What are the biggest opportunities in the social sector? The most urgent trends? The toughest challenges, brightest innovations, and must-have skills for changing society for the better?

That’s what we asked you. Or, more precisely, we asked you and your fellow changemakers across the country to co-create Upswell Chicago — to pitch ideas that can expand changemakers’ expertise and skillsets, broaden knowledge about new (and even unconventional) ways of tackling seemingly intractable problems, and open eyes and imaginations to new approaches that can transform our communities.

We were floored by the depth and ingenuity of the responses! We received hundreds of proposals and, today, we’re thrilled to announce the first wave of workshops that are certain to make a big impact on you and your mission!

Interested in a focused, analytical “deep dive” into subjects like human-centered design, getting real about racial equity and inclusion, or using behavioral science to develop changework solutions? Or quicker-paced offerings to help you better engage and empower your community, apply data to achieve results, use storytelling to change policy, or advance social entrepreneurship? We’ve got a workshop for you!

There’s tons more coming – more workshops, Public Square activities, networking events, immersion tours, community dinners, more Main Stage speakers (we just announced the incredible Eboo Patel and Michele Norris) – and, of course, some surprises, too.

But for now – take a few minutes to explore our initial workshop lineup. The wave is growing – so be on the lookout for big news!