The daily schedule comprises several Delegate-led sessions: two afternoon sessions and a capacity building lunch clinic.

Afternoon Sessions

90-minute afternoon sessions are awarded to Delegates on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested Delegates should submit a session proposal (a topic/title and 2-3 guiding discussion questions) to Opportunity Collaboration’s COO, Jorian Wilkins (jorian@ocimpact.com), as soon as possible.

During afternoon sessions, social sector challenges and opportunities attract Delegates with similar interests. Each day, sessions have a different theme, enabling Delegates to connect along different lines:

•    Monday – SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) – e.g. Zero Hunger, Good Health, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Jobs, Clean Water + Sanitation, Clean Affordable Energy

•    Tuesday – Regions – e.g. East Africa, USA, Latin America, Urban Opportunities, Last Mile Challenges

•    Wednesday – Roles – e.g. Early-Stage Social Entrepreneurs, Grantmakers, Impact Investors, International NGOs, Innovation Institutions

•    Thursday – Cross-Sector Topics – e.g. The Power of Networks, Social Justice Entrepreneurship, Scaling: Standardization vs. Local Relevancy

Delegates leading sessions are called “catalysts” because the job is not to be a topic-expert with prepared points, but instead to ask questions that engage attending Delegates in conversation, allowing all participating Delegates to share their own expertise, questions and ideas on the topic at hand. Delegates are asked to investigate, brainstorm and imagine solutions within, between and across sectors, acting with generosity of spirit and a maximum amount of institutional cooperation.

Current topics and Delegate catalysts are posted on the Agenda.

Capacity Building Lunch Clinics

Two-hour capacity building lunch clinics are awarded to Delegates with a preference for previously popular clinics, requested topics, and returning versus first-time Delegates. Interested Delegates should submit a session proposal (a topic/title and 2-3 sentence description, including interactive workshop components) to Opportunity Collaboration’s COO, Jorian Wilkins (jorian@ocimpact.com), as soon as possible.

During capacity building lunch clinics, Delegates offer their professional development expertise in leadership coaching intensives. Clinics are assigned a large, dedicated restaurant section from noon to 2pm. A microphone is provided for Delegate catalysts, and a projector & screen can be arranged in advance for critical visual aids.

The Opportunity Collaboration is not only a sought-after annual gathering, but its Delegates, past and present, are an engaged, on-going community of high-powered leaders who are passionate about poverty alleviation. This community is defined by its culture of collaboration. The Guide program was designed to deepen the experience of new Delegates by fostering a more integrated participation across the Opportunity Collaboration, and therefore amplify new Delegates’ personal and professional outcomes, ensuring that every new Delegate arrives onsite aware of our unique culture, ready to listen, learn and succeed in their own agendas by asking fellow Delegates, “What can I do for you?”

Pre-event, Guide’s connect with new Delegates to understand their reasons for attending and discuss best practices for building relationships in the global Opportunity Collaboration network. Guides offer pre-event group conference calls to begin making connections and ensure all new Delegates arrive onsite with allies and resources. While working in Cancun, Guides will answer new Delegate’s questions and make productive introductions, as time permits given their simultaneous engagement as Delegates with their own important missions to accomplish.

Core Activity for All Delegates

The Colloquium for the Common Good is an essential aspect of the Opportunity Collaboration experience. In small groups, all Delegates participate in this core curriculum, creating a common experiential bond and shared set of learning.

The Colloquium is Opportunity Collaboration’s signature seminar on executive leadership, economic justice and the good society. The Colloquium addresses the principles that drive poverty alleviation and asks Delegates to think pragmatically about the nature of their leadership.

Click here for the 2018 Syllabus.

Host a session

Confirmed Delegates can lead afternoon sessions on Sustainable Development Goals, Regions, Roles and Cross-Sector topics to help them meet their peers and allies. Agenda opportunities are awarded to Delegates on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested Delegates should submit a proposal (a topic/title and 2-3 guiding discussion questions) to Opportunity Collaboration COO, Jorian Wilkins (jorian@ocimpact.com), as soon as possible.

