From the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Call for Proposals - AFP 2026 Where Change Begins
Buffalo State University's Anne Frank Project (AFP) is pleased to announce the call for proposals for its 18th Annual Social Justice Festival, AFP 2026: Where Change Begins. The festival is October 6-8.
Each year, AFP brings together students, faculty, staff, educators, artists, advocates, and community members to explore pressing social issues through interactive workshops, performances, exhibits, and dialogue. We invite proposals that engage participants in meaningful conversations and experiences that inspire personal, professional, and social change.
AFP 2026 Theme: Where Change Begins
The 18th Annual Social Justice Festival explores an idea that is frequently discussed but too often left unrealized: change.
Across our personal, professional, and civic lives, we recognize the need for change. We are encouraged to improve ourselves, adapt to new challenges, and pursue healthier, more meaningful lives. At the same time, we witness persistent calls for change within our communities, our nation, and our world as we confront issues of equity, justice, and human dignity.
The importance of change is widely acknowledged. The challenge lies in knowing where—and how—to begin.
Meaningful change rarely starts with a movement of thousands. More often, it begins with a single action, a courageous decision, a new perspective, a difficult conversation, or a practical strategy that inspires others to act. Lasting transformation emerges from identifiable starting points.
We invite you to submit a proposal that identify a place to begin, a skill to develop, a conversation to initiate, or a strategy to activate meaningful personal, professional, and social change. Together, we will examine how individuals and communities can move from awareness to action and from intention to impact.
This theme reflects Buffalo State University's longstanding commitment to access, equity, social responsibility, community engagement, and transformative education. Through shared learning and storytelling, we hope to explore not only why change matters, but how it happens.
Submit Your Proposal by Saturday, August 1
We encourage proposals from faculty, staff, students, alumni, educators, community leaders, artists, advocates, and neighbors. AFP values interdisciplinary perspectives and interactive experiences that engage participants as active contributors rather than passive observers.
AFP staff are available to assist presenters in developing the experiential, kinesthetic, and participatory elements that are central to the festival experience.
For proposal guidelines, submission information, and festival details, visit:
Anne Frank Project Social Justice Festival
Questions about the festival or proposal process may be directed to AFP Assistant Director Jonise Hall.
Join us as we explore where change begins—and how each of us can help shape what comes next. Change does not begin somewhere else. It begins with us. It begins here.
#AFP2026 #WhereChangeBegins