"I always feel like I’m wrapped in a cocoon of compassionate love when I’m at a TCF National Conference. This is one of the greatest healing tools available to a bereaved family."

                                                                                 —TCF National Conference attendee

A national conference of The Compassionate Friends is unlike any other conference you may ever attend. It is a place where you can go and know that you truly are not alone as you travel your grief journey. Every person comes for the same reason—a child has died. It is a place where “friendship, understanding, and hope” are more than just words.

For over three decades The Compassionate Friends has held national conferences. They’ve been held all over the country. Today it’s normal to have 1100-1400 bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents attend. Of that number, it usually is the first conference for nearly 40 percent. Those new to TCF conferences wear a special butterfly sticker so that others may notice and give them special hugs. Everyone feels welcome. We often say that these are friends you simply have not yet met.

At each conference, there are many activities, but you decide what is right for you. There are more than 100 workshops (but don’t think these are work—they’re really a time for learning and sharing). Many areas of grief are covered by the workshops. There are workshops for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents. And there will be many workshops for those who have no surviving children. You’ll find a hospitality room, a reflection room, the Butterfly Boutique, and a complete bookstore. There are very interesting and well-known speakers who address the Opening Session, the Friday afternoon banquet, the Saturday evening banquet, and the Sunday closing. You’ll marvel at the quality of entertainment geared for those attending. There’s also a special candle lighting ceremony to conclude the Saturday evening banquet. If you like a more intimate time with others, join in the evening sharing sessions of your choice.

But don’t miss the Walk to Remember Sunday at 8 a.m. prior to the closing. As many as 1300-1400 carry the names of more than 10,000 children from across the country who will always be remembered.

Watch here, in the national e-newsletter, or We Need Not Walk Alone for updated information on the next TCF National Conference.

Find out for yourself why notes are received after our conferences that echo this one we received:

"The conference was a drink of water for my soul.  Thank God for TCF and all the wonderful people who give of themselves to make it all happen.  Thank you!!!"

Save the Date!

The 2009 Compassionate Friends 32nd National Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon August 7-9!!

Call for Presenters

The deadline has passed to receive Call for Presenters forms for workshop consideration for the 2009 National Conference in Portland. Thank you to all who have submitted workshop proposals.