HALOS Presents
Third Annual Changemakers Luncheon
The Human Need for Belonging: What Children Need to Be and Feel Safe
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
The Charleston Place
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What is Changemakers?
Changemakers is an annual community conversation held in Charleston, South Carolina, that brings together leaders from the corporate, government, philanthropic, nonprofit, education, healthcare, and community sectors to explore collective efforts that improve the lives of children and families.
Now hosted by HALOS, Changemakers continues its tradition of inspiring meaningful conversations while challenging our community to build stronger systems of support where every child experiences safety, stability, and belonging.
This year's program, The Human Need for Belonging, explores one of every child's most fundamental needs and invites attendees to consider the role each of us plays in creating communities where children and families can thrive.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker
Dr. Amelia Franck Meyer
Child Welfare System Innovator
Dr. Amelia Franck Meyer is a nationally recognized social innovator, thought leader, and systems reformer dedicated to transforming the way communities support children and families. As Founder and Executive
Officer of Alia, a leading national nonprofit, she is leading a movement to “UnSystem” child welfare by reimagining outdated practices and advancing solutions that keep children safely with their families. Through a groundbreaking community co-design approach, Amelia partners with parents who have lived expertise, frontline professionals, and visionary leaders to develop innovative strategies that strengthen families, improve outcomes, and promote the wellbeing of caregivers and changemakers alike.
Widely regarded as one of the leading voices in child welfare transformation, Amelia has been named one of People Magazine’s “25 Women Changing the World,” an Ashoka Fellow among the world’s foremost social entrepreneurs, a Bush Foundation Fellow, and a 50 Over 50 Honoree in the System Reformer category by Pollen Midwest. Her TEDx Talk on the human need for belonging has resonated with audiences around the world, amplifying her call for more humane, relationship-centered systems of care.
Under Amelia’s leadership, Alia has become a national catalyst for innovation, convening changemakers, advancing research, conducting social return on investment studies, and creating practical tools that fill critical gaps in the field. She is the author of numerous professional articles, reports, and guidebooks, and co-author of the books Present Moment Parenting and The Healing Guidebook.
Her impact has been recognized by multiple universities through distinguished alumni honors, including awards from Illinois State University and the University of Minnesota. Amelia holds a Doctor of Organizational Change and Leadership (USC), Master of Sociology (ISU), Master of Social Work (U of MN), graduate certificates in Disability Policy and Services and in Permanence and Adoption Competency, and is certified in American Sign Language Proficiency (U of MN). and as a Brené Brown facilitator. Her work continues to inspire bold, evidence-informed change that strengthens families, communities, and systems nationwide.
Event Schedule
Doors Open
11:00 a.m.
Luncheon & Keynote
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Optional Interactive Workshop
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Stay for the Conversation
While attendance at the afternoon workshop is optional, we encourage guests to participate for a deeper, more interactive exploration of the keynote themes.
Reserve Your Seat
Registration for Changemakers 2026 will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 28, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact changemakers@charlestonhalos.org.
Who Should Attend?
Changemakers is designed for:
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Nonprofit professionals
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Child welfare professionals
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Educators
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Healthcare providers
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Mental health professionals
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Government leaders
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Business leaders
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Philanthropic organizations
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Faith leaders
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Community advocates
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Kinship caregivers
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Anyone passionate about improving outcomes for children and families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to attend?
No. Changemakers 2026 is free to attend. Advance registration is required because seating is limited.
How will I know if my registration is confirmed?
After completing registration, attendees should receive a confirmation message with event details. HALOS will also share any final arrival instructions with registered attendees before the event.
What if I register and can no longer attend?
Because seating is limited, please let HALOS know as soon as possible if your plans change after registering. This helps us make the best use of available space and maintain an accurate meal count.
Is this the same Changemakers event that has been held in previous years?
Yes. HALOS is honored to carry forward the Changemakers tradition established by Landmarks for Families. We are grateful to Landmarks for creating an event that has inspired meaningful conversations around the well-being of children and families throughout our community.
As the new host organization, HALOS is excited to build upon this foundation while continuing to bring together community leaders, professionals, advocates, and supporters to learn, connect, and create lasting change for children and families across the Lowcountry.
Where will the event be held?
The event will take place at The Charleston Place, located at 205 Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston.
Are there recommended hotels or travel tips for attendees coming from outside Charleston?
This is a 1-day event and does not require overnight lodgings; however, we recognize that some guests' travel time may be extensive. The event will be held in Downtown Charleston, where hotel rooms can fill quickly during busy seasons. For guests who do wish to stay overnight, we encourage making lodging arrangements early, and if you'd like to be close to the event, attempt to stay somewhere close to The Charleston Place.
Where should I park?
Guests may park in The Charleston Place's on-site parking garage or in one of the many nearby parking garages and metered parking spaces in Downtown Charleston. Please note that parking fees are the responsibility of each guest. Additional arrival information will be shared with registered attendees prior to the event.
Is the venue accessible?
The Charleston Place is accessible to guests with mobility needs. If you have a specific accessibility request or need assistance participating fully in the event, please contact the HALOS team at changemakers@charlestonhalos.org so we can help make appropriate arrangements.
What should I wear?
Business casual or professional attire is appropriate. We encourage guests to wear something comfortable for an afternoon of learning and conversation.
Will a meal be served?
Yes. Lunch will be served during the keynote portion of the event. Guests may note dietary restrictions when registering.
What time should I arrive?
Registration will open before the luncheon begins. We recommend arriving between 11:00 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. to allow enough time to check in.
Do I have to attend the afternoon workshop?
No. The post-keynote workshop, which allows guests to dig deeper into the topics highlighted in the keynote, is free and completely optional. Guests may attend the luncheon and keynote without staying for the workshop.
Who is the ideal audience for this event?
Changemakers is intended for professionals, advocates, community leaders, supporters, and anyone interested in creating stronger systems of support for children and families. We welcome attendees across all organizational and community positions, from both the private and public sectors.
Can I attend with colleagues or members of my organization?
Yes. We encourage organizations and community groups to attend together. Each attendee should complete an individual registration so HALOS can maintain an accurate guest count and collect dietary information.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
Please contact the HALOS team at changemakers@charlestonhalos.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presented with generous support from:
The Duke Endowment
Jessica and Todd Aaron
In-Kind Community Sponsor
One80 Place