Lake Mary, Fla. (August 6, 2026) — More than 300 clergy and lay leaders from congregations across the United States gathered July 21–24 for the DART Network’s annual Justice Ministry Conference, returning to their communities equipped to organize their neighbors, strengthen their congregations’ justice ministries, and address serious problems affecting their communities—from affordable housing and public safety to mental health and education.
Hosted by the DART Network (Direct Action and Research Training), the annual conference brought together leaders representing Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and other faith traditions who share a common conviction: faith calls people not only to serve those in need, but to work together to address the systems that create those needs.
During the July 21–24 conference, participants received practical training in relationship-building, one-to-one conversations, community listening, leadership development, power analysis, and strategic public action. These tools help congregations identify the concerns most affecting local families and organize effective, lasting solutions rooted in relationships and shared values.
Among those attending were first-time lay leaders, experienced clergy, and seasoned organizers who spent the week learning alongside one another. They now return home to begin hundreds of one-to-one conversations within their congregations, listening for the concerns that families carry every day and discerning where they are called to act together.
Reflecting the growing diversity of the DART Network, portions of this year’s conference were offered in both English and Spanish. Simultaneous interpretation and bilingual training allowed Spanish-speaking clergy and lay leaders—including many from Catholic parishes—to fully participate, strengthening relationships across the network and ensuring leadership development is accessible to all.
“Our faith traditions call us to love our neighbors not only through acts of compassion, but also by standing up for justice. Bringing together large numbers of people builds the power necessary to get local officials to take action to build affordable housing, reduce violence and build inclusive school culture. Every day across the DART Network, congregations are discovering that when people build strong relationships, develop new leaders, and act together, they have the power to create lasting change. In this conference, we teach people how to do that work. — John Aeschbury, Executive Director, DART Network
The conference also celebrated victories from across the DART Network that demonstrate what organized faith communities can accomplish.
One of the victories highlighted during the conference came from Broward County, Florida, where BOLD Justice helped secure $28 million for affordable housing after years of persistent organizing and relationship-building.
“The $28 million investment in affordable housing means more seniors, young adults, and working families in our community will have access to housing they can afford. That victory didn’t happen overnight. Through the training, guidance, and support provided by BOLD Justice and the DART Network, leaders like me gained the knowledge, confidence, and relationships needed to earn the respect of elected officials and work together to negotiate real solutions for our community.” — Brother Brian Anthony Campbell, BOLD Justice
Conference participants also heard other stories from affiliated organizations across the country that have organized successful campaigns addressing affordable housing, public safety, criminal justice reform, mental health services, education, transportation, environmental justice, and other issues identified through community listening.
Donna Logwood, a leader with RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities) in Richmond, Virginia, reflected on the impact of bringing leaders together for training.
“One of the greatest gifts of the Justice Ministry Conference is the opportunity to learn from leaders across the DART Network who have faced many of the same challenges we face in Richmond. Hearing their stories reminds us to stay disciplined, keep learning, and never lose sight of why we do this work. We return home encouraged, better prepared to lead, and connected to a network of people committed to building stronger communities together.” — Donna Logwood, RISC
Unlike organizations that focus on a single issue, the DART Network equips congregations to build long-term leadership capable of identifying local priorities, developing new leaders, and organizing sustainable campaigns that create systemic change.
Justice ministry is not another program of the church—it is one way the church lives out its mission in the world.
Following the conference, participants returned to communities across the country with new skills, renewed relationships, and a shared commitment to building stronger congregations and more just communities. In the coming months, they will organize listening campaigns, identify local priorities, and work alongside neighbors to pursue lasting solutions rooted in faith, hope, and collective action.
DART Justice Ministry Conference – Fast Facts
Dates: July 21–24, 2026
Attendance: More than 273 clergy and lay leaders and 35 organizers.
Representing: Congregations from across the United States
Faith Traditions: Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and other faith communities
Training Topics: Community listening, relationship-building, leadership development, power analysis, public action, and justice ministry
Languages: English and Spanish
Media Contact
Addy Lubin
Office Manager
DART Network
[email protected]
305-576-8020
About the DART Network
The DART Network (Direct Action and Research Training Center) is one of the nation’s largest faith-based community organizing networks, equipping congregations to build the power of organized people to pursue justice. Through relationship-based organizing, DART trains clergy and lay leaders to develop strong justice ministries, cultivate grassroots leadership, and organize effective campaigns that achieve lasting systemic change. Working across Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and other faith traditions, DART-affiliated organizations have helped communities secure significant victories in affordable housing, mental health services, public safety, criminal justice reform, public education, environmental justice, transportation, and other issues identified by local residents. By investing in leadership development and relationship-building, the DART Network helps ordinary people work together to create more just and equitable communities where all people can thrive.
