HAPC Voices

HAPC Voices is a storytelling and reflection based educational session that highlights the lived experiences of patients, families, and interprofessional care teams in hospice and palliative care.

This initiative harnesses the power of narrative to inspire, heal, and educate, centering stories that reflect justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). We welcome submissions from all disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Why HAPC Voices?

HAPC Voices is designed to transform what participants know, feel, and do by immersing them in authentic narratives that reflect the diverse realities of hospice and palliative care. Through shared stories, participants will:

• Deepen their understanding of JEDI principles
• Reflect on personal values and professional practices
• Be inspired to integrate compassionate, culturally responsive, and collaborative approaches in their work

This experience fosters insight, strengthens resilience, and enhances how individuals lead, care, and connect with patients, families, and colleagues.

Who Should Apply?

Submissions are encouraged from individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences.

This year we aim to showcase hospice and palliative care clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders who embody and promote advocacy, empowerment, and championship in their day-to-day work across diverse care settings.

We seek to highlight stories of individuals who have gone above and beyond in support of and standing up for communities who have been historically and/or are currently marginalized and oppressed, and whose work reflects a deep and genuine commitment to equity, allyship, compassion, and person and family-centered care.

We welcome storytellers from across the HAPC spectrum, including:

What We’re Looking For

Stories should be five to eight minutes in length and may explore themes such as:

• Resilience, compassion, and connection in HAPC
• Insights on interprofessional teamwork and collaboration
• Challenges related to equity, inclusion, or access
• Moments that shaped your purpose or professional identity
• Reflections on grief, healing, legacy, and community

Presenter Expectations

Presenters should be comfortable sharing their story in a public setting or open to coaching.

Participants will:

• Deliver a personal narrative in a reflective and human centered format
• Engage with the audience during the session
• Participate in a moderated discussion following the presentations

Selection Criteria

Selected presenters will reflect the diversity and complexity of the hospice and palliative care field. Submissions will be evaluated based on:

Narrative Content

• Relevance to HAPC themes
• Alignment with JEDI principles or personal/professional transformation
• Emotional resonance, authenticity, and clarity

Diversity of Presenter Background

• Representation across roles, disciplines, identities, and lived experiences
• Geographic and organizational diversity
• Inclusion of historically marginalized or underrepresented voices

Educational Impact

• Potential to support reflection, empathy, and learning
• Ability to illustrate inclusive, team-based care in practice

How to Apply

Complete the online application by Friday, September 18 at 5pm PT.

Questions? Contact Linda Sterling, Manager, DEI & Membership Engagement with any questions or concerns.