Alumni Movement Action Lab: Healing, Building, and Leading Change Together
A special virtual gathering created by and for professionals with foster care histories, designed to connect, heal, grow, and drive meaningful change in their personal and professional lives.
About the Action Lab
What It Is
The Alumni Movement Action Lab is a quarterly, full-day working session focused on execution rather than just planning. This hackathon-style experience is specifically built for professionals with foster care histories who are ready to take concrete action on their goals.
This September 26th event will be in-person (RISE Demonstration Center - 2730 Martin Luther King Jr, Avenue SE, DC) AND virtual, (9AM - 4PM EST).
There will also be an informal in-person networking meet up the night before (9/25, 7PM-9:30PM). Details soon to follow.
In partnership with the Re-envisioning Foster Care Advisory Committee, the Treehouse Foundation, and The FCN Foundation.
What Makes This Different
By Alumni, For Alumni
Created specifically for people with foster care (formal/informal/adoption etc.) histories, this space centers the expertise of those with lived experience while bringing in resources to support your goals.
Results-Focused
Unlike traditional gatherings, you'll work on your actual goals in real time. Bring your projects, challenges, and aspirations—leave with tangible progress and next steps.
Healing-Centered
Every aspect integrates mental, emotional, and financial well-being, recognizing that personal healing and professional growth are interconnected.
This is your time to build. Let's get to work, together.
What You'll Accomplish
The Action Lab is designed for professionals with foster care histories who are working on:
  • Growing your online presence and building your brand
  • Launching or scaling a business or nonprofit
  • Creating pathways to generational wealth
  • Developing leadership skills and advocacy platforms
You'll leave with concrete deliverables like social media calendars, business plans, financial roadmaps, or advocacy strategies tailored to your specific goals.
"This wasn't just a workshop, it was a sacred space for ideation, healing, and transformation. I received insight, encouragement, and concrete next steps that I could immediately apply."
- Melvin, Action Lab Attendee
Action Lab Structure
1
Morning: World Café Sessions
Rotate through interactive, small-group discussions centered around key themes related to your personal or professional goals. These conversations are guided by prompts and facilitators to spark collaboration and idea generation.
2
In-person and Virtual Networking
Thoughtfully designed breaks include space for virtual attendees to network, connect in breakout rooms, or recharge with intention. Build meaningful relationships with peers and potential collaborators.
3
Afternoon: DesignLink Deep Dives
Select a specific goal or challenge you want to explore deeply. In these hands-on working sessions, receive focused support from peers and expert facilitators to develop concrete strategies, plans, or prototypes.
Each segment is designed to balance individual progress with collective wisdom, ensuring you receive both personalized support and community connection.
Who Will Be There
Alumni with Lived Experience
Foster care alumni professionals leading conversations and sharing expertise based on their journeys and successes
Experts & Consultants
Contributing specialized knowledge in business development, financial planning, social media, and more
Donors & Funders
Helping to resource solutions and connecting participants with financial opportunities
Advocates & Policymakers
Supporting implementation strategies and creating pathways for systemic change
This collaborative ecosystem ensures that ideas can move from conception to implementation with the right support at every stage.
What Past Participants Say
"If you've ever wanted to be in a space that truly honors your lived experience, not just for a soundbite, but as the foundation of real work then this is it. Come ready to show up as your full self. The Action Lab doesn't ask you to check your story at the door. It invites you to lead with it, build from it, and find folks who are just as committed to liberation as they are to healing."
- Lolah, Action Lab Attendee
"This experience was more than an event — it was a catalyst. I left the Action Lab feeling deeply seen, connected, and energized to continue pursuing my goals and using my voice for change."
- Therese, Action Lab Attendee
"What an incredible experience! The Action Lab is truly a safe and impactful space for those with lived experience. It was beautiful to see the wisdom and support shared. All sessions were informative and led my experienced facilitators. SHINE ON ALUMNI FAM!!!"- Anonymous
"This was so useful. A beautiful balance of wellness, self development, community and business growth. Excited to be in this space again next time. Can't wait to show the growth to everyone in a few months."
- Anonymous
Join Us on September 26th
Event Details
  • Date: September 26, 2025
  • Time: 9AM - 4PM EST
  • Format: In Person (RISE Demonstration Center (2730 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington DC), Virtual option also available.
  • Investment: $50 non-refundable Love Offering
Your contribution directly supports the Fostering Change Network Foundation, allowing us to sustain these impactful experiences and resources for our alumni community.
REGISTER NOW
We're truly looking forward to sharing this transformative day with you. Come ready to collaborate, inspire, and actively shape your present and future!
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Action Lab, registration, or logistics, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
You can contact us at: info@fcnfoundation.org.
We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.