L.O.C.A.L. Summit Series by SIMPLER Leadership LLC
SEE ALL UPCOMING SUMMITS AT
L.O.C.A.L. Summits: A Space for Action, Connection, and Change
No single organization, leader, or movement holds all the answers—but together, we can build the power we need to protect democracy and strengthen our communities in this precarious time.
1️⃣ The Problem:
People across our region—in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond—are frustrated, overwhelmed, or searching for the best way to connect and make an impact. Some of us are already organizing, others don’t know where to start, and many our efforts remain disconnected. We need a space that routinely brings everyone together so that we can build connections, share information, get inspired, and supercharge our collective efforts.
2️⃣ How It Works:
The L.O.C.A.L. Summit Series launched in February 2025 in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, VA—in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. In just 10 days, an invitation brought together nearly 200 people for the first summit. An email list of hundreds is forming, and summits are planned every 3-5 weeks.
This is a new model for local action:
✅ No single group or leader "owns" a summit—it belongs to those who attend.
✅ Open Space Technology meeting facilitation ensures the right conversations happen at a summit.
✅ A mix of local and regional leaders, experienced volunteers, and concerned neighbors come together to learn, plan, and take action.
In Harrisonburg/Rockingham or nearby? Sign up for invitations and resources.
Not in the area? Sign up for inspiration and tools to bring this model to your own community.
3️⃣ EASY as 1-2-3:
- Sign up.
- Get Invites - and Resources to use anywhere you are.
- Recharge your motivation and supercharge your action.
Sign up now — because democracy is defended together.
A project of SIMPLER Leadership LLC, a social enterprise started by Kai Degner to support civic leaders with practical tools, skills, and mindsets. Kai (he/him) served on Harrisonburg City Council 2009-16, and served as mayor 2009-10. He ran for state delegate in 2009 and congress in 2016. Prior to being involved in politics, he worked with friends to coordinate over 300 community dialogues, which motivated him to learn about various meeting methods and facilitation strategies. He used Open Space Technology - the meeting method for the L.O.C.A.L. Summits - in over 30 community summits while elected. He's pursuing a PhD in strategic leadership and is a certified leadership coach.
