The Alliance for Rights and Recovery encourages members of the peer community, advocates, and providers to consider submitting workshop proposals for the 33rd Annual Bi-County Peer Workforce Empowerment Conference, taking place Friday, May 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Huntington Hilton in Melville, Long Island.
Produced by and for people with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, and trauma, this annual conference is an important gathering focused on strengthening the peer workforce, sharing recovery stories, and exploring innovative approaches to wellness and mutual support. In partnership with the Long Island Peer Community of Practice, the event aims to build a stronger, more connected peer workforce while uplifting the voices and leadership of people with lived experience.
This year’s theme, “Channeling Our Resilience When It Matters Most,” invites presenters to share ideas, skills, and experiences that help peers, advocates, and communities navigate challenges while advancing recovery-oriented supports. See below for more information, including how to submit your proposals!
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
33rd Annual Bi-County Peer Workforce Empowerment Conference: Channeling Our Resilience When It Matters Most
The Bi-County Conference Steering Committee is currently seeking workshop proposalsfor the 33rdAnnual Bi-County Peer Workforce Empowerment Conference, which will be held at the Huntington Hilton located at 598 Broadhollow Rd, Melville, NY 11747 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm EST on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The Bi-County Empowerment Conference is an annual gathering produced by and for people who experience emotional distress, voices and visions, altered and extreme states of consciousness, labels of psychiatry, substance use, and trauma/trauma responses. In partnership with the Long Island Peer Community of Practice, the event works toward the development and growth of a strong, skilled, and supported peer workforce. Additionally, and in accordance with our roots, the conference seeks to empower individuals, provide opportunities to share our stories of hope, and discuss alternative modalities of recovery. We invite those who would like to submit proposals for panels, workshops, or presentations to please complete the attached workshop submission form with a focus on this year’s theme “Channeling Our Resilience When It Matters Most.”
Workshops are 75 minutes. Proposals will be reviewed using the following criteria:
- Clear Workshop Objectives/Purposes/Goals
- Originality and Innovation
- Clarity in Description of Subject Matter
- Broad Relevancy of Subject Matter
- Presenter experience with Workshop Proposal Subject Matter (First Time Presenters Encouraged!)
Suggested Topic Areas for Workshop Proposals*
- Creative Collaboration Amongst the Workforce
- Advocacy
- Workforce Development
- Natural Supports
- Peer Crisis Response
- Wellness Practices
- LGBTQIA+
- Values of Peer Support Across Specialties
- DEIA and Cultural Humility
- Recovery
- History of Peers Across Specialties
- Intersectionality of Peer Specialties
- Family and Parenting
* This is not an all-encompassing list
Please submit workshop proposals by e-mail to:
Cory Muraglio cory.muraglio@omh.ny.gov
Please complete the attached 2026 Workshop Proposal Submission form. Incomplete proposals will delay consideration of your submission.
Deadline for submission of workshop proposals is:
Friday, March 13, 2026