Pre-Sessions are an opportunity for Summit attendees to have more in-depth learning experiences. Sessions are offered on a variety of topics, and these sessions should be registered for as you are completing your Summit registration. Sessions taking place on Wednesday, October 22 are offered at $25 per person. Sessions on Thursday October 23 are offered at no additional cost to attendees. If you have already registered for Summit and would like to add-on a pre-session, please contact Samira Payne at spayne@rebuildingtogether.org

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

4:30-6p

Pre-Session Attendee Reception

For those arriving early to participate in pre-sessions. This reception is an opportunity to meet other pre-session participants and get [re]connected.

Wednesday

October 22, 2025

  • Development is always a popular topic at Summit! This pre-session is an opportunity to hear from members of our National Office Development Team in advance of the conference, allowing you to engage in other sessions during the main event.

    From Prospect to Partner: Unlocking New Funding with Tara Cruise, Director of Partnership Development.

    We’ll explore best practices for positioning your work, crafting compelling outreach, and leveraging the rising interest in resilience and disaster response funding. Whether you're refining your pitch or building new relationships from scratch, this session will give you tools to strengthen your development strategy and maximize your impact.

    Partnership Studio: Build a Proposal in Real Time with Chad Magaziner, Director of Strategic Partnerships

    Work alongside your peers and the national office to co-create a corporate partnership proposal that aligns with a major brand’s mission. This hands-on workshop will walk you through aligning your impact, storytelling, and local assets to funder priorities. This session will include making a strong case for general operating support to corporate partners using metrics, mission alignment, and storytelling. Participants will leave with talking points, templates, and examples used in fundraising asks. We will have opportunities to focus on both new and returning corporate funders and foundations.

    Individual Gifts on a Modest Budget: Building relationships without big infrastructure with Varya Zhigilei, Senior Director Development Operations & Donor Engagement

    This interactive and discussion-based session will 1) take a brief look at the behavioral science and cognitive biases that influence giving decisions, like social proof, loss aversion, and identity alignment and how to ethically apply them to your fundraising materials and strategy, and 2) explore how we can identify, engage, and cultivate donors through sustained, meaningful outreach with limited time and capacity.

  • This hands-on training is designed for Salesforce end users who want to optimize their experience with Lightning App Builder and make the most of the platform’s dynamic page capabilities. Whether you're customizing record pages for clarity, tailoring content based on user needs, or streamlining workflows with visibility rules, this session will give you the tools and confidence to enhance usability and performance.

  • Join Erich Chatham of Civitas for a session on preparing for and implementing federal funding.

  • This session is for those who need a basic understanding of HR practices, no matter what your role is at your affiliate.  We will break down the basics – hiring, compliance, employee relations, documentation and more – into practical tips you can implement immediately to ensure you are operating a positive and legally sound affiliate

  • CAPS Pre-Session will take place over 3 days. Wednesday 10/22 7:30a-5p with 30 minutes for Lunch, Thursday 10/23 7:30a- 1:30p with 30 minutes for Lunch, and Friday 10/24 1:30p-5p. You must complete all three days to receive certification.

Thursday

October 23, 2025

  • isit the Brand Guidelines Help Desk for one-on-one support from the national office’s marketing and development teams. Bring whatever you’re working on—donor letters, newsletters, social media posts, flyers—and we’ll help you update and tailor your materials to align with Rebuilding Together’s refreshed brand guidelines. Participants will receive further communication to sign up for a specific time in this window to ensure adequate staffing for support.

  • Join fellow Executive Directors for a collaborative and engaging roundtable session where we will focus on the shared experiences, successes, and challenges faced in leadership roles. This session provides an open space for peer-to-peer dialogue, where attendees can exchange strategies, lessons learned, and best practices from their unique organizational contexts. Key discussion topics may include: Leadership Successes: What initiatives have worked well in your organization? From strategic growth to team development, we’ll share the tactics that have led to meaningful impact. Overcoming Common Challenges: What obstacles have been the toughest to navigate, and how have you addressed them? Let’s discuss solutions for managing financial constraints, navigating changing board dynamics, fostering organizational resilience, and more. Leadership Development: Strategies for sustaining and growing your personal leadership capacity while managing organizational expectations. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to implement within their own organizations, as well as a strong network of peers to lean on for continued advice and support.

  • Join other Rebuilding Together early career professional for an interactive session focused on leadership development, career growth, and impact within Rebuilding Together and the nonprofit sector. Learn from peers and seasoned leaders as you explore how to amplify your voice, build your network, and shape the future of community revitalization.

  • This session is a dynamic, peer-led roundtable designed for program staff to come together and share their successes, challenges, and innovative solutions. As we work on the frontlines to improve access to safe, affordable housing, this gathering provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, problem-solve together, and learn from one another’s experiences. Key discussion topics may include: Programmatic Successes: What strategies or programs have seen positive outcomes? Navigating Challenges: What are the most pressing challenges you’re facing? Whether it’s dealing with limited resources, navigating complex client needs, or managing staff burnout, we’ll discuss practical solutions and coping strategies. Client-Centered Approaches: Best practices for engaging and empowering clients. By the end of this session, participants will leave with actionable takeaways to enhance their programs, a network of peers for ongoing support, and renewed inspiration to continue making a difference in the housing sector.

  • CAPS Pre-Session will take place over 3 days. Wednesday 10/22 7:30a-5p with 30 minutes for Lunch Thursday 10/23 7:30a- 1:30p with 30 minutes for Lunch Friday 10/24 1:30p-5p You must complete all three days to receive certification.