Since its inception in 2016, our National Convening brings together community leaders, workforce and community development practitioners, policy experts, state, local, and Tribal government officials, labor leaders, federal representatives, private sector partners, and philanthropy.

Over the course of several days, our attendees network, strategize, and learn about effective approaches to shape transition strategies that help coal communities respond to closures, while strengthening and diversifying their local economies.

Our Strategy

The Convening is more than just a conference, it’s a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and action. 

We center voices of those most impacted by the transition from coal.

We connect a diverse array of transition stakeholders, creating opportunities for strategic partnerships.

We prioritize innovation, amplify best practices, and bring together the brightest minds in transition.

“The most impactful Convening I had ever been to. I loved hearing success stories from people all over America. It gave me confidence realizing that I wasn't alone. Others are doing this work and many have already succeeded and we can too.”

Mountain Sports Hall of Fame

“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with people around the globe doing similar work under very different conditions and timelines, and take their great ideas and inspiration home. It was also wonderful to connect with people I’ve been working with virtually the past two years. I am so grateful to you and your amazing team for bringing us all together – such a gift.”

Aaron Pratt
U.S. Economic Development Administration

“[The Convening] was, of course, JTFs DNA – raising the grassroots work up and leaving no one that wanted to be included, out.”

Stephanie Randolph
Cassiopeia Foundation

Thoughtfully Curated for Collaboration and Innovation in Transition

At the heart of our Convening is our unwavering focus on ensuring that the people and communities most impacted by the transition away from coal are able to shape their economic futures. Based on our deep knowledge of the field, and in partnership with our planning committee that represents a cross section of the transition ecosystem, we plan the Convening so it promotes the rapid spread of ideas and highlights the most effective and innovative economic models that work.

While there’s no silver bullet to the problem of economic transition, by convening leaders from across the country, the JTF ensures that strategies and solutions are informed by a broad range of perspectives and grounded in real-world experiences.

Building the next generation of leaders in coal communities

We sponsor a fellowship program for early career professionals to attend the Convening. We offer our fellows opportunities to engage with our network of stakeholders, gain insights on timely transition topics, and build connections that support their professional growth.

Convening Outcomes

Our attendees learn the best economic diversification strategies for rural and Tribal areas and the implications of national policy on their economic priorities, while building partnerships and strengthening connections with peers and funders across the field. We’ve experienced the rapid, “fly-wheel” spread of ideas, and we work to lift up effective models that are generalizable and replicable, with notable successes our Convening helped spark. For example:

Strategic Connection

Strategic connection between Shaping Our Appalachian Region (Kentucky) and representatives from the EDA’s Distressed Areas Recompete Pilot Program. SOAR credits this meeting as an important step that helped their application successfully pass Round 1, ultimately securing the second-highest Recompete award of $36M.

Cross-State Collaboration

Collaboration among three cross-state JTF broadband grantees — Generation West Virginia (West Virginia), Computer Reach (Pennsylvania), and Washington County Authority (Pennsylvania) — to submit a workforce-focused ARISE application to the Appalachian Regional Commission. In 2024, they successfully submitted a planning concept and awaiting the final award decision.

Strengthened Partnerships

Strengthened partnerships for RuralOrganizing.org Education Fund with economic developers to advance policy advocacy efforts, Department of Energy representatives to strengthen community preparation for Community Benefit Agreement negotiations, and an existing partner to accelerate the development of two projects.

“The best coal community networking event of the year! Thank you for your leadership in the unique space that you've created, and THANK YOU for all the opportunities you've given me to learn with and from others, and to have a platform to share The Hub's work. I am so deeply honored to be part of your network, and am so excited by the things that grow out of the spaces you create. ”

Stephanie Tyree
West Virginia Community Development Hub

“An extraordinary event!”

Pam Eaton
Green West Strategies

“[The Convening] in Washington D.C. has broadened my perspective and understanding of global transition challenges.”

Barbara Szafir
Office of the Marshall of Silesia, Poland

“I so value what you all do at JTF [at the Convening] because it is ABUNDANTLY CLEAR that you care so much about the work, the organizations, and the people who work in them. Thank you for being such an amazing example of what philanthropy can be. I hope you know how much I truly appreciate you all.”

Alex Weld
Generation West Virginia

We know transition work takes time, and our Convening serves as a launchpad where the right people make the right connections.

We empower our attendees to leave inspired, energized, and equipped with the tools needed to accelerate progress, build resilient communities, and ensure a just and equitable future.

2024 National Convening

Washington, D.C.
October 9-11, 2024

2023 National Convening

Washington, D.C.
October 17-19, 2023

2022 National Convening

Washington, D.C.
September 20-22, 2022

Stay tuned for details on our 2025 Convening!

Questions about the Convening or other JTF events? Please contact us at events@justtransitionfund.org.