Alabama Water Rally

2026 AGENDA COMING SOON

Alabama Water Rally is THE one event of the year you do NOT want to miss for water advocates, environmental protectors and all Alabamians interested in protecting rivers and streams across the region!

This year’s annual gathering will be a very special Water Rally. The city of Montgomery and the Alabama River, both past and present, play an important role in our efforts to protect clean water throughout Alabama. We bring Alabama Water Rally back to Montgomery during a time when local elected officials have shown a great interest in amplifying the significant importance of the mighty Alabama River, winding right through the center of the city. We are excited to bring Water Rally to the brand new Elevation Hotel, a place built by the Equal Justice Initiative as a hub for their efforts to shine a light on the important history of racial injustice and civil rights in Montgomery and beyond. As we return to our capital city of Montgomery to collaborate, celebrate and learn how we further engage voters and candidates ahead of the important statewide elections in 2026, we look forward to Experiencing Montgomery like you have never seen it before!

We will kick off the weekend with a dynamic program of powerful speakers who will welcome us to this place with a walk through time highlighting the importance of the Alabama River watershed and how it shaped our cultural history, our natural history and our present day struggles and opportunities. Bill Deutsch, Marcus Briggs-Cloud, Montgomery City Councilor Andrew Szymanski and a representative from the Equal Justice Initiative will guide us through the pre-human ancient past, the rich Indigenous history, the city’s profound Black history, and then back to present-day Montgomery. This conversation will be the perfect setting for the discussions and experiences in store for all for the weekend!

AGENDA AT A QUICK GLANCE

We invite you to explore Montgomery Whitewater Park on Friday morning and or afternoon before Water Rally officially kicks off at 5 pm!

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

5 – 6 pm: Welcome to Alabama Water Rally program at the brand new Elevation Hotel

6:30 – ?: Super Fun Kick Off Sunset Party at Red Bluff Bar overlooking the Alabama River (shuttles provided, walking possible)

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Morning and afternoon: Breakout Sessions and Plenaries at Elevation Hotel (schedule coming soon!)

Evening: River Celebration Awards at Elevation Hotel

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Morning: Plenary + field trips!

ABOUT THE SESSIONS AND PLENARIES

This year’s plenaries will focus on engaging with government at the state and local levels, while preparing our river movement to strategically engage in the upcoming election year that will shape the direction of our state’s leadership for the next four years. Our breakout sessions will offer four exciting tracks – collaboration, civic engagement, issue advocacy and organizational development. There is sure to be something for everyone’s interest and valuable tools and insights for you to take home to your communities and your organizations!

ABOUT THE ELEVATION HOTEL

Our group will be one of the very firsts to gather in the brand new Elevation Hotel! Located in the historic Cottage Hill neighborhood of Montgomery, Elevation Convening Center & Hotel puts equality, history, and social justice at the forefront. The Elevation Hotel serves as a hub for visiting Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites, including: a reflection garden and library, The Legacy Museum, Peace & Justice Memorial and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. We’re thrilled to be in this location to bring more understanding to the Alabama River and how it reflects the rich history of Alabama’s capital city. And special bonus!

EXTRA FOR CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

All guests of Alabama Water Rally have access to:

- Elevation Fitness, a state-of-the-art Technogym and wellness space
- Fourth floor heated pool and cabana
- On site coffee and pastries market and after-hours market

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WATER RALLY 2026

Speakers & Workshops | Training Sessions | Deep Dives Into Emerging Topics | EJI Legacy Site Visits

Music + Art Breaks | Networking & Celebrations | Live Music on the Alabama River | Your New Favorite Weekend!

INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Bessemer community members, Ryan Anderson (SELC),), David Butler (Cahaba River Coalition), Marcus Briggs-Cloud (Ekvn-Yefolecv), Debbie Chang (Citizens Climate Lobby), Julianne Tharp (GASP), Bill Deutsch (author), Abigail Franks (invited), Charles Miller (ARA), John Dodd (Energy Alabama), V Miller (ARA), Andre Ivey (Southern Poverty Law Center), Portia Shepard (BlackBelt Women Rising), Daniel West (InBOLD), Montgomery City Council Member Andrew Szymanski, Montgomery County Commissioner Isaiah Sankey and more!

FIELD TRIPS AND FREE TIME

With so many EJI Legacy Sites to take in, the stunning Montgomery Whitewater Park to explore, and new trails along the Alabama River to wander, we’ve intentionally built in time on Friday and Sunday for you to take it all in. As you make your Water Rally plans, be sure to allow yourself time before or after – or both! – to Experience Montgomery.