HRC Foundation's Time to THRIVE Goes Virtual

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s eighth annual Time to THRIVE was held virtually this year for the first time in the conference’s history. From Feb. 9-11, 2021, the annual gathering virtually brought together a record number of youth-serving professionals to discuss best practices for working with and caring for LGBTQ youth and their families in schools, community centers, health care settings and beyond.

The annual convening was held in partnership with the American Counseling Association and the National Education Association, and would not be possible without our presenting sponsor AT&T.

We need to dig deep, and strengthen our commitment to promoting youth well-being. We need to create spaces that embrace differences and celebrate young people’s unique identities. True equality starts from the ground up. When you look at LGBTQ youth, we see the most diverse, inclusive generation in our nation’s history… LGBTQ youth are key to our nation’s future as a society that respects and honors individuals from all walks of life.”

Alphonso David, President, Human Rights Campaign

Despite not being able to gather in person this year, Time to THRIVE was uplifting and powerful and featured speeches from David, NEA President Becky Pringle, Judy and Dennis Shepard of Matthew Shepard Foundation, ACA CEO Richard Yep, National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO Ronn Nozoe and HRC Youth Ambassadors Alise Maxie, Ash Silcott, Jalen Smith and Ve’ondre Mitchell. Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride also moderated a panel with HRC’s transgender and non-binary Youth Ambassadors, which you can watch below.

From Participants in Their Own Words

This was my first Time to THRIVE Conference. I learned so much. Thanks to all who were involved in organizing this very important conference.
WOW!! This was powerful.
This was so wonderful! I’m excited and inspired!
This is my third Time to THRIVE, and although we couldn't be in person, it was so good to have a virtual option! Thank you to everyone who made it possible and the Youth Ambassadors!
Thank you for reviving us and filling our bucket with inspiration and renewed vision and purpose.
Thank you, especially to all the Youth Ambassadors, for sharing your authentic and wonderful selves. I'm grateful for this experience to connect and learn and to see and believe in a more inclusive and hope-filled heart-led world.
I am so so happy that I had this opportunity to attend! As being a trans educator, it makes me so happy to see these trainings to make people in my community seen!
This was an incredible conference. Thank you to you all!