Know before you go

Greetings Dream. Rise. Organize Attendees,

We look forward to having you join us for our in-person Dream. Rise. Organize Regional Meeting in Chapel Hill, NC (October 27th - October 29th, 2025). We are excited to have SEIU Local and International Union staff in Chapel Hill to cultivate a vision of Joy, Unity & Purpose in our Organizing Community while exploring our theme of Vision and Strategy.

As we approach the Dream. Rise. Organize convening, we wanted to highlight some important information for all participants, as well as our community agreements for this space. Please read this email in its entirety.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please download and join our WhatsApp Group Chat to stay up to date. We will use the WhatsApp chat during and post conference to communicate updates, share any pertinent information, and more. Please join the community and then join Chapel Hill channel for updates. 

We’ve also created a shareable drive folder to access our Agenda, Learning Space Descriptions and more! Please fill out your choice for each Learning Space - HERE. 

FLIGHTS & TRANSPORTATION

All guests should plan to arrive by 4:00PM ET on Monday, October 27th.  Our convening will take place at The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill (211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). When you arrive, you should plan to take a taxi or rideshare to the hotel (roughly 25-30 minutes away from the Raleigh/Durham International Airport). Feel free to connect with other attendees through our WhatsApp, if you’d like to arrange a carpool to and from the airport.

Our program is set to close with to-go Lunch at 12:00PM on Wednesday, October 29th. We are asking our guests to book their departing flights after 2:30PM to ensure participation on our last day.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Once you arrive at the Carolina Inn, please enter through the main lobby entrance and check into your room. Registration will take place from 4:00 - 6:15PM in the Colonnade. Dinner will be served starting at 4:00PM in the Old Well Room.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Per SEIU’s updated COVID policy, COVID testing and masking is no longer mandatory. There will be tests and masks available for your use throughout the convening if you so choose. In the event you do test positive, please contact Dalinda Fermin (dalinda.fermin@seiu.org, 202-549-5506) and Charlotte Nelson-Francis (charlotte.nelson-francis@seiu.org, 202-286-3378). We strongly encourage everyone to test for COVID ahead of your travels.

MEALS

Meals will be provided throughout the convening – meal times and locations can be found on our Agenda. For those arriving Monday afternoon, Dinner will be served starting at 4:00PM in the Old Well Room. Beverages and snacks will be provided throughout the convening in the Colonnade/Hill Ballroom Foyer

WHAT TO BRING / WEATHER

Chapel Hill, North Carolina has colder temperatures in the Fall (high 40’s - mid 60’s).

We encourage you to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and are convening appropriate. There is also a gym on site, which we encourage you to use, should you wish to do so. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help keep you hydrated throughout our meeting. Lastly, we will have several arts & music activities as part of our program – for those musically inclined, please feel free to bring your instrument!

EXPLORE

The Carolina Inn is situated steps away from the historic Franklin Street – home to numerous coffee shops, restaurants, music stores, and much more in the Chapel Hill area. For more information, visit the Carolina Inn’s Local Attractions Page.

CRISIS/EMERGENCY 

If at any time during the convening you experience or witness any unsafe environment, crisis or emergency, please contact Dalinda Fermin (dalinda.fermin@seiu.org, 202-549-5506) and Charlotte Nelson-Francis (charlotte.nelson-francis@seiu.org, 202-286-3378).

Should you have any questions regarding the Dream. Rise. Organize Program, please contact Hevily Espinoza (hevily.espinoza@seiu.org) or Dalinda Fermin (dalinda.fermin@seiu.org) 

Questions regarding logistics should be directed to Jason Hernandez (jason.hernandez@seiu.org). 

Thank you for taking the time to read this in its entirety. Feel free to drop a song recommendation in our WhatsApp! We look forward to seeing you in Chapel Hill, NC!