Welcome!
Travel Information:
Each GIVEN Forum attendee is responsible for arranging her travel to and from the 2026 GIVEN Forum.
Location: Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064
Arrival Time:
Participants: The GIVEN Forum will begin on Wednesday, June 24th with check-in between 4-7 pm and the program’s welcome at 7:30 pm.
Mentors: The GIVEN Forum will begin for mentors on Tuesday, June 23rd with check-in between 4-7 pm and Mass and Conference beginning at 7:30 pm.
Departure Time: The GIVEN Forum will conclude on Sunday, June 28th at 1:30 pm. The last meal will be brunch at 11:00 am on that day, with lunch on your own after 1:30 pm. Please book your departing flights after 3:00 pm to allow enough time for transportation to the airport.
Volunteers: The GIVEN Forum will begin for volunteers on June 23rd with check-in between 12-3 pm and Mass and Conference beginning at 7:30 pm.
Departure Time: The GIVEN Forum will conclude on Sunday, June 28th at 1:30 pm. The last meal will be brunch at 11:00 am on that day. Breakdown will end at 5:00pm. Please book your departing flights after 6:00 pm to allow enough time for transportation to the airport.
**Please keep in mind that this year is the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, so Washington, DC will be a very popular destination. We highly recommend that you arrange your travel to Washington, DC as soon as possible.
International Participants
We are very excited to host international women at the 2026 GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Forum. Unfortunately, GIVEN is unable to provide additional support for the visa process, arrange housing outside of the GIVEN Forum dates, and navigate other unique logistical challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the 2026 GIVEN Forum be held?
The 2026 GIVEN Leadership Forum will take place in Washington, DC from June 24-28, 2026. Lodging and programming will take place at The Catholic University of America: 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064. Directions for how to get to The Catholic University of America from area airports or driving can be found on the university’s website. Portions of the Forum will also take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.
If I am accepted but cannot attend the 2026 GIVEN Forum, can my application rollover for the next Forum?
If you are unable to attend the 2026 GIVEN Forum, your application will not rollover and you would need to apply again for the next GIVEN Forum.
Where will I stay during the 2026 GIVEN Forum?
Lodging will be provided at Catholic University for all attendees, and will include linens (2 flat sheets, towels, pillow, blanket). If you prefer a fitted sheet, please bring one in size Twin XL. If you need hangers, a clothes iron or a hair dryer, please bring those items as well. The dormitories are well air-conditioned, so please keep this in mind while packing if you tend to be cold. Each participant has their own room with a private entrance, only sharing a bathroom within the suite.
Can I stay off campus and still attend the Forum?
We highly discourage participants from staying off campus because staying on campus is a special part of the experience at the GIVEN Forum. Similar to a retreat or conference, staying on campus helps you step away from your normal routine, makes it simpler to participate in early morning and evening programming, and allows for opportunities to connect with other Forum attendees as you walk around campus.
To which airport or train station should I arrive?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport to Catholic University. Upon arrival visitors can take a taxi, Metrorail or rental car to reach campus. You may also arrive at Baltimore/Washington International or Dulles International. The closest train (Amtrak) station is Union Station.
If I am driving, will I need a parking pass?
Yes. You may register for a one-week visitor parking permit at CUA’s parking website.
Will there be time for sightseeing during the Forum?
No, there will not be time allotted for sightseeing in DC during the days of the GIVEN Forum. If desired, feel free to make travel arrangements to allow for sightseeing either prior to or following the GIVEN Forum. You are wholly responsible for all costs and accommodations outside the days of the GIVEN Forum. If you do decide to extend your stay, you can visit the following website for tourist information: https://washington.org/
What is the weather like in June in DC?
June tends to be warm, often between 70-85°F. As the event draws nearer, we suggest checking weather.com for more specific temperatures.
What is the dress code for the GIVEN Forum?
Business casual dress is appropriate for attending the conferences, workshops, and liturgies throughout the week. Be prepared for chilly air conditioning for indoor programming and in the dorms. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
For the Catholic Women Leaders Celebration on Saturday night, the dress code is cocktail attire.
Should I bring spending money?
All meals will be provided. You will need to bring money to pay for your travel costs and any additional or personal spending you desire throughout the week.
Will there be time to exercise?
Yes, you are welcome to exercise during free time periods.
How do I share my dietary restrictions?
You can share any needs for diet or accessibility, as well as any other notes for Forum organizers, in your registration form.
Will there be a daily holy hour and time for private prayer?
Yes, Adoration and Morning Prayer are scheduled for the morning before daily programming begins. You will also have the opportunity for private prayer during lunch and dinner breaks.
I have a question that’s not answered here!
Please contact communications@giveninstitute.com
In preparation for the GIVEN Forum, we recommended that the participants explore the following documents. Although there is no requirement to read them, we want you to have access to these great resources that speak to the beauty and dignity of women as well as the gift of our personal vocation:
Letter to Women: This letter, written to women throughout the world, addresses the concept of woman and her indispensable role in the Church, the family, society, and the world.
Mulieris Dignitatem: This apostolic letter on the dignity and vocation of women considers the anthropology of man and woman, God’s intention for their relationship, woman’s vocation to motherhood, and the Church as Bride of Christ.
Redemptoris Mater: This encyclical focuses on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the plan of salvation and her continued role in the life of the Church.
A Meditation on Givenness: This meditation is a powerful reflection on the concepts of gift and entrustment within human relationships and in our faith.
Christus Vivit: This Post-Syndonal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis speaks “to young people and the entire people of God” about being alive in Christ and cultivating a lively Church culture through the full activation of personal vocation.
One thing Necessary: This e-book by Luke Arthur Burgiss and Joshua Miller, Ph.D. is a great short read to overview the vision of personal vocation that we are communicating through GIVEN mentoring. We highly recommend reading this e-book prior to our first session with Dr. Miller. This e-book is based on the longer published book that we also recommend, Unrepeatable.