Events

Institute Forum: Building an Economy That Works for Caregivers

Sponsored by AARP

On Wednesday, September 16, United WE will bring leaders from across sectors together in Washington, DC—and online nationwide—for a national conversation on one of the defining workforce issues of our time: caregiving.

Millions of Americans are balancing careers while caring for loved ones—and the impact extends far beyond individual families to our businesses and economy. This timely forum will bring together leaders from the business, nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors to explore practical solutions that better support working caregivers while strengthening workforce participation and economic competitiveness.

The afternoon will feature a live panel discussion with leaders shaping the future of work and caregiving. The program will be livestreamed nationwide beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. CT. Following the program, in-person guests will gather for a reception with employers, policymakers, foundation leaders, caregivers, and nonprofit executives from across the country.

Event Details:
Wednesday, September 16 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. ET / 3:00–4:30 p.m. CT
Program | 4:00–4:30 p.m. ET / 3:00–3:30 p.m. CT
Reception | 4:30–5:30 p.m. ET (in person only)


Join us in Washington D.C.
National Union Building
918 F St NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP to attend in Washington DC: https://forms.gle/TC4teY7RWQVqf1ke8

Join the conversation virtually
The 4:00 PM ET/3:00 PM CT program will be livestreamed for audiences nationwide.

Register to watch the livestream: https://forms.gle/ngiQoPhGNEteNh9N6

Institute Forums: Caregiving at Work

Sponsored by AARP

Caregiving is everywhere. Support isn’t. More than 63 million Americans are providing unpaid care—often while working full-time.

The United WE’s Institute Forum series “Caregiving at Work,” sponsored by AARP, is designed to inform and equip employers, community leaders, and caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and resources to elevate caregiving as a workforce priority.

Across four virtual forums, we’re marshalling research, sharing practical tools and resources, and building momentum for solutions that support caregivers at work and at home.

What You’ll Walk Away With

  • Evidence-based resources for employers and caregivers

  • Actionable tools to improve workplace support and flexibility

  • Real-world examples of policies and practices that work

  • Direct connections to AARP’s caregiving programs and support networks

Who Should Attend

  • Employers & Business Leaders looking to retain talent and support their workforce

  • Advocates & Community Leaders working to expand access to caregiving supports

  • Caregivers balancing work, family, and everything in between

Join a Virtual Forum

All sessions are 45 minutes. Virtual.

  • Kansas — October 22, 2026 | 9:00–9:45 a.m. CT RSVP here. 

  • Missouri — December 10, 2026 | 9:00–9:45 a.m. CT RSVP here.

Occupational Licensing
Focus Groups

Hosted by United WE

Occupational licenses and certifications can open doors to meaningful careers—but for many individuals, navigating licensing requirements can create barriers to entering, advancing, or re-entering the workforce.

United WE is hosting a series of Occupational Licensing Focus Groups to better understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities surrounding licensing systems. Through these conversations, we aim to hear directly from individuals about how licensing has shaped their career pathways, workforce participation, and professional opportunities—and gather insights that can help inform solutions.

These focus groups are part of United WE’s broader initiative to examine how occupational licensing impacts economic opportunity, particularly for women, and identify opportunities to strengthen licensing systems so they better support workers, employers, and communities.

What You’ll Contribute

  • Share your personal experiences navigating occupational licensing or certification requirements

  • Help identify challenges and opportunities within current licensing systems

  • Provide input on potential solutions to improve access, mobility, and workforce participation

  • Inform future research and recommendations to strengthen occupational licensing systems

Who Should Participate

We welcome individuals with a variety of experiences related to occupational licensing, including:

  • Licensed Professionals & Certificate Holders who have navigated education, training, exams, renewals, or reciprocity requirements

  • Individuals Exploring Licensed Careers who are considering entering a profession that requires a license or certification

  • Workers Who Have Experienced Licensing Barriers including challenges related to cost, time, education requirements, exams, portability, or other requirements

  • Community & Workforce Partners who support individuals pursuing career pathways

  • Individuals in Special Interest Carrer Pathways, including 

    • Cosmetology professionals

    • Nurses and other health care professionals 

    • Tattoo artists, body, piercers, and branding professionals 

    • Professional counselors

Kansas City, MO
August 19th, 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Grand Street Cafe
4740 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112
Link to RSVP

Kansas City, KS
September 29th, 9:00AM - 10:30AM
KCKPL Main Library
625 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
Link to RSVP

Northland Kansas City, MO
Thursday, October 8th, 4:00-5:30PM
Woodneath Library Center
8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157
Link to RSVP

Overland Park, KS
Thursday, November 19th, 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Johnson County Public Library
9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
Link to RSVP