Submit a video for in-room news channel (Collaboration Network News)

Collaboration Network News (CNN) is the Opportunity Collaboration’s two on-site television channels. Both channels broadcast 24/7 via into each Delegate’s Leadership Village room during the Opportunity Collaboration, as well as in the theatre in the evenings. All Delegates are encouraged to include at least one video clip for each CNN channel. One CNN broadcasts a video montage of 2-5 minute educational videos introducing the unique work Opportunity Collaboration Delegates and their organizations are accomplishing to combat poverty. The second CNN channel features longer (up to 2 hour) documentary-style films by or about Delegates and their organizations, showcasing their work in richer detail.

To Submit Your Films: on or before August 31, 2021, Delegates should ideally send a H.264(.MOV) via a Drop Box link to Rebecca Anglin (rebecca@cagefreeproductions.com) and Paul Lynch (paul@cagefreeproductions.com) to ensure that we receive the best quality video.  We can also accept YouTube links, Vimeo links, etc.  For snail mail, addresses packages to Topher Wilkins at U.S. Postal Service Address: P.O. Box 757, Santa Cruz, California 95061, USA. FedEx / UPS / DHL Delivery Address: 850 Front Street #757, Santa Cruz, California 95061, USA.

Distribute printed materials via our literature library

Tables for Delegate organizational displays and literature are available everyday in the Conference Center. Delegates are encouraged to bring modest amounts of materials for distribution. Based on prior years experience, 25 copies of handouts are usually sufficient, as these materials are mainly for fellow Delegates to peruse on-site during the event.

Engage with leading communication, media, and storytelling experts! This year at Opportunity Collaboration, the Boehm Media Fellows are offering daily media workshops and communications coaching to enhance your Media & Communications Strategy, including:

• Capacity building clinics focused on building your messaging skills, audience and social media strategy.
• Capacity building lunch clinics focused on communication strategies to distill your ask, build your brand, and create your social capitals.
• Communication Coaching to pick the brains of media experts to solve your communication quandaries. You can ask a question, brainstorm solutions, and get tips on anything from pitching to storytelling. Experts in journalism, social media, PR, digital strategy, broadcast production, media literacy, & photography are all ready to help you.

Details on 2019 Boehm Media sessions will be in your agenda and in your mailbox upon arrival.  Learn more about each of the talented 2019 Boehm Media Fellows!

Opportunity Collaboration intentionally brings together leaders working on a diverse array of poverty solutions, crossing sectors, geographies and other work silos so Delegates can learn from each other’s successes and challenges around the globe. Of course, Delegates also appreciate time to meet others working in the same way (ROLE), on the same issues (Sustainable Development Goal) and/or in the same geographies (REGION). This is your chance!

If you are interested in joining an Affinity Circle, reach out directly to the Delegate(s) listed below and introduce yourself by sharing your interest in the work.

2019 OC GLOBAL AFFINITY CIRCLES:

ROLE

Impact Investors
John Berger & Andy Lower
john.berger@toniic.com, andylower@adapcapital.com

Social Entrepreneurs
Emily Lutyens
emily@legworks.com

Media
Kristi Ferrel
kristiferrel.boma@gmail.com

Academics
Allison O’Dowd
allison.dod@gmail.com

Indigenous Leaders
Kim Pate
kim@ndncollective.org

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL

Sustainable Agriculture (Zero Hunger) – SDG 2
John Meyers
john@meyersglobal.com
End hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture

Community Health – SDG 3
Robin Smalley & Jess Loman
robin.smalley@m2m.org, jessica.loman@gmail.com
Healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages

Mental Health/Disabilities – SDG 3
Jeanne Farr
jfarr@thenadd.org
Healthy lives and well-being for those with developmental disabilities and mental health needs

Education – SDG 4
Sarah Symons & Manjusmita Bagchi
sarah@herfuturecoalition.org, manjusmita.bagchi@gmail.com
Inclusive and equitable quality education for all

Gender Equality – SDG 5
Christina Madden
madden@criterioninstitute.org
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Clean Water – SDG 6
James Harrington
james@ugandanwaterproject.com
Availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all

