Proposals are reviewed by the Shared Hope training team in addition to a group of field experts.
Each year, the conference receives more than 300 proposals, so the selection process is very competitive and stringent. It is important to be as thorough and complete with your submission as possible.
Proposals are evaluated on a number of criteria, including but not limited to those listed toward the bottom of this page.
The number of workshops selected each year varies depending on the overall program design and how many workshop rooms are available. In 2026, there will be approximately 40 workshop slots.
Yes, co-speakers can and should be included with your proposal. We recommend no more than 2 total speakers per workshop. For panel submissions, we recommend no more than 4-5, including the moderator.
The deadline to submit a workshop proposal is April 30, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
Selected speakers will be notified in early-to-mid June. Selected speakers must accept or decline the invitation by a specific deadline.
There are no specific requirements to present at the conference, and we welcome submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including:
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Community-based service providers, including MDT members
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Child and youth serving system professionals (e.g., RHY, child welfare, juvenile justice, mental and behavioral health)
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Housing experts
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Law Enforcement
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Attorneys
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Policymakers
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Academic researchers
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Physical and Mental Healthcare providers
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Lived Experience Experts
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Community activists
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Advocates
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Judges
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Educators and School staff
JuST workshop presenters are generally not compensated, but they do receive complimentary conference registration ($995 value).
Survivor speakers may qualify for compensation and assistance with travel and hotel expenses. Additional information will be communicated in the letter of invitation.
If a speaker in your workshop is a survivor and will require financial support in order to participate, please indicate this in their profile in the proposal submission. This does not guarantee funds will be provided, but it will assist in evaluating the proposal.
Selected speakers receive complimentary full conference registration ($995 value), with a limit of 2 complimentary registrations per workshop. Additional speakers receive discounted registration.
Workshop Selection Criteria
1. Mission Alignment
The proposal clearly supports Shared Hope International’s mission to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and promote justice. Content should advance knowledge, skills, or practices that contribute meaningfully to the anti-trafficking field.
2. Relevance to the JuST Audience
The workshop addresses the needs of JuST’s multi-disciplinary audience (e.g., law enforcement, legal professionals, service providers, healthcare, educators, researchers, advocates, and survivors). Preference will be given to proposals with broad applicability or clearly defined audience targeting.
3. Practical Value & Skill Development
The workshop provides actionable insights, tools, strategies, or frameworks attendees can apply in their work. Workshops that move beyond theory into real-world implementation are prioritized.
4. Evidence-Based & Credible Content
The material is grounded in research, established best practices, lived experience, or demonstrated field expertise. Presenters should show subject matter credibility and clarity of perspective.
5. Innovation & Field Advancement
The workshop offers fresh perspectives, emerging practices, new research, or evolving policy considerations. Priority is given to proposals that add something new rather than repeating widely covered topics.
6. Ethical & Survivor-Centered Approach
The content reflects trauma-informed, survivor-centered principles, avoids sensationalism, and demonstrates sensitivity to the complexities of exploitation, victimization, and recovery.