Let Us Dream
Triennial International Community Conference 2026

Local Wisdom, Global Influence

Resilient Glocal Communities for Meaningful Humanity

Join a confluence of speakers, universities, community partners, and volunteers for a transnational gathering shaped by local wisdom, meaningful service, and collaborative action.

Dates
November 19-21, 2026
Hosted By
Christ University, Bangalore, India
50+ Speakers
10+ Countries
25+ Universities
50+ Community Partners
About Us

About The Conference

The Let Us Dream Conference provides a platform to share, learn, and celebrate people and social service groups dedicated to uplift society. Since its inception in 2017 at Louisiana Tech University, the conference movement has created space for active conversations grounded in community improvement-based research, lived experience, and best practices.

Why Triennial 2026

The annual community conferences bring local volunteers and community leaders together to share stories that shape and strengthen their work. Every three years, the global team gathers for an international community conference. In 2026, Christ University, Bengaluru, hosts the 3rd Triennial International Community Conference of Let Us Dream with volunteers, students, researchers, and practitioners from across the network.

Our Vision

Empowering local communities for sustainable global impact and improvement.

Our Mission

Providing global and diverse platforms for enhancing the holistic and sustainable development of individuals through collaboration and networking for empowered communities.

History
2017
Louisiana Tech University
  • Launch of the first community conference.
  • Created an inclusive, diverse, and cross-cultural environment.
  • A forum to share experiences and community models.
2020
Virtual
  • Launch of the first triennial conference.
  • Brought together 1500+ participants and 100+ organizing members.
  • Committed to sustaining hope, justice, and community engagement.
2023
CHRIST University
  • Second triennial conference.
  • 600+ participants, 120+ volunteers, and 6+ countries represented.
  • 100+ community partner organizations engaged.
2026
CHRIST University
  • A transnational forum for global networking and collaboration.
  • An opportunity to explore and share diverse community-service initiatives.
  • A platform for volunteer connections and cross-sector partnerships.
The Big Picture
Who Can Participate?
  • People of diverse age groups and backgrounds working in community improvement programs.
  • Non-profit organizations, philanthropists, board members, social workers, educators, and educational administrators interested in strengthening community collaboration.
  • Post-secondary student leaders, instructors, and professors who seek to promote community service and experiential learning among students.
  • Business owners engaged in voluntary community development projects, as well as retirees who wish to share expertise, time, and experience for the betterment of society.
How To Participate
  • Register online and join the conference sessions in person at Christ University.
  • Bring a story, a project, or a community practice you want to share and refine with peers.
  • Join as a participant, volunteer, sponsor, or speaker as slots open.
  • Connect with universities and community organizations to build lasting partnerships.
Unique Value Propositions
  • Globally located, but locally established.
  • Bridging researchers and practitioners.
  • Promoting a solution-focused culture.
  • Believing in a vision of global inclusion.
  • Focused on the local community.
  • Promoting volunteerism.
  • Totally collaborative.
  • Free of cost.
What Is In It For You?
  • An invitation to share, learn, support, and celebrate selfless acts and initiatives around us.
  • A forum for sharing experiences, including the successes and challenges in community improvement efforts.
Theme Concept Note
Local Wisdom, Global Influence
Resilient Glocal Communities for Meaningful Humanity

Powerful stories of altruism emerge in every community to unite us in the pursuit of equity. Even as persistent inequalities divide our world, selfless individuals and their dreams for others continue to serve as a true beacon of hope.

The theme guides the 2026 conference toward indigenous perspectives, renewed humanity, and mindful action for nurturing. It highlights youth participation, community volunteerism, and the value of connecting local grassroots realities with a broader global community.

The conference is a storytelling platform for dreamers and doers across generations and geographies. Volunteers invested in making the world better are invited to help organize this confluence of 50+ speakers from 10+ countries, representing 25+ higher education institutions and 50+ community partners.

Diverse stakeholders including volunteers and mentors across the thematic areas advance deliberations around equitable access to education, integrated health education, digital transformation, climate and health challenges, mental health, food security, and misinformation.

The Let Us Dream Triennial International Community Conference 2026 invites universities, volunteers, youth leaders, and community partners from around the world to gather in Bengaluru to share stories, build partnerships, and celebrate local wisdom that shapes global change.

