic stability for survivors through dignified employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and artisan initiatives.
Topics include dignified employment, marketing for positive social change, the power of entrepreneurship, artisan spotlights featuring Sustainable Threads, Zuahaza, and YEWO.

Respond

Stay informed about current legislative efforts and ethical storytelling practices to effectively respond to human trafficking and support survivors with compassion and integrity.
Topics include the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and nonprofits, safety in storytelling, finding policy solutions, engaging elected officials, and navigating healing and leadership through lived experience.

Conference Agenda

Sunday, June 23rd

9:30 A.M.

Morning Gathering (Optional)
A celebration of Revolutionary Love at St. Augustine’s Chapel on the Vanderbilt Campus with Rev. Frannie Kieschnick Presiding and the Ramblers singing.  Preaching will be short testimonies from three national network founders!

3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Registration located around reception space at Loews Hotel

4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Wellness Session Rest and Restore yoga with Deep Roots

6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Welcome Reception

See Full Breakout, Workshop & Keynote Descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancellation Policy:

  • Registration fees can be fully refunded. If you are not able to attend, you can send someone in your place. Please send all requests to thistlefarmsevents@thistlefarms.org by June, 12, 2024 11:59 PM CST. No phone, in-person, or mailed requests can be accepted after this date.
  • Refunds cannot be issued on-site.
  • Please note that the conference program is subject to change including programming cancellations and scheduling. Thistle Farms is not responsible, and refunds will not be provided due to programing or schedule changes. Please check the website for the most up-to-date scheduling.
  • If you reserved a hotel room with Lowes Vanderbilt, please refer to your reservation booking for their cancellation policy.
  • Payment of registration confirms that you have read, understand, agree, and will comply with the published registration cancellation policy.

Yes! Please email thistlefarmsevents@thistlefarms.org for assistance.

Checks can be used as an alternate form of payment. Please mail check with this completed form.
Thistle Farms
Attn: Jenelle Spicer – Conference

5122 Charolotte Pike
Nashville TN 37209

Please do let us know any special requirements in the designated area on the registration form. You can also email thistlefarmsevents@thistlefarms.org for any specific questions.

The conference will be held at:
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2100 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

Host Hotel Accommodations: Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
There are several options for accommodations in the area.

Nashville is located in Central Standard Time zone (CST).

Lowes Vanderbilt does not offer airport transportation.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is roughly 20 minutes away. There are taxi and rideshare options available at the airport.

Self-parking at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is $45 + tax per day, per vehicle.

Valet parking is $49 + tax per day, per vehicle

Business casual. Meeting rooms can get chilly, so we recommend layers for your comfort.

  • Welcome Reception on Sunday
  • Breakfast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Lunch on Monday and Tuesday
  • Access to daily marketplace
  • Access to all general sessions, keynote presentations and breakout workshops
  • Welcome Reception on Sunday (heavy Hors o’doeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages)
  • Breakfast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Lunch on Monday and Tuesday
  • All dinners will be on your own.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

We are able to provide continuing education units. Please let us know in the designated area on the registration form. You can also email thistlefarmsevents@thistlefarms.org for any specific questions.

Yes! We'd love your help throwing a successful conference. Please email us at thistlefarmsevents@thistlefarms.org to get involved.

There are a limited number of scholarships available. Email
shelia.simpkins@thistlefarms.org to inquire about scholarship opportunities.

Photographs and/or videos may be taken by event organizers, event sponsors, event speakers and/or those persons retained by event organizers to document conference. Thistle Farms assumes permission to use images. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar events in the future, highlight the day’s event and exhibit the capabilities of Thistle Farms. No compensation will be provided to the subjects of the images, photos and/or videos. The ownership of images, photos and/or videos are retained by the persons taking the photos and/or videos. Photos may be shared in electronic, social, and print medias.

Register Now

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