Affordable Clean Energy – SDG 7
Andrew Clark
andrew.clark@blueenergygroup.org
Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Technology – SDG 9
Lizzie Kountze & Chris Ategeka
lizzie.kountze@gmail.com, chris@helloucot.com
The intended and unintended impact of technology

Forced Migration – SDG 10
Tina Sciabica & Jailan Adly
tina@readglobal.org, Jadly@RefuSHE.org
Human trafficking/modern slavery, displaced populations and building cohesion within refugee communities

Ethical Fashion: Responsible Consumption (Industry Innovation) – SDG 12
Steph Stephenson
steph@cordesfoundation.org
Inclusive and sustainable supply chains, responsible and ethical innovation within the fashion industry

Climate Action – SDG 13
Prakash Tyagi & Katherine Zavala
prakash@gravis.org.in, katherine@thousandcurrents.org
Combat climate change and its impacts

Partnerships for the Goals – SDG 17
Avary Kent & Sarah Sterling
avary@conveners.org, sarah@conveners.org
Strengthen the means of implementation for the SDGs

REGION

Latin America
Rosa Castizo
rosa.castizo@gmail.com

Africa
Josephine Gordon, Kofi Osei-Kusi & EJ Jacobs
jaynjeri@gmail.com, kofioseikusi@gmail.com, emplifyimpact@gmail.com

Haiti
Cathy Parrill
cparrill@gmail.comd

Opportunity Collaboration’s global network of leaders dedicated to solving poverty is over 2,000 Delegates strong. Don’t wait to increase your impact – start working together now!

Connection Concierge Service: Confirmed 2019 and prior Delegates may request introductions to each other at any time that is mutually productive. Search the 2019 Delegate Roster for potential allies, and email CEO Topher Wilkins with your reason for requesting a personal introduction. Introductions are always made with Delegate’s advance permission.

Regional Receptions: Throughout the year, Delegates host private regional receptions for fellow Delegates and their colleagues to further exchange ideas and resources and introduce new high-impact leaders to our network. Email CEO Topher Wilkins if you’d like to host an Opportunity Collaboration reception in your city.

Delegate Lookbook: Delegates are provided with a directory onsite that contains Delegate photos and contact information to facilitate communications and follow-up on connections made during the Opportunity Collaboration.

Social Media: Join the continued discussion, give feedback, provide help, or just keep networking. Visit our Facebook page, share your OC photos on Instagram (@OCimpact) and Tweet (@OCimpact).

1. We are a community built on inclusion and deep connections.​ We need not agree on everything, but we are committed to supporting each other’s growth and well-being as a community. 
2. We use “I” statements and speak from our own lived experience. ​We speak for ourselves and not on behalf of anyone else. 
3. We create and contribute to a culture of generosity and respect​. We treat each other with care.  
4. We understand that every person in this community is on their own unique journey.​ We recognize that we all make mistakes. 
5. We commit to showing up, for real.​ We encourage each other to bring the many facets of ourselves to our community.
6. We do what we need to do.​ Introverts and extroverts are welcome. Time to process and reflect are built into the agenda, and we’re welcome to create more. If we need to take a break, take a walk, or call a friend, we will.   
7. We each take responsibility for empathy and compassion. We welcome and include newcomers. 
8. Our community is strengthened by our global diversity. We honor our diversity, and strive to reach a shared understanding across language barriers, cultures, and all our wonderful differences.

OC’s JEDI Circle thanks StartingBloc for generously sharing their community agreements, inspiring these aspirations.

Don’t hold back. The best sessions and captivating private conversations will be about what is important to you and your work.

• As an agent of social change, what are your most significant institutional goals and challenges?

• What is your organization’s theory of change and how do you measure results?

• What is your current strategy or business plan for financial sustainability and/or accountable impact?

• What emerging and promising opportunities to reduce poverty do you see in the marketplace?

• What types of partners or expertise do you require or seek to achieve your objectives(s)?

• How are you currently realizing new opportunities for global connections and new alliances?

• Do you have a collaborative or hybrid social change model that other Delegates can replicate or join in partnership?

To continue productive conversations after the Opportunity Collaboration, all Delegates receive a complete Delegate Roster with full contact information. You don’t need to exchange or carry business cards.

