The SMU Annual Place-Based Community Engagement Symposium is back for its fourth year, and we want you to be part of it! This two-day event brings together thought leaders, academics, community members, and nonprofit professionals from SMU and the greater DFW area to explore how place-based engagement can transform communities.
Why This Matters
In an increasingly disconnected world, building strong, connected communities is more important than ever. This year’s theme, “Thriving Together: A Place-Based Approach to Combating Isolation through Connected Communities,” tackles the challenges of social isolation and explores how intentional engagement fosters meaningful relationships. Whether you’re working in education, community development, or nonprofit leadership—or you simply care about making a difference—this symposium will provide valuable insights, strategies, and networking opportunities.
Call for Proposals: Share Your Insights!
We’re looking for passionate community leaders, nonprofit professionals, faculty, and students to present at the symposium. If you have innovative ideas or experiences to share, we encourage you to submit a session proposal.
This year’s focus areas include:
- Campus-Community Connections: Fostering Meaningful Partnerships – How can universities and local organizations build sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships? Topics may include service-learning initiatives, university-community collaborations, and participatory research.
- Improving Connection: Building Belonging on Campus and Beyond – What makes people feel connected? This track explores ways to create inclusive physical, digital, and social spaces that reduce loneliness and strengthen belonging.
- Personal and Collective Well-being: Strengthening Social Resilience – How can communities support both individual and collective well-being? Sessions may focus on mental health initiatives, intergenerational programs, and community health partnerships.
- Reflective and Experiential Sessions – This track is all about lived experiences. Through interactive workshops, storytelling, guided reflection, and creative expression, these sessions will dive deep into what it means to overcome isolation and build authentic connections.
The deadline to submit proposals is April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., and acceptance notifications will be sent by May 5, 2025. Register and submit your program proposal here.
Event and Registration Details
The symposium spans two days with engaging sessions at two distinct locations:
- November 5, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Bishop Arts Theatre Center; 215 S Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208
- November 6, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | SMU Dallas Campus, Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballroom; 3140 Dyer St, Dallas, TX 75205
This is a free event and will include meals for both days. To protect limited resources, please register only for the day(s) you can attend by Friday, October 24, 2025. You will be able to opt to register for one or both days.
Join the Movement for More Connected Communities
We believe that meaningful change starts with community. Whether you’re presenting, attending, or simply curious, this symposium is an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and take action toward a more connected and resilient community that thrives together.
We can’t wait to see you there!
For more information, visit the SMU Engage Dallas Symposium page. Register and submit your program proposal here.
Thank you for your continued support of Engage Dallas. We look forward to an exciting fall semester—stay connected and stay engaged!
