





Three days. One global gathering.
Three days. One global gathering.
Three days. One global gathering.
A future we build together.
A future we build together.
A future we build together.
June 23–25, 2026
June 23–25, 2026
June 23–25, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Obama Presidential Center
Obama Presidential Center
Ready to Thrive?
Ready to Thrive?
Join the Interest List
Join the Interest List
Join the Interest List
Join the Interest List
Join the Interest List








What is Every Child Thrives Festival?
What is Every Child Thrives Festival?
It is a global, multigenerational festival where imagination becomes action.
A joyful, purpose-filled three-day gathering where young leaders, families, and changemakers unite to share stories, spark ideas, and turn hope into impact.
Agenda
Your 3-Day Experience
Your 3-Day Experience
Over three dynamic days, you’ll connect, create, and celebrate alongside youth leaders, artists, and community changemakers. Each day builds on the last, transforming bold ideas into meaningful action and collective joy.
Over three dynamic days, you’ll connect, create, and celebrate alongside youth leaders, artists, and community changemakers. Each day builds on the last, transforming bold ideas into meaningful action and collective joy.
Over three dynamic days, you’ll connect, create, and celebrate alongside youth leaders, artists, and community changemakers. Each day builds on the last, transforming bold ideas into meaningful action and collective joy.

Day 1
Inspiration
Kick off with youth-led conversations and creative explorations that spark fresh perspectives.

Learn more

Day 1
Inspiration
Kick off with youth-led conversations and creative explorations that spark fresh perspectives.

Learn more

Day 1
Inspiration
Kick off with youth-led conversations and creative explorations that spark fresh perspectives.

Learn more

Day 1
Inspiration
Kick off with youth-led conversations and creative explorations that spark fresh perspectives.

Learn more

Day 1
Inspiration
Kick off with youth-led conversations and creative explorations that spark fresh perspectives.

Learn more

Day 2
Activation
Step into hands-on learning and community-driven experiences that move ideas into action.

Learn more

Day 2
Activation
Step into hands-on learning and community-driven experiences that move ideas into action.

Learn more

Day 2
Activation
Step into hands-on learning and community-driven experiences that move ideas into action.

Learn more

Day 2
Activation
Step into hands-on learning and community-driven experiences that move ideas into action.

Learn more

Day 2
Activation
Step into hands-on learning and community-driven experiences that move ideas into action.

Learn more

Day 3
Celebration
Honor progress with performances, reflections, and a community-powered festival.

Learn more

Day 3
Celebration
Honor progress with performances, reflections, and a community-powered festival.

Learn more

Day 3
Celebration
Honor progress with performances, reflections, and a community-powered festival.

Learn more

Day 3
Celebration
Honor progress with performances, reflections, and a community-powered festival.

Learn more

Day 3
Celebration
Honor progress with performances, reflections, and a community-powered festival.

Learn more



Why Thrive….?
Why Thrive….?
Every Child Thrives Festival is not built like the traditional conferences you’ve sat through.
Every Child Thrives Festival is not built like the traditional conferences you’ve sat through.
Choose Your Thrive and actively shape your experience across youth-led learning, creativity, and community. Imagination fuels action, and every voice contributes to what gets built. The room is intentionally curated so each conversation matters, every connection counts, and bold solutions can move forward together.
Choose Your Thrive and actively shape your experience across youth-led learning, creativity, and community. Imagination fuels action, and every voice contributes to what gets built. The room is intentionally curated so each conversation matters, every connection counts, and bold solutions can move forward together.
See the 2026 Experience
See the 2026 Experience
See the 2026 Experience
See the 2026 Experience
See the 2026 Experience





Youth-led, intergenerational sessions
that share power and elevate diverse perspectives





Role-reversal panels
that shift who leads, teaches, and inspires





Hands-on labs and activations
turning ideas into prototypes, plans, and commitments





