RSA Central Fellows Festival 2025: The Power of Connection

Immerse yourself in groundbreaking ideas and be part of driving powerful conversations. Kindle new partnerships and engage directly with bold RSA projects designed to create real-world impact.

Embracing the spirit of connection, regions nationwide and internationally will host local events featuring live-streamed keynotes, dynamic discussions, and region-specific content. With opportunities for collaboration at every level, the festival will bring all participants together, no matter where they are in the world.

Join us at the in-person RSA Central Fellows Festival on 17 May from 13:00 – 17:30. Discover Fellow-led initiatives from Birmingham, Lincolnshire, and the West Midlands, and explore how we can build more connected, creative, and peaceful communities.

Prepare for a captivating afternoon of absorbing commentaries and compelling new perspectives as we explore what it truly means to be human.

First, The Big Brum Theatre group will take us on a deep dive into the enchantment of storytelling. Find out how stories build communities, weave shared histories and create a sense of belonging.

Lincolnshire-based Wood for the Trees will challenge the way we solve problems – not in boardrooms, but in the open air. Walking, talking, and thinking amid nature, they’ve created a new approach to problem-solving, finding clarity where walls often create limits.

Kaleem Hussain FRSA will be asking: “what role do we play in shaping more peaceful local communities?”, with contributions from expert panellist speakers and practitioners.

Heather Rowlands, Programme Manager at Peacemaker, will explore the incredible role of Peace Education in creating more harmonious communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Peter Doubtfire, Chief Executive of the Peace Hub, will open your eyes to peace initiatives making a difference in promoting peace and understanding at a local level.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster will speak about regional strategies for community safety, including his role in shaping the Police and Crime Plan and holding law enforcement to account.

Zaynab Sohawon FRSA BCAh is a multi-award-winning youth mental health advocate and CEO of Emotion Dysregulation in Autism (EDA). She’ll bring a powerful voice to the panel, sharing her lived experience and work supporting neurodivergent young people.

Dr Derek Anderson OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, will reflect on leadership, equity, and his wide-ranging work across charities and public service.

We’ll explore how small actions create ripples of lasting change, and, how you can be part of that transformation. Expect deep discussions, unexpected insights, and a space where ideas come alive. Step in, speak up, and help shape what comes next—are you in?

Only a max of 2 tickets can be bought in one booking. Please note that you will need to supply guest contact details and any dietary allergies or intolerances.

We can’t wait to share the full agenda with you in the coming weeks. Updates will be featured on the RSA website here.

Dietary requirements

The ticket price includes light refreshments. Dietary requirements will be catered for. You will be asked to provide details of any medical food allergies or intolerances for yourself and any additional ticket holders at the point of booking.

Refund policy

Refunds will be processed up to 10 days prior to the event.

Taking part in RSA in-person events

If you have any questions, or to let us know of any access requirements or reasonable adjustments you require, please email ZmVsbG93c2hpcCB8IHJzYSAhIG9yZyAhIHVr.

By registering for this event, you consent to receive communications about this event, both before and after, and you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation and title with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event. If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let us know by emailing ZmVsbG93c2hpcCB8IHJzYSAhIG9yZyAhIHVr.

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Also check out other Festivals in Birmingham, Nonprofit events in Birmingham.