​​​​​​We are thrilled that you will be presenting at the CSH Supportive Housing Summit! You were chosen to present because your session addressed an important topic in the supportive housing field in a compelling way. We trust that you will put together a fantastic session.

Below is some guidance and strategies for insuring that your session is accessible and engaging to the diverse audience that attends our Summit. 

• KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE- Our attendees are diverse - representing a range of different cultures, backgrounds, and professions. Most people attending the conference will be service providers, people living in supportive housing, developers, and property managers.  

 

• PRESENT DIVERSITY IN YOUR SESSION- It is important to include diverse speakers on panels that reflect the population that works and lives in supportive housing. When possible, we encourage facilitators to include speakers who are participants of the programs being featured in the session.  

 

• KEEP IT CLEAR- Confirm purpose and expected outcomes for implementing the practices discussed in the session. Let people know what an acronym means and use person first language.  

 

• CONFIRM UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS BEING PRESENTED- Ask open ended questions while engaging participants. Consider using pre and post surveys to gauge the participants understanding of topics presented.  
   

• ENGAGING ACTIVITIES WITH PARTICIPANTS- Consider using role play, breakout groups, and the sharing of different perspectives/ideas with the participants.  

 

• SUMMARY OF TOPIC REFLECTIONS- Ask participants to share a summary of the topic discussed before moving to the next topic.  

 

• ALLOW TIME FOR CONNECTIONS- Allow time before the presentation, during break time, and following the presentation for connection. 

Preparing your presentation 

• Be aware of cognitive overload. Avoid slides that have too much information and are "busy."

• Use diverse visuals and accessible design. PowerPoint has an accessibility feature under the “Review” tab. 

• Seek opportunities to highlight disparities, alternate perspectives, and “hidden figures”  

• Know your audience. This conference is for SH leaders and team members who are looking for: 

  • Presenters who are conversational, to-the-point, and focused on their needs 

  • Sessions targeting more practical applications than theory 

  • Examples and demonstrations of the concepts, tools, and techniques being shared

  • Opportunities to learn from each other, connect with like minds, and network 

Starting your session 

• Arrive early to get familiar with space and AV and greet everyone equally 

• Provide reminders about caring for yourself. It's OK to step away or “pass.” 

• Encourage and model moving around to be comfortable- standing, walking, stretching  

• Provide directions to restrooms  

Reinforcing brave spaces 

• Provide opportunities/space for people to connect before moving into content 

• Allow space for reflection & peer learning 

• Activities should not include touching or revealing personal trauma information. If they do, provide a content warning 

• Provide tangible tools or strategies that go beyond your case study, community, population, etc. 

Model inclusivity 

• Be aware of who is taking space​ 

• Learn preferred names (focus on pronunciation) and pronouns​ 

• Avoid acronyms, jargon, generalizations, microaggressions​ 

• Use person-centered language 

Diverse engagement strategies 

• Multi-modal methods & tools for engagement​ (e.g. live polls, note cards, etc.) 

• Enable peer learning​ 

• Allow time for reflection and application​ 

Facilitate with humility 

• Offer transparency in experience​ 

• Encourage alternative responses to questions​ 

• Solicit ongoing feedback and regular check-ins​ 

• Sit in silence; demonstrate thoughtful and active listening​