Immersive storytelling and creative spaces
honoring culture, history, and lived experience





Intentional moments
of joy, connection, and collective celebration grounded in WKKF’s commitment to equity and youth agency
FAQs
Is this like a regular conference or festival?
Nope! Every Child Thrives isn’t about long days of sitting still, panels that talk at you, or closed-off spaces. It’s active, creative, and built by the community — full of movement, dialogue, hands-on labs, storytelling, art, music, and real connection.
Who will attend?
You’ll find young people with bold ideas, caregivers and families who show up for their communities, educators, organizers, creatives, researchers, practitioners, and anyone committed to helping children and youth thrive.
Is it multigenerational?
Absolutely. Every Child Thrives brings generations together to learn from one another — youth leading conversations, adults collaborating, and elders grounding us with wisdom and lived experience.
What role do young people play at Every Child Thrives?
Youth are not just attendees. They are co-creators, facilitators, storytellers, and leaders throughout the experience. From THRIVEChats to labs and mainstage moments, youth voice and agency shape the agenda, the conversations, and the outcomes.
How does in-person attendance work?
To ensure a balanced, youth-centered experience, we invite participants to share their interest in attending Every Child Thrives. A limited number of in-person seats (500 total) will be offered, with virtual participation available for broader access.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend for selected, registered participants. Every Child Thrives is designed to be equitable and accessible because building a future where every child can thrive means removing barriers to participation and ensuring this space is open to those doing the work, not just those who can afford it.
How does the interest and selection process work?
Those interested in attending will complete a brief interest form sharing their connection to children, youth, and community wellbeing. Submissions are reviewed collectively to bring together a diverse, intergenerational group grounded in youth impact, equity, collaboration, lived experience, and alignment with Every Child Thrives priorities. Selected participants will receive an invitation to confirm in-person attendance.
Is Every Child Thrives accessible?
Yes! Accessibility is key to belonging here. We provide multilingual support, ASL interpretation, accessible routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and staff ready to support a wide range of needs.
What should I bring?
Bring your curiosity, your courage, and comfortable shoes for walking, creating, and moving between experiences. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a readiness to imagine a future where every child and community can thrive.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Nope! Come as you are. Whether you arrive with deep expertise or just a desire to learn, you’ll belong here.
Is this like a regular conference or festival?
Nope! Every Child Thrives isn’t about long days of sitting still, panels that talk at you, or closed-off spaces. It’s active, creative, and built by the community — full of movement, dialogue, hands-on labs, storytelling, art, music, and real connection.
Who will attend?
You’ll find young people with bold ideas, caregivers and families who show up for their communities, educators, organizers, creatives, researchers, practitioners, and anyone committed to helping children and youth thrive.
Is it multigenerational?
Absolutely. Every Child Thrives brings generations together to learn from one another — youth leading conversations, adults collaborating, and elders grounding us with wisdom and lived experience.
What role do young people play at Every Child Thrives?
Youth are not just attendees. They are co-creators, facilitators, storytellers, and leaders throughout the experience. From THRIVEChats to labs and mainstage moments, youth voice and agency shape the agenda, the conversations, and the outcomes.
How does in-person attendance work?
To ensure a balanced, youth-centered experience, we invite participants to share their interest in attending Every Child Thrives. A limited number of in-person seats (500 total) will be offered, with virtual participation available for broader access.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend for selected, registered participants. Every Child Thrives is designed to be equitable and accessible because building a future where every child can thrive means removing barriers to participation and ensuring this space is open to those doing the work, not just those who can afford it.
How does the interest and selection process work?
Those interested in attending will complete a brief interest form sharing their connection to children, youth, and community wellbeing. Submissions are reviewed collectively to bring together a diverse, intergenerational group grounded in youth impact, equity, collaboration, lived experience, and alignment with Every Child Thrives priorities. Selected participants will receive an invitation to confirm in-person attendance.
