LTAS Research in Action Pre-Conference Registration
The Research in Action LTAS Pre-Conference is a gathering for those engaged in community-centered research advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. We acknowledge that many research topics could fall under reproductive justice and that this work spans a wide range of topics, methodologies, and approaches. In this space, we will center research that is anti-oppressive, decolonial/anticolonial, culturally responsive, employs indigenous research methodologies, community-centered, liberatory, intersectional, and/or centered on Black feminist thought.
Hosted by the SisterSong Research Team, we are committed to fostering a space of collaboration, creativity, and community during our time together. Whether you are a student, academic, early-career researcher, community/participant advisory board member, or seasoned researcher, we would love to see you there!
What do we mean by Community-Centered RJ Research?
Broadly, RJ has four main tenets:
- The human right to have a child
- The human right not to have a child
- The human right to parent children in safe and sustainable environments
- The human right to bodily autonomy
We welcome any individual whose research/involvement in research is related to the tenets of RJ and that analyzes power systems, addresses intersecting oppressions, and centers historically marginalized communities.
Attendees of the one-day pre-conference will:
Build connections between those passionate about RJ research
Learn from each other through:
- Short (5 minute) presentations - the aim of these presentations will be to share one’s main findings, the connection to RJ, and the ways in which this work advances the RJ movement. Presentations may be made with or without slides and use of creative presentation methods (short videos, spoken word, poetry etc.) is welcome.
- Learning groups - small group settings where groups will work together to identify and workshop methods to best foster inclusive and holistic engagement between researchers and community members.
Collaborate through creative brainstorming to identify new research ideas guided by the strengths and needs of communities and to be conducted in collaboration with said communities.
On August 6th, SisterSong's vibrant pre-conference & opening events will kick off LTAS 2026. Official programming begins on August 7th with an exciting plenary, followed by days of beautifully curated programs, speakers, cultural conversations, and performances by various entertainers. LTAS 2026 concludes on August 9th with a closing ceremony that inspires us to take action in our communities and lives.
LTAS Research in Action Pre-Conference Planning Committee:
Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer, SisterSong Research Manager
Nea Richard, SisterSong Research Fellow
Dr. Zakiya Luna, Washington University in St Louis, Scholars Network for Reproductive Justice
Dr. Terri-Ann Thompson, Ibis Reproductive Health
Dr. Nia Mitchell, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Anu Manchikanti Gómez, University of California, Berkeley
SisterSong's mission is to center the needs, experiences, and leadership of communities and individuals who have been historically pushed to the margins. Our in-person convening will prioritize the attendance of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, gender non-conforming, those living with disabilities, and youth leaders.
Please note that to attend the Research in Action pre-conference, you must register for both the pre-conference & the Let's Talk About Sex Conference. If you are unable to attend the entire conference, we have flexible registration options to meet your needs. All registration costs go directly to funding the pre-conference & full conference experience. We strive to create an amazing space for everyone.
The pre-conference & conference registration fees are NON_REFUNDABLE.
