Research in Action — Presented by SisterSong

Pre-Con Date

Aug 6, 2026

Opening events kick off LTAS 2026

Full Conference

Aug 6–9

One registration covers pre-con + all of LTAS

About the Pre-Con

A Space for
Researchers.

"

In this space, we will center research that is anti-oppressive, decolonial/anticolonial, culturally responsive, employs indigenous research methodologies, community-centered, liberatory, intersectional, and/or centered on Black feminist thought.

— Research in Action Vision

The Research in Action LTAS Pre-Conference is a gathering for those engaged in community-centered research advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. We acknowledge that many research topics could fall under reproductive justice and that this work spans a wide range of topics, methodologies, and approaches.

Hosted by the SisterSong Research Team, we are committed to fostering a space of collaboration, creativity, and community during our time together. Whether you are a student, academic, early-career researcher, community/participant advisory board member, or seasoned researcher, we would love to see you there!

Facilitated Through
Anti-Oppressive Decolonial / Anticolonial Culturally Responsive Indigenous Methodologies Community-Centered Liberatory Intersectional Black Feminist Thought
Who Should Attend

We welcome any individual whose research or involvement in research is related to the tenets of RJ — and that analyzes power systems, addresses intersecting oppressions, and centers historically marginalized communities.

Students, academics, early-career researchers, community and participant advisory board members, and seasoned researchers are all welcome.

Research in Action LTAS 2026 August 6 — Chicago Community-Centered RJ Research SisterSong Research in Action LTAS 2026 August 6 — Chicago Community-Centered RJ Research SisterSong
What Is Reproductive Justice?

Broadly, RJ Has
Four Main Tenets.

Four human rights that anchor every conversation we have at the Research in Action Pre-Conference.

01

The human right to have a child

02

The human right not to have a child

03

The human right to parent children in safe and sustainable environments

04

The human right to bodily autonomy

Collaboration Creativity Community Liberation Healing Power Building August 6–9, 2026 SisterSong Collaboration Creativity Community Liberation Healing Power Building August 6–9, 2026 SisterSong
What Attendees Gain

What Researchers
Will Do

01

Build Connections

Connect with others passionate about RJ research across disciplines, methodologies, and career stages.

02

5-Minute Presentations

Share your main findings, the connection to RJ, and how your work advances the movement. Slides optional — spoken word, poetry, and short videos welcome.

03

Learning Groups

Small group settings where groups will work together to identify and workshop methods to best foster inclusive and holistic engagement between researchers and community members.

04

Creative Brainstorming

Collaborate to identify new research ideas guided by the strengths and needs of communities — to be conducted in collaboration with those communities.

Research in Action LTAS 2026 August 6 — Chicago Community-Centered RJ Research SisterSong Research in Action LTAS 2026 August 6 — Chicago Community-Centered RJ Research SisterSong
How to Register

Join Us in
Chicago.

To attend the Research in Action Pre-Conference, you must register for both the pre-conference and the Let's Talk About Sex Conference. All registration costs go directly to funding the experience.

SisterSong Member · Full Conference

$450 + fees

Admission into the Research Pre-Con and the entire conference. For new and confirmed SisterSong members, including Individual or Organizational members.

Non-Member · Full Conference

$570 + fees

For individuals or organizations who do not have a SisterSong membership. Includes the Research Pre-Con and the entire conference.

Graduate / Restricted Income

$245 + fees

Reserved for graduate students or those with restricted income. Includes the Research Pre-Con and the entire conference.

Allied Individual

$700 + fees

For non-BIPOC attendees willing to support this conference as a reparations model. Includes the Research Pre-Con and the entire conference.

SisterSong Member · Aug 6 Only

$235 + fees

Admission into the Research Pre-Con and the conference on Aug 6th only. For confirmed SisterSong members.

Non-Member · Aug 6 Only

$245 + fees

Admission into the Research Pre-Con and the conference on Aug 6th only. For individuals without a SisterSong membership.

Graduate / Restricted Income · Aug 6 Only

$170 + fees

Admission into the Research Pre-Con and the conference on Aug 6th only. Reserved for graduate students or those with restricted income.

All registration costs go directly to funding the pre-conference & full conference experience. We strive to create an amazing space for everyone.

Complete Registration →
Collaboration Creativity Community Liberation Healing Power Building August 6–9, 2026 SisterSong Collaboration Creativity Community Liberation Healing Power Building August 6–9, 2026 SisterSong
Important Notes

Before You
Register.

To attend the Research in Action Pre-Conference, you must register for both the pre-conference and the Let's Talk About Sex Conference. Flexible registration options are available if you cannot attend the entire conference.

The pre-conference & conference registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

This interface allows registration for more than one person at a time. After filling out the form, you will be asked if you'd like to add a participant before checking out.

Build Connections Share Findings Collaborate Black Feminist Thought Liberatory Research Build Connections Share Findings Collaborate Black Feminist Thought Liberatory Research
Mark Your Calendar

The Full
Schedule.

6

Aug

Thursday — Pre-Conference

Research in Action Pre-Conference

Opening events kick off LTAS 2026. A full day built for researchers.

7

Aug

Friday — LTAS Opens

Plenary + Curated Programming Begins

An exciting plenary, followed by days of beautifully curated programs, speakers, and cultural conversations.

8

Aug

Saturday — Full Programming

Speakers, Cultural Conversations & Performances

Beautifully curated programs, speakers, cultural conversations, and performances by various entertainers.

9

Aug

Sunday — Closing

Closing Ceremony

LTAS 2026 concludes with a closing ceremony that inspires us to take action in our communities and lives.

Anti-Oppressive Decolonial Liberatory Intersectional Black Feminist Thought Anti-Oppressive Decolonial Liberatory Intersectional Black Feminist Thought
Planning Committee

Research in Action
Team.

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer

SisterSong Research Manager

Nea Richard

SisterSong Research Fellow

Dr. Zakiya Luna

Washington University in St Louis; Scholars Network for Reproductive Justice

Dr. Terri-Ann Thompson

Ibis Reproductive Health

Dr. Nia Mitchell

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Anu Manchikanti Gómez

University of California, Berkeley