We are a diverse group of change-makers with different racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, class, sexual, and gender backgrounds and orientations coming together to do what we can to make this world a better place for all.

We acknowledge working in a world with numerous divisions, and can’t pretend that all who come to this gathering are perceived as equal in social status in the world as it presently exists.

Absolutely all are welcome here.  But by welcoming all we don’t in any way wish to disavow or diminish the very real differences each of us embodies.

Like the potent, self-aware people we aim to be we intentionally foreground those differences. We name them clearly in order to recognize the very real historical power differentials that have resulted from those differences.

Our aim is not to hide, repress, or deny those differences, but to go through them to realize our personal and collective aims.

~ by OC 2016 Delegate Frederick Marx of Warrior Films

Ask every Delegate: What is your mission? How can I help you advance it?

Be Yourself. Be Authentic. Be Evocative.

Share your passion with personal stories – the highs and the lows of your work. Make it personal. Make it real.

Be tangible. Provide other Delegates with the information needed to consider collaborating with you. If you were considering partnering or backing your organization, what would you want to know about it?

Honor the opinions of other Delegates by respecting the Opportunity Collaboration’s non-partisanship, confidentiality and informality.

Some of us have money, some do not.  We meet at an all-inclusive resort in order to help minimize those class differences.  But some of us are donors and some of us seek donations. That’s real too.

Class, race, gender, etc. privileges all exist.  Some have more privileges, some less, but we most of us embody some combination of both.

We aim to acknowledge all our power differentials with each other up front so that each of us can refine her/his awareness and work with them, not in spite of them.

We also acknowledge how privileged all of us are simply to be able to attend this gathering.

So let us be the change we seek to make in the world.  Let us be leaders not only in our work outside Opportunity Collaboration, but in our work collaboratively as well.

Let us each bring our full awareness and most skillful means to acknowledging our differences and working with them during our time together, for our own benefit and for the benefit of all.

~ by OC 2016 Delegate Frederick Marx of Warrior Films

Whether you have money or want money, a few tips about framing intelligent conversations:

• Be candid. Funders can’t fund everything that is worthy and no anti-poverty program is the panacea. Save yourself and everyone else time by stating your agenda and focus.

• Failure never fails. Put forth what is working, what has failed and what you’ve learned. Your candor will be appreciated, and you will win converts to your cause.

• Keep it short. Be concise and get to the point. Don’t preach.

Your fellow Delegates, especially funders, are thought leaders and much more than the sum of their bank accounts. Avoid performing wallet biopsies on other Delegates. It disrespects the spirit of the Opportunity Collaboration to monetize every conversation.

Every Delegate shares your commitment to economic justice. All are seasoned veterans and distinguished leaders in the anti-poverty movement. Delegates appreciate comments and presentations that are demanding, challenging and sophisticated.

• Avoid generalities. Employ concrete examples, explain business models and provide clear theories of social change.

• Keep it simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon.

• Don’t talk about “me” and what you have achieved. It’s a given that all Opportunity Collaboration delegates are accomplished people.

• Don’t hesitate to discuss failures. Some of the best learning comes from what doesn’t work.

All sessions are conversational discussions, not lectures, formal presentations or panels. Powerpoint and other electronic aids are not available.

• Introductions should be the first order of business

• Start with a question, rather than your own presentation to stimulate participation

• Be concrete rather than theoretical

• Follow the conversation; don’t force it to go in a predetermined direction

• Don’t step on other speakers

Collaboration is not just a matter of playing nicely with others. It is an element of structural reform which can reduce organizational dysfunction. Institutional silos (such as entrepreneurs vs. nonprofits, governments vs. foundations, funders vs. grantees) block pragmatic problem-solving. Pack your ideas and solutions, but leave your institutional baggage (and your ego) behind.

The Opportunity Collaboration forms an extraordinary community of life-time allies and personal friendships. Leave even one day early (yes, we know, the home office can’t live without you, but neither can we) and you will miss the final moments when handshakes and hugs form the foundation for future collaboration.

All the paid and pro bono staff members are, like you, full Delegates of the Opportunity Collaboration. There is no hierarchy, and no levels of membership. Everyone you meet is committed to social & economic justice for all and is attending the Opportunity Collaboration to learn and share.