Core Committee
Thematic Community Chair
Dr. Phinu Mary Jose
Dr. Phinu Mary Jose
Administrative Assistant, Watson Institute for Systems Excellence, Binghamton University
phinu.jose@letusdream.org
Thematic Youth Chair
Ms. Shrushti Mahajan
Ms. Shrushti Mahajan
Youth Lead, Let Us Dream
conference@letusdream.org
Education Convener
Dr. Mini Fernandez
Dr. Mini Fernandez
Assistant Professor, St. Francis College for Women, Begumpet, Hyderabad
minifernandez80@sfc.ac.in
Education Global Convener
Ms. Vanelis Rivera
Ms. Vanelis Rivera
Assistant Professor of English, University of Louisiana Monroe
rivera@ulm.edu
Health Convener
Ms. Amritha K
Ms. Amritha K
Founder and Managing Director, Stepping Stones Center
amritha@steppingstonescenter.in
Health Global Convener
Ms. Laurie Hall
Ms. Laurie Hall
IABCU Executive Director, International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, USA
laurie.hall@baptistschools.org
Social Convener
Ms. Srija Santhosh
Ms. Srija Santhosh
Consultant, WaSH and ClimateTech, Blue Leaf Impact Solutions, Kerala
sustainabilityues@gmail.com
Social Global Convener
Ms. Lauretta Philip
Ms. Lauretta Philip
Head of Inclusion and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Westlink International School, Vietnam
laurettaphilip@gmail.com
Host University Operations Chair
Dr. Vigneshwaran S A
Dr. Vigneshwaran S A
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Christ University
vigneshwaran.sa@christuniversity.in
Host University Operations Co-Chair
Dr. Nagaraj Naik
Dr. Nagaraj Naik
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Christ University
nagaraj.naik@christuniversity.in
Host University Operations Chair
Dr. Sudha Thomas
Dr. Sudha Thomas
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Christ University
sudha.thomas@christuniversity.in
Operations and Research
Community Operations Chair
Mr. Rajesh P I
Mr. Rajesh P I
Founder, The Actors Collective
arts.pi@gmail.com
Community Operations Co-Chair
Ms. Suma D
Ms. Suma D
Assistant Professor
summerlin98@gmail.com
Organization Operations Chair
Ms. Akhila Gowri Shankar
Ms. Akhila Gowri Shankar
President, PMI Kerala
president@pmikerala.org
Organization Operations Co-Chair
Ms. Catherine Namrata
Ms. Catherine Namrata
Social Worker
namrathacatherine@gmail.com
Research Convener
Dr. Roseline Gomes
Dr. Roseline Gomes
HoD, Department of Psychology, Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous
roselinegomes@jyotinivas.org
Research Global Convener
Dr. Anna Tarnowska
Dr. Anna Tarnowska
Faculty of Law and Administration, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland
atarn@law.umk.pl
Research Global Convener
Prof. Agnieszka Bien-Kacala
Prof. Agnieszka Bien-Kacala
Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Szczecin, Poland
agnieszka.bien-kacala@usz.edu.pl
Advisory Team
Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas
Director and Dean, Pune Lavasa Campus, CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
lijo.thomas@christuniversity.in
Mr. Jimmy Cherian
Founder, Creating Futures
jimmych@letusdream.org
Dr. Pauline Leonard
Community Mentor, Let Us Dream
pauline@letusdream.org
Ms. Lisa Jangkamp
Head of International Office, Catholic University of Applied Sciences North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
l.jangkamp@katho-nrw.de
Mr. David S R
Founder, E-cure Charitable Trust
david@e-cure.org
Dr. Susanne Mayo
FCS Lecturer, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Grambling State University
theussu@gram.edu
Ms. Divya C
Youth Lead, Community Conference, Let Us Dream
conference@letusdream.org
Ms. Lisa Elam
Administrative Assistant V, Louisiana Tech University
Mr. Yogesh L
Global Operation Lead, Let Us Dream
yogesh@letusdream.org
Mr. Rohith Fernando
Counsellor, Regional Satellite Centre for Tobacco Quitline Services, CAM, NIMHANS
rohithfdopsw@gmail.com
Partnering Organizations
Louisiana Tech University
Grambling State University
Binghamton University
Katho University
University of Louisiana Monroe
Nicolaus Copernicus University
St Francis College for Women
International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities
NIMHANS
Loyola Academy
Savitribai Phule Pune University
St Francis De Sales College
University of Szczecin
Women's Christian College
Christ Nagar College
Mar Ivanios College
University of the Western Cape
Westlink
Presidency University
Stella Maris Chennai
BVRIT Hyderabad
Christ Infotech
Office of International Affairs
Consortium for Global Education
ACTS Secondary School
E-Cure
Blue Leaf Impact Solutions
Creating Futures
Actors Collective
Stepping Stones
Project Management Institute, Kerala
Hemophilia Society of Kerala
Christ University
Jyoti Nivas College
Hansraj College
Fergusson College, Pune
St. Anne's Degree College for Women
Testimonials

I believe LUD in all its splendour can work wonders with its varied and beautifully designed conference. The overall conference can achieve change in the wider society through youth, collaboration, and community awareness.

Clara M Gerard
Participant, Bangalore

This conference has positively impacted the mindset of many young minds and helped us realize the importance of becoming responsible citizens who contribute to social development.

Syeda Afiya
Participant, Hyderabad

The conference underscored the power of collaboration and the importance of leading with compassion, empathy, and a clear purpose. The discussions showed how collective impact can truly transform systems.

Jesula Saintus
Participant, USA

There is amazing work being done by so many, but so much more to do. It was great meeting new people, building connections, and finding opportunities to work together.

Jen Petteys
Participant, USA
Contact Us
Central Campus, CHRIST University, Hosur Road, Bangalore - India 560 029