L.O.C.A.L. Summit #4 - ROANOKE | Protect Democracy and Vulnerable Neighbors

If we stay disconnected, we stay discouraged and ineffective.

If we come together, we turn frustration into motivation and isolated actions into collective power.

L.O.C.A.L. Summits are an opportunity to connect and recharge in order to supercharge the collective action needed to (re)build democracy and protect vulnerable neighbors.

Here is a video explaining the LOCAL Summit:

https://www.loom.com/share/811224933afd4c209b9aeebfdc50aba9?sid=7b3c4008-9624-415e-b8ce-bfcb8d4f8b29

The L.O.C.A.L. Summit Series provides a space where:  
✅ People and groups already in action can share efforts, recruit support, and collaborate.  
✅ People ready to engage can find clarity, hope, and tangible ways to contribute.  
✅ Leaders can train, organize, and connect—strengthening our collective impact.  

The L.O.C.A.L. Summit Series started in Harrisonburg/Rockingham in response to the dramatic and unprecedented disruption since Jan 20, 2025. These dynamic events are designed to foster resilience, information sharing, and collaboration. Over 150 people attended the first summit on February 22, and over 250 attended on March 15. More are now being scheduled in and beyond Harrisonburg/Rockingham. Kai Degner convenes and facilitates these events via his SIMPLER Leadership LLC, and each event is a partnership with many concerned neighbors and organizers who see the need and opportunity to be together.

L.O.C.A.L. summits are self-organized using Open Space Technology meeting format. There are no long presentations or pre-determined sessions.  Instead, attendees are invited to create a 45-minute breakout session on a topic of their choice.  The schedule is determined at the beginning of the event, and attendees can choose to attend breakout sessions based on their interests.

How It Works  

1️⃣ Sign Up & RSVP → RSVP on this page or sign up for the email list at www.LocalSummits.org  
2️⃣ Attend!  
3️⃣ Invite Others → Someone in your network is looking for this—help them find it.  
Tentative Agenda:

Noon: Doors Open
12:30 Official Start - Be on time!
1:30 Breakout Sessions Block 1
2:30 Breakout Sessions Block 2
3:30 Breakout Sessions Block 3
4:30-5:00 Brief Closing

FREE TO ATTEND! Donations are accepted, but are NOT required.

Tip/donation, sponsorship, and table exhibitor opportunities will be shared with those who register.

Kids Zone - Parents and caretakers are responsible for their children, however we are working to provide dedicated monitors of a Kids Zone. Kids Zone includes a small nursery room with toys, and multiple table-top activities.

Food, Snacks, and COFFEE - Limited snacks and food provided. Juice boxes and kid snacks provided, as well. Please bring a reusable cup/mug for water. And of course there will be coffee!

Lead Host: Roanoke Social Circle

Facilitator: Kai Degner, SIMPLER Leadership LLC.  Kai is former mayor and city council member in Harrisonburg, VA. While elected, he hosted over 20 summits using this design to address a range of community issues and themes.