Alliance Annual Conference

The Power of Story: Igniting Community and Connection

January 17-19, 2025 - Ocean Charter School, Los Angeles

Plan to join us in Los Angeles in January for a not-to-be missed conference. Together, we will explore the universal power and importance of story: story to build community, to strengthen connections, to delight, and to heal. You asked us for inspiration, engagement, nourishment, and practical support. We are developing a different kind of conference that we promise will make a difference with each of these.

When: Friday, January 17 through Sunday, January 19. 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 3 major perspectives: The storyteller's path: Exploring the narrative within. Sharing our stories: The power of stories to build bridges. Sharing our stories: The Seeds of Growing Community

Keynote Presenters:

We are truly delighted to introduce our two major keynote presenters:

Anjum Mir

For 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.

https://waldorfearlychildhood.org/about-wecan/about-us/

Friday

7:00-7:15: Welcome and Conference Opening

7:15-7:30: Land Acknowledgement

7:30-8:45: Keynote Speakers: Anjum Mir & Baba the Storyteller: The storyteller's path: Exploring the narrative within.

8:45-9:15: Dessert Social

Marina del Rey Hotel: about 10 minute drive from campus, directly on the marina, click here

Hotel MdR Doubletree: closest to campus: about 5 minute drive or 15 min walk from campus with shopping and restaurants next door, click here

Baba the Storyteller

Baba 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.

https://babathestoryteller.com/home/about-baba/

Schedule:

Virtual Conference Announcement

In recognition of the country-wide location of our schools, we are again offering a virtual option for the conference. The virtual conference will largely parallel the in-person event; note that it does not include the Friday evening reception and that our keynotes will be interactive for those who will be on site. We are offering a school package to allow schools to use the conference as a platform for professional development.

Hotel Information:

Block Booking: Westin at LAX. We’ve secured a special discounted rate for attendees at the Westin Los Angeles Airport.

Room Rate: $149 per night (additional overnight self-parking reduced to $30 per night)

Booking Options:

Call the Hotel: Mention the "Alliance Conference" to receive the discounted rate.

Book Online: Use this link to book your room directly and receive the special rate.

From our colleagues at Ocean Charter: Hotel accommodation options in addition to AirBnB, VRBO, etc.:

Inn at Venice Beach: about 10 minute drive from campus, about 5 minute walk to the beach and Venice pier with restaurants and shops, click here

Foghorn Harbor Inn: about 10 minute drive from campus, directly on the Marina with a small but not swimmable beach, click here