SA Speaks and SA Stories

Your story is unique and now is the time to tell it with SA Speaks or SA Stories. As part of the NASPA conference experience, the Conference Leadership Committee wants to give you the opportunity to speak up and out about topics you are passionate about or stories that move you and inspire others. This year, we want your stories of joy and inspiration.

Speak up and out with SA Speaks & SA Stories

As student affairs professionals, we often have solutions to our field’s problems, but we wonder if anyone will listen to us. We all have personal stories to share that could positively impact and uplift others. Your stories and solutions are needed now more than ever and we have an audience that is eagerly waiting to hear them.

Historically, Student Affairs (SA) Speaks has been a dynamic opportunity for participants to engage with colleagues in thinking about innovative ways to address issues facing their campuses and students. This year we want to focus on stories of joy, transition, and resilience in ways that take us back to why we fell in love with our profession. At the same time, we want to recognize our lived experiences and how our work has transformed as a result of the dual pandemics we have recently lived through.

Both SA Speaks and SA Stories provide presenters with the opportunity to bring inspiring and energetic narratives to the stage. SA Speaks are conversational, research-based talks similar to a TED Talk, while SA Stories are narratives grounded in passion and personal interest. Below is a review of the similarities and differences between SA Speaks and SA Stories as well as suggested themes for consideration.