2026 Youth Summit

July 15 – 19, 2026 • Chapel Hill, North Carolina

As a youth-centered and community-informed organization, RIC is committed to uplifting the voices of the people, communities, and partners who have supported us over the years—along with the new connections we’re excited to build. Your participation helps ensure that the 2026 Summit reflects the needs, goals, and shared values of the national network we are strengthening together.

Youth Leadership Summit

The Rooted in Community Summer Youth Summit is designed for youth ages 14–21 engaged in food and social justice work across the country. This is a youth-centered space, with all activities focused on leadership development, connection, and collaboration.

This year’s Summit will be hosted by Transplanting Traditions in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Summit Features

  • Workshops led by youth, attendees, and community allies

  • Field trips to regional sites

  • A day of action supporting local movements

  • Local food, music, and art

Group Requirement

  • At least 2 youth participants per group

  • At least 1 adult ally per group

  • Maximum of 2 adult allies per group

  • 1 adult ally required for every 4 youth

2026 Registration is Now Open!

To officially secure your participation, please complete the full registration form. This required form collects participant details, dietary information, and other important logistics, and provides you with payment instructions to finalize your registration.

Your spot is only confirmed once this form is completed and payment is submitted.

Register Now

Registration Details

  • Early Bird Rate: $275 per participant (by April 30)

  • Regular Rate: $325 per participant

  • Registration Deadline: May 25, 2026

The registration fee includes:

  • Housing in dorms at the University of North Carolina

  • Meals and conference materials

  • Transportation during the summit

  • Official RIC t-shirt

Please note: Travel to the conference is not included, but limited support may be available.

Spots are confirmed once payment is completed. Additional forms (medical, liability, photo release, and code of conduct) will be shared after registration.

Summit FAQ

  • Groups bring anywhere from 1 adult + 1 youth to 2 adults + 8 youth. We have found that the sweet spot is from 1 adult + 2 youth to 1 adult + 4 youth. RIC requires 1 registered adult chaperone per every 4 youth attendees.

  • Registrations includes meals and lodging for the conference. Registration also includes all site visits and field trips and workshops. There are no paid add-ons. Registration fees are set with a discount/scholarship for all persons.

  • Generally there will be a mix of youth-led and inter-generational led workshops and activities. Some local experts and site visits may be primarily adult-led. RIC will put out a call for workshop proposals to all participating groups with more info. Generally there is an adult mentor meet-up time for some peer to peer PD and exchange, more explicit adult PD programming is offered at RIC’s Winter Leadership Institute.

  • We will be staying at UNC Chapel Hill in dorms that host youth conferences and sports camps throughout the summer thus they are thoughtful about how to house minors and adults. Dorms will be shared with other RIC attendees though some exceptions may be made. RIC will have our own floor of the dorm and the shared rooms will be designated/separated by gender and age. Buildings have secure keyed entrance. ADA accessible lodging is available.

  • Full conference registrant’s packet will be sent to all registered participants April 30th. There will also be a pre-summit info call which all registered organizations will need to have one adult representative attend.

  • If you’re looking for more detailed information, you can review our full FAQ document here.

Stay Connected