Collaborate yourself! Drink water and get some rest; you are in the tropics. You are not expected to attend every seminar, every round table and every stimulating program. Take a nap, take a walk, take care of yourself.  Have fun!

Book extended stays before or after the pre-paid 4 nights with the Opportunity Collaboration Registrar Tracie Hudgins.

After January 1, 2021, a $850.00 cancellation fee is applied for Delegate cancellations.  No cash refunds are allowed after May 31, 2021, except in the case Opportunity Collaboration is canceled by us due to natural catastrophe.  If a Delegate cancels in June, July or August 2021, the Delegate’s fee balance remaining (after the $850.00 cancellation fee) can be credited towards the 2022 Collaboration: to use the credit, the Delegate must register for the 2022 Collaboration prior to December 31, 2021; the credit will otherwise expire at the end of 2021.  Delegate cancellations which occur after August 30, 2021 do not receive a credit towards the 2022 Collaboration.  Traveling Companion Fees, Private Room Upgrade Fee and Extended Stay Fees are non-refundable after August 30, 2021.  If Opportunity Collaboration is cancelled by us due to natural catastrophe, Delegates will receive either a cash refund or a credit towards the 2022 Collaboration.  To cancel, contact the Opportunity Collaboration Registrar Tracie Hudgins.

Opportunity Collaboration is a mission-driven social enterprise. Opportunity Collaboration exists to further the work of leaders ending poverty, in the United States and globally, and heavily invests in Fellowships. Because Delegates make the Opportunity Collaboration financially sustainable without subsidies from outside sources, Delegates are the only stakeholders. The network serves one purpose alone: increasing social justice and economic opportunity – no sponsors, no paid promotions, and no gimmicks.

Scheduling Travel.

Arrival day for ALL Delegates is September 26, 2021.

The Collaboration commences that evening.

Departure date is September 30, 2021, anytime.

Important Note: Delegates departing before September 30, 2021, miss critical program and networking elements of the Opportunity Collaboration.

Attire and Packing. For information on packing, attire, weather, etc., see Venue Information below.

Customs. Baggage is searched randomly. After securing your luggage, Mexican customs officials will ask you to push a button. If the light flashes green, you have cleared customs without a luggage search. If a red light flashes, your bags will be searched.

After Customs. After exiting customs, follow the signs for “Ground Transportation”.  Opportunity Collaboration and resort staff with signs will greet you and take you to your shuttle for the 10-minute trip to the leadership village.

Upon Arrival. At the leadership village, you and your luggage will be escorted directly to your room via the Communications Center (near the central patio) where you will check your mailbox for messages and receive your welcome packet with a personalized agenda and village map. Plan to visit the Conference Center where you can deliver organizational literature to the Literature Library. Dinner with open seating is 6:30pm to 8:30pm followed by the Welcome Reception.

Airfare should be booked to and from Punta Cana International Airport (airport code: PUJ.

Airlines with regular flights to and from Punta Cana International Airport:

• United Airlines: 800-523-3273
• Southwest Airlines: 800-435-9792
• jetBlue:  800-538-2583
• Delta Airlines: 800-221-1212
• American Airlines:  800-433-7300

Submit Flight Itinerary. Important Note: Flight information must be submitted in advance to reserve complimentary airport shuttle service. Delegates must finalize and submit an air travel itinerary on or before August 30, 2021. Send your itinerary information as soon as you book your flight to: Tracie Hudgins.

For Delegates without prior shuttle service reservations, the one-way taxi fare from the airport is approximately $20.00. Delegates arriving/departing airports other than Punta Cana International Airport are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

Passport and Tourist Card:  To enter the Dominican Republic, a valid passport with two blank pages is required. ALL visitors to Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic need a tourist card EXCEPT:

• Dominican residents, citizens or visa holders.
• Visitors from Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, Uruguay.
• Others such as diplomats and private plane passengers.

Airlines should now include the fee for a tourist card as part of the airline ticket.

Opportunity Collaboration makes all arrangements for hotel accommodations. For extended stays or special requirements, contact the Opportunity Collaboration Registrar Tracie Hudgins.

