FACON24 Recap: Celebrating Global Connections and Insights in Washington, DC

The 47th Annual Fulbright Association Conference, known as FACON24, took place from October 25-26, 2024, gathering a remarkable group of scholars, leaders, and advocates in Washington, DC. This year’s theme, “The World at a Crossroads”, emphasized the importance of thoughtful dialogue and cross-cultural collaboration in today’s world. Here’s a recap of the event’s most memorable sessions and insights.

Opening Remarks: Setting the Stage for Impactful Connections
FACON24 kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Robert Gervasi, Chair of the Fulbright Association Board of Directors. In his opening address, Dr. Gervasi encouraged attendees to embrace the conference as a forum for sharing ideas and finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly at a time of significant political and social shifts. This theme set the tone for two days filled with interactive sessions, dedicated to promoting Fulbright’s mission of fostering global understanding and engagement.

Selma Jeanne Cohen Dance Lecture: Social Dance as a Mental Health Tool
One of the standout sessions at FACON24 was the Selma Jeanne Cohen Dance Lecture, presented by Brennan Delattre, a doctoral student in psychiatry at the University of Oxford. Delattre shared her fascinating research on the mental health benefits of social dance, including capoeira and salsa. In her lecture, titled “Movement for Mental Health: The Power of Social Dance”, she examined how social dance can foster empathy, reduce anxiety, and promote prosocial behaviors by encouraging nonverbal communication and synchrony. Delattre explained that dancing in pairs or groups encourages a “call and response” dynamic that helps participants feel more connected and supported.

In a powerful moment, Delattre invited attendees to participate in an interactive dance demonstration, showing firsthand how physical movement can be a healing tool that bridges individual and social factors in mental health. Her work, developed in part through her Fulbright research in Brazil, suggests that social dance could be a scalable, community-based intervention for individuals facing depression and social isolation. Delattre’s findings aligned with Fulbright’s goals of cultural exchange and inclusivity, making her session a highlight of the conference.

Keynote with Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton: A Global Perspective on Well-Being
Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton delivered an insightful closing keynote, providing a broad look at the well-being of individuals around the world through the lens of Gallup’s World Poll. Clifton discussed Gallup’s mission to record not only economic indicators but also the “human experience” by surveying over 160 countries on feelings of purpose, trust in government, and overall life satisfaction. He compared this “human data” to the global metrics collected by institutions like Bloomberg, emphasizing its value in understanding the global population’s emotional and psychological state.

Clifton also shared stories about Gallup’s founding by Dr. George Gallup, whose passion for understanding public opinion laid the foundation for Clifton’s own mission. Dr. Gallup’s innovative approach, inspired by agricultural sampling techniques, sparked a new era in data collection that now allows Gallup to gather insights on everything from local economies to the universal pursuit of a meaningful life. Clifton emphasized the profound role of purposeful work as a component of well-being, describing it as the modern-day “American Dream” across diverse global cultures.

Interactive Sessions and Engaging Roundtables
FACON24’s unique format included various interactive roundtable discussions, poster sessions, and networking opportunities. Topics spanned from “Cultural Sensitivity in Social Media” to “Revitalizing Language Learning for International Relations,” allowing Fulbrighters to connect deeply on topics relevant to today’s world. Emphasis was placed on small group engagement rather than traditional presentations, fostering direct exchanges between attendees.

Recognizing Partnerships and Supporting Alumni
FACON24 paid tribute to the Peace Corps and Florida International University, whose support has been integral to Fulbright’s continued success. These partnerships and the conference’s robust exhibitor hall allowed attendees to discover resources, network with partner organizations, and celebrate the shared mission of promoting global education and exchange. The Fulbright Store provided conference memorabilia, offering alumni a chance to display their pride in Fulbright’s mission.

Closing Reflections and Future Aspirations
As FACON24 concluded, attendees reflected on the powerful insights gained and the connections forged. Participants were encouraged to carry the energy and knowledge from the conference back to their communities, fostering Fulbright’s mission globally. For many, the conference was not just an event but a call to action—urging them to use the tools, inspiration, and networks they gained to make a tangible impact worldwide.

FACON24 exemplified Fulbright’s values by highlighting the importance of thoughtful dialogue, community-building, and the pursuit of knowledge. With sessions ranging from cultural diplomacy to innovative mental health interventions, FACON24 underscored the extraordinary potential of Fulbright alumni to shape a world built on understanding, empathy, and collaboration.

Congratulations to the 2024 Chapter Award Winners:

Outstanding Chapter Leader Award: Ann Kennedy (National Capital Area Chapter & Thailand Interest Group)
Outstanding Former Chapter President Award: Michael Dorsher (Minnesota Chapter)
Excellence in Diversity Award: South Carolina Chapter
Program of the Year Award: Chicago Chapter’s Mentoring Program
Virtual Program of the Year Award: Spain Interest Group’s “Fulbright Through the Decades” Event
Excellence in Advocacy Award: Jim Fatzinger (Kentucky Chapter)
Excellence in Service Award: Central New York Chapter

FACON24 CONTINUES ON OUR VIRTUAL PLATFORM!

Did you enjoy the in-person sessions at FACON24? Keep the momentum going by joining us for the Virtual Conference on November 8-9! This online extension offers unique opportunities to dive deeper into topics, connect with more global attendees, and engage in exclusive live discussions.

Here’s what you can look forward to at #FACON24 Virtual:

• Catch Exclusive Virtual Sessions that expand on FACON24’s key themes.
  Engage with More Experts in panels, Q&As, and interactive discussions, offering fresh insights and perspectives.
• Connect with Global Attendees who couldn’t make it in person, creating new networking opportunities.
• Revisit Your Favorite Moments with on-demand access to select sessions, perfect for experiencing the highlights again.

Virtual Conference Highlights:

Elections & Politics Panel: The Role of Elections and Political Engagement in Strengthening Democracy
Friday, November 8, 11:45 am – 12:30 pm EST
Panelists: John Zogby, Dr. Malcolm Harvey
Moderator: Wen-kuni Ceant (Fulbright Senegal)

Energy & Environment Panel: Sustainable Energy Solutions and Environmental Stewardship for the Future
Friday, November 8, 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm EST
Panelists: David Cordero-Heredia, Kerrlene Wills, Dr. Alex Kolker, Lauren Alexander Augustine
Moderator: Saul Daniel Ddumba (Fulbright Uganda)

Education & Technology Panel: Innovative Approaches to Education and Technology in a Globalized World
Saturday, November 9, 11:45 am – 12:30 pm EST
Panelists: Tarja Stephens, Albert Manero, Nilufar Murodova
Moderator: M.C. Brown

Security & Diplomacy Panel: The Intersection of National Security and Diplomatic Relations in a Changing World
Saturday, November 9, 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm EST
Panelists: John Weaver, Aiden Warren, AMB Thomas Pickering, Sally Donnelly
Moderator: Marguerite Rivard Benson (Fulbright Poland)

Join us from the comfort of your home or office!

Don’t miss this chance to continue learning and connecting with Fulbright scholars worldwide. Register today at conference.fulbright.org.