HAPC Voices

Call for Presenters is open now through September 19

We invite members of the hospice and palliative care (HAPC) community to lend your voice to HAPC Voices — a storytelling and reflection-based educational session that uplifts the lived experiences of patients, families, and interprofessional care teams.

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 initiative sparks personal insight, builds professional resilience, and transforms how individuals lead, care, and connect — within teams and with the patients and families they serve.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome storytellers from across the HAPC spectrum, including:

What We’re Looking For

• Stories (5–8 minutes) that illuminate:
• 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 with public speaking or open to coaching. You’ll engage the audience in a reflective, human-centered way and participate in a moderated panel discussion following your story to deepen the dialogue around shared themes.

Selection Criteria

We aim to reflect the rich diversity and complexity of the field. Presenters will be selected 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 and email your CV to Linda Sterling at [email protected] by Friday, September 19 at 5pm CT.