Room Features & Cuisine. All rooms are equipped with king-size beds, air conditioning, safes, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, mini-bar, television and standard North American electrical outlets. Complimentary, but sometimes patchy, internet service is available. The leadership village serves three healthy buffets daily. All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer are included in the all-inclusive Delegate fee.

Health, Fitness & Safety. The leadership campus is a guarded enclave restricted to Delegates and hotel staff. Water is safe to drink. A nurse is on duty in the infirmary every day, around the clock. The all-inclusive Delegate fee includes complimentary use of all health and wellness facilities, including the gymnasium, tennis courts, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing equipment, yoga and trapeze instruction, basketball, softball, ping pong, volleyball, archery and more.

Attire. The Collaboration atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried, informal and conducive to quiet conversation and dialogue. For daytime sessions and meals, Delegates should consider shorts, t-shirts and sandals suitable to tropical weather. For evenings, dressy resort attire is appropriate.

Weather. The Dominican Republic in September is tropical, balmy and hot with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees F. Expect some humidity and light afternoon rain showers.

Special Items to Pack. Sunglasses, sun block, mosquito repellant and a hat are desirable. Comfortable shoes are advised. For sports, bring swimsuits, suitable sportswear and gear. For evening jam sessions, bring your musical instruments.

Emergency Contact Information. The Collaboration’s leadership village is rented from the Club Méditerranée corporation. Please remember to contact Opportunity Collaboration for all hotel arrangements.

Site Emergency Phone: 849-941-0201

Site Address: Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Miches 24000, Dominican Republic

The Opportunity Collaboration is family friendly and welcomes family members and significant others to accompany Delegates.

The Adult Traveling Companion all-inclusive registration fee is $850 OECD Country/$450 non-OECD Country and includes 5 nights lodging and all meals, resort facilities and airport shuttle. Airfare and other personal expenses not included. To bring an Adult Traveling Companion, the primary Delegate must be registered for a private room. To add your Adult Traveling Companion to your existing registration, contact Registrar Tracie Hudgins.

Traveling Companions may attend all networking receptions and events, all recreational programs and all evening activities. However, 9am – 6pm daily – OC’s signature Colloquium, Capacity Building Lunch Clinics and afternoon SDG, Region, Role and Cross-Sector Sessions – are reserved for full Delegates only. Companions who wish to participate in these programs should register as full Delegates ($2950.00, standard hotel double occupancy). See Delegate Suite-Sharing.

While Delegates are in the daily Colloquium, Capacity Building Lunch Clinics and afternoon SDG, Region, Role and Cross-Sector Sessions, Traveling Companions may at their own expense use the spa services or arrange offsite excursions ranging from golf, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins to cultural explorations. Spa and excursion appointments can be made upon arrival; fees vary by activity.

Children: 2 Years to 15 Years

An all-inclusive $350 fee is required for children 2 years to 15 years of age and includes all lodging, meals, resort access, airport shuttles, and complimentary childcare from 9am-5pm for children 4-12 years old. Children 16 years of age and older are considered Adult Traveling Companions. To bring an Adult Traveling Companion or child, the primary Delegate must be registered for a private room. To make changes to your existing registration, contact Registrar Tracie Hudgins.

Family accommodations are equipped with strollers, cribs, baby bathtubs, bottle warmers and sanitizers, white noise players and changing areas. Family-friendly dining, beach and pool areas are designated for Delegates with children. For families with younger children, high chairs, booster seats and baby food are available.

Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times during the Opportunity Collaboration. A supervised recreational program for 4-12 year olds is available from 9am to 5pm. For children under 4, childcare at the onsite nursery is available on a fee basis.

Sangster Young Fellowships support the attendance of children from nations around the globe at Opportunity Collaboration by providing registration fees for children and their accompanying Delegate parents from developing countries. The purpose of the Sangster Young Fellowship program is to foster lifelong connections between children around the world, so they may someday engage in world-changing work together as true peers, bonded by childhood friendship. Parents of awardees lead OC Just Kids Workshops to engage children in stories and cultural activities from their home countries. To inquire about Sangster Young Fellowships, please email COO Jorian Wilkins.