Is Every Child Thrives accessible?
Yes! Accessibility is key to belonging here. We provide multilingual support, ASL interpretation, accessible routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and staff ready to support a wide range of needs.
What should I bring?
Bring your curiosity, your courage, and comfortable shoes for walking, creating, and moving between experiences. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a readiness to imagine a future where every child and community can thrive.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Nope! Come as you are. Whether you arrive with deep expertise or just a desire to learn, you’ll belong here.
Is this like a regular conference or festival?
Nope! Every Child Thrives isn’t about long days of sitting still, panels that talk at you, or closed-off spaces. It’s active, creative, and built by the community — full of movement, dialogue, hands-on labs, storytelling, art, music, and real connection.
Who will attend?
You’ll find young people with bold ideas, caregivers and families who show up for their communities, educators, organizers, creatives, researchers, practitioners, and anyone committed to helping children and youth thrive.
Is it multigenerational?
Absolutely. Every Child Thrives brings generations together to learn from one another — youth leading conversations, adults collaborating, and elders grounding us with wisdom and lived experience.
What role do young people play at Every Child Thrives?
Youth are not just attendees. They are co-creators, facilitators, storytellers, and leaders throughout the experience. From THRIVEChats to labs and mainstage moments, youth voice and agency shape the agenda, the conversations, and the outcomes.
How does in-person attendance work?
To ensure a balanced, youth-centered experience, we invite participants to share their interest in attending Every Child Thrives. A limited number of in-person seats (500 total) will be offered, with virtual participation available for broader access.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend for selected, registered participants. Every Child Thrives is designed to be equitable and accessible because building a future where every child can thrive means removing barriers to participation and ensuring this space is open to those doing the work, not just those who can afford it.
How does the interest and selection process work?
Those interested in attending will complete a brief interest form sharing their connection to children, youth, and community wellbeing. Submissions are reviewed collectively to bring together a diverse, intergenerational group grounded in youth impact, equity, collaboration, lived experience, and alignment with Every Child Thrives priorities. Selected participants will receive an invitation to confirm in-person attendance.
Is Every Child Thrives accessible?
Yes! Accessibility is key to belonging here. We provide multilingual support, ASL interpretation, accessible routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and staff ready to support a wide range of needs.
What should I bring?
Bring your curiosity, your courage, and comfortable shoes for walking, creating, and moving between experiences. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a readiness to imagine a future where every child and community can thrive.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Nope! Come as you are. Whether you arrive with deep expertise or just a desire to learn, you’ll belong here.
FAQs
Is this like a regular conference or festival?
Nope! Every Child Thrives isn’t about long days of sitting still, panels that talk at you, or closed-off spaces. It’s active, creative, and built by the community — full of movement, dialogue, hands-on labs, storytelling, art, music, and real connection.
Who will attend?
You’ll find young people with bold ideas, caregivers and families who show up for their communities, educators, organizers, creatives, researchers, practitioners, and anyone committed to helping children and youth thrive.
Is it multigenerational?
Absolutely. Every Child Thrives brings generations together to learn from one another — youth leading conversations, adults collaborating, and elders grounding us with wisdom and lived experience.
What role do young people play at Every Child Thrives?
Youth are not just attendees. They are co-creators, facilitators, storytellers, and leaders throughout the experience. From THRIVEChats to labs and mainstage moments, youth voice and agency shape the agenda, the conversations, and the outcomes.
How does in-person attendance work?
To ensure a balanced, youth-centered experience, we invite participants to share their interest in attending Every Child Thrives. A limited number of in-person seats (500 total) will be offered, with virtual participation available for broader access.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend for selected, registered participants. Every Child Thrives is designed to be equitable and accessible because building a future where every child can thrive means removing barriers to participation and ensuring this space is open to those doing the work, not just those who can afford it.
