ReCAAP: Reflecting on the 2025 CAAP Summit and a Community-Fueled Future
This year’s CAAP Summit was more than a professional gathering—it was a powerful reminder of what it looks like when passion, purpose, and people come together in the same space.
Held both in person and virtually, the Summit created opportunities to explore big ideas, hold hard conversations, and reconnect as a network committed to justice, equity, and impact. And based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received, it’s safe to say: this year’s Summit mattered.
From the opening remarks to the final sessions, the energy was high and the feedback was clear. As one attendee wrote, “Every year, CAAP is a valuable experience. I leave inspired, filled up, and more knowledgeable about my work and the world we live in.”
📽️ A Night to Remember: The Documentary Screening
The night before the Summit officially began, CAAP hosted a special screening of the documentary After Selma at the Whitaker Center. The film dives into the continued fight for voting rights and racial justice—past and present—and featured a live Q&A with Emmy-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland and civil rights icon Joan Trumpauer Mulholland. The event was more than a film showing. It was a multi-generational story of truth, courage, and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
“The documentary screening was a huge HIT! Joan and Loki were definitely a highlight—I could have listened to them all day long.”
🔥 A Keynote That Left the Room Breathless
The Summit keynote with civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and her son, Emmy award-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland, wasn’t just inspiring—it was transformative. Loki Mulholland, an award-winning author and activist, is the founder of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation, which educates youth on civil rights and anti-racism. His documentaries have appeared on Showtime, PBS, and Amazon, and his voice continues to shape national conversations on racial equity.
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, a Freedom Rider and lifelong activist, participated in over 50 protests before the age of 23. Her mugshot is one of the most iconic images from the Civil Rights Movement, and her lived history—from marching with Dr. King to integrating lunch counters—was deeply felt by everyone in the room.
Attendees described it as “a once-in-a-lifetime thing to listen to,” with one participant saying:
“I want her to be around me always and pushing me. I needed to hear what she shared.”
Another shared: One of the most unforgettable moments was hearing from the keynote speakers: Joan and her son Loki Mulholland—a mother-son duo whose courage, conviction, and storytelling left the entire room changed.”
Combined with Beck Moore’s vulnerable opening remarks, the tone was set for an event rooted in truth, healing, and resilience. Several participants commented that while the conversations were difficult, they left feeling more grounded, more motivated—and more connected.
💬 Breakout Sessions That Made an Impact
This year’s breakout sessions were described as engaging, relevant, and refreshingly real. From data to workplace wellness to intergenerational dynamics, the content challenged participants to stretch their thinking while staying grounded in actionable tools.
Here’s a snapshot of just a few of the powerful sessions:
Cultivating Wellness in the Workplace with Jacinta Willis offered practical strategies to overcome burnout and build a culture of care—reminding us that workplace wellness is the foundation for long-term impact. “I enjoyed the collaboration around creating policies and procedures”
Exploring Historical Context with Patrice Jones used powerful, research-based video storytelling to help attendees challenge assumptions and draw connections between history and current social justice work. “The intentional connection with history, policy and the present. I loved the videos and have reached out to learn more and how I can use them in my work.”
Rethinking Data & Measuring What Matters with Mona Mangloña Jacobs & Demitrah Rasmussen pushed attendees to move beyond compliance and embrace people-centered data that drives meaningful impact. “Mona and Demitrah’s session on people-first data was everything.”
Generations at Work with Hattie McCarter was described by many as a highlight—an interactive, energizing session that helped attendees build bridges across generational divides and turn diversity into workplace synergy.
“Hattie was so energetic and empathetic—100000000/10 THANK YOU!”
Navigating Intersectionality and Civility with Desireé Chang addressed the social determinants of equity and health, offering tools for maintaining mission-driven leadership in politically challenging times. “The speaker was obviously passionate about the topic. The presentation was engaging without "forcing" participation which created an organically interactive environment.”
Strength-Based Transformation with Jamee Boone & Rosalind Spigel guided leaders through a structured change framework—empowering teams to envision bold futures and take concrete steps toward transformation. “Engaging,” “Interactive,” “Wonderful activities”
Moderators and facilitators ensured that both in-person and virtual attendees felt seen and heard—making this one of CAAP’s most inclusive hybrid events yet..
Some standout feedback:
“I loved that I had to use different parts of my brain. The variety of topics was amazing.”
“Gave me immediately implementable concepts and ideas.”
“Loved the visuals and the way history, policy, and present day were intentionally connected.”
Moderators helped ensure that both in-person and online attendees felt heard and included, no small feat in a hybrid environment.
🗣️ A Welcoming, Safe, and Thoughtful Space
One first-time virtual attendee noted:
“Before I went, I was a little anxious. I felt that as a state employee I might come off as an intruder—but the environment was very welcoming. This summit was great overall and I would love to attend in person next year.”
The Summit created a safe, brave space for people to listen, engage, challenge assumptions, and walk away changed.
Even the logistical details—from the Cvent app’s user-friendly platform to session organization were praised by staff and participants alike. The in-person and online experiences were designed with intentionality, and it showed.
📊 What the Surveys Told Us
Across post-event surveys, attendees shared glowing reviews. Themes included:
Deep gratitude for the content and experience
Appreciation for the inclusive, welcoming environment
Excitement about the documentary and keynote
Requests to return in person again next year
Suggestions to improve virtual accessibility and explore new platforms
“Every year, CAAP is a valuable experience. I leave inspired, filled up, and more knowledgeable about my work and the world we live in. I appreciate you.” The feedback wasn’t just encouraging, it was a blueprint for building an even better experience in the future.
🙌 Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Happen
We couldn’t have done this without our presenters, panelists, facilitators, attendees, and staff - especially those who went above and beyond to make this year’s Summit what it was.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for showing up. For leaning into the discomfort. For asking bold questions. And for reminding us that the work of Community Action isn’t just about services, it’s about systems, relationships, and transformation.
We’re already planning for next year, and we can’t wait to gather again—with more voices, more energy, and more momentum for the road ahead.