People in a workshop seated around round tables in a bright room with a projector screen at the back and a wooden ceiling.

Alumni Workshop

2026 alumni workshop

The Your Town Alabama Alumni Workshop brings experienced community leaders back together to do what YTA has always done best—connect people, build knowledge, and put ideas into action.

Venue:
Camp McDowell

Date:
Sept. 24-25,
2026

Location:
105 Delong Rd., Nauvoo, AL

Venue:
Camp
McDowell

Date:
September 24-25,
2026

Location:
105 Delong Rd.
Nauvoo, AL

OUR APPROACH

Every great place has a story — and every story has the power to shape a place. This year’s Your Town Alabama Alumni Workshop explores how storytelling and placemaking work hand in hand to build stronger, more resilient rural communities. Join us for two days of learning in true Your Town Alabama spirit: hands-on, collaborative, and fun. 
Register Here

Lodging & Board

Participants are offered single and double occupancy rooms with private bathrooms. All meals are included in your workshop fee and provided in one of Camp McDowell’s beautiful dining halls, where most of the food is grown at their on-site farm. Visit campmcdowell.org to learn more.

Register Here

Schedule

Day 1

11:00 am – Arrival & Check-in (Lunch on own)

12:00 pm – Learn

5:45 pm – Dinner

6:30 pm – Social

Day 2

7:30 am – Breakfast

8:30 am – Learn

12:00 pm – Adjourn

Agenda

Speakers

Laurel Webster and James Hersick, Hersick + Webster Creative Partners

Scotty Kirkland (YTA ’26) and Chauntina Whittle (YTA ’25), David Mathews Center for Civic Life

Robert Finkel (YTA ’24), Auburn University Graphic Design

Jason Fondren (YTA ’00), KPS Group

Hollie Cost (YTA ’15), Auburn University Outreach and Public Service

Kellie Johnston (YTA ’02), Cawaco RC&D

Taylor Stewart (YTA ’19), Design Alabama

Mike Putman (YTA ’15), Jasper Main Street

Register

Meals and lodging at the camp are included in your workshop fee.

  • Double occupancy rate: $275
  • Single occupancy rate: $350

Please register using the form below. Registration closes on September 16.

Note: Single occupancy rates cover registration for one participant to stay in a room by themselves. Double occupancy rates cover registration for one participant who will be assigned a roommate. You may select a roommate in advance or be assigned a roommate by YTA.