How does the interest and selection process work?
Those interested in attending will complete a brief interest form sharing their connection to children, youth, and community wellbeing. Submissions are reviewed collectively to bring together a diverse, intergenerational group grounded in youth impact, equity, collaboration, lived experience, and alignment with Every Child Thrives priorities. Selected participants will receive an invitation to confirm in-person attendance.
Is Every Child Thrives accessible?
Yes! Accessibility is key to belonging here. We provide multilingual support, ASL interpretation, accessible routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and staff ready to support a wide range of needs.
What should I bring?
Bring your curiosity, your courage, and comfortable shoes for walking, creating, and moving between experiences. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a readiness to imagine a future where every child and community can thrive.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Nope! Come as you are. Whether you arrive with deep expertise or just a desire to learn, you’ll belong here.
FAQs
Is this like a regular conference or festival?
Nope! Every Child Thrives isn’t about long days of sitting still, panels that talk at you, or closed-off spaces. It’s active, creative, and built by the community — full of movement, dialogue, hands-on labs, storytelling, art, music, and real connection.
Who will attend?
You’ll find young people with bold ideas, caregivers and families who show up for their communities, educators, organizers, creatives, researchers, practitioners, and anyone committed to helping children and youth thrive.
Is it multigenerational?
Absolutely. Every Child Thrives brings generations together to learn from one another — youth leading conversations, adults collaborating, and elders grounding us with wisdom and lived experience.
What role do young people play at Every Child Thrives?
Youth are not just attendees. They are co-creators, facilitators, storytellers, and leaders throughout the experience. From THRIVEChats to labs and mainstage moments, youth voice and agency shape the agenda, the conversations, and the outcomes.
How does in-person attendance work?
To ensure a balanced, youth-centered experience, we invite participants to share their interest in attending Every Child Thrives. A limited number of in-person seats (500 total) will be offered, with virtual participation available for broader access.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend for selected, registered participants. Every Child Thrives is designed to be equitable and accessible because building a future where every child can thrive means removing barriers to participation and ensuring this space is open to those doing the work, not just those who can afford it.
How does the interest and selection process work?
Those interested in attending will complete a brief interest form sharing their connection to children, youth, and community wellbeing. Submissions are reviewed collectively to bring together a diverse, intergenerational group grounded in youth impact, equity, collaboration, lived experience, and alignment with Every Child Thrives priorities. Selected participants will receive an invitation to confirm in-person attendance.
Is Every Child Thrives accessible?
Yes! Accessibility is key to belonging here. We provide multilingual support, ASL interpretation, accessible routes, sensory-friendly spaces, and staff ready to support a wide range of needs.
What should I bring?
Bring your curiosity, your courage, and comfortable shoes for walking, creating, and moving between experiences. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a readiness to imagine a future where every child and community can thrive.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Nope! Come as you are. Whether you arrive with deep expertise or just a desire to learn, you’ll belong here.

Ready to Thrive?
Join the Interest List
About
Program
Speakers
Attendees
Sponsors & Partners
FAQ
Contact
© Every Child Thrives Festival 2026, All rights reserved
Footer Link
Footer Link

Ready to Thrive?
Join the Interest List
About
Program
Speakers
Attendees
Sponsors & Partners
FAQ
Contact
© Every Child Thrives Festival 2026, All rights reserved
Footer Link
Footer Link

Ready to Thrive?
Join the Interest List
About
Program
Speakers
Attendees
Sponsors & Partners
FAQ
Contact
© Every Child Thrives Festival 2026, All rights reserved
Footer Link
Footer Link

Ready to Thrive?
Join the Interest List
About
Program
Speakers
Attendees
Sponsors & Partners
FAQ
Contact
© Every Child Thrives Festival 2026, All rights reserved
Footer Link
Footer Link

Ready to Thrive?
Join the Interest List
About
Program
Speakers
Attendees
Sponsors & Partners
FAQ
Contact
© Every Child Thrives Festival 2026, All rights reserved
Footer Link
Footer Link
