Alongsiders International Leadership Gathering (ILG)
2026

Welcome to the first annual ILC.

Tuesday 5th November to Tuesday 12th November 2024

On behalf of everyone at the Support Centre, we welcome you to Cambodia for our third International Leadership Gathering!

This special gathering is an invite-only meeting for those in senior leadership positions in the Alongsiders movement.

At the ILG we will prayerfully set the direction together for 2027, and begin an annual rhythm of strategic planning.

We will welcome representatives from our Global Advisory Group (hopefully one or two from each Board), as well as senior Regional Coordinators, and certain leaders from the Support Centre to come together, pray and discuss what God is calling us to for the coming year(s).

It will be a time of being re-inspired, planning, learning and celebrating all that God is doing in our midst.

Since Alongsiders was launched ten years ago, we have seen our simple vision of walking alongside those who walk alone, spread to 30 countries. Tens of thousands of children and youth have been impacted.

As we look to the horizons, we want to steward what God has given us, as best we can. We want to seek His wisdom together.

Join us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The 5 Year Anniversary Celebration for Shalom Valley that took place in November 2023, was a larger gathering (about 40 international participants).
At that gathering we managed to include a lot of related activities - from bungalow dedications, to camp, to Phnom Penh exploration, to Board Meetings and learning about Fundraising.
As a result of those meetings, we were able to build relationships and galvanize support for the movement, as well as conceptualize the “180” approach for Western movements - now launching in the Netherlands.
In contrast, this ILC 2024 will be more focussed and with a smaller number of participants. We will spend more time in discussion, meeting and planning together.
It will be a tighter, shorter gathering but hopefully deeper and with more concrete plans to come away with.
The International Leadership Gathering (ILG) meetings will focus on setting the direction of the movement for 2027 and possibly beyond.
We will be kicking off an annual rhythm of Strategic Planning together.
The meetings will take place while the Alongsiders camp is happening, so we will meet to a background of inspiration and relationships.
The ILG is by invite-only for those who are in senior leadership roles within the Alongsiders movement.

A team from one of our Founding Partner Churches (Howick Community Church in NZ) will also be with us. And we may also invite one or two financial partners to join in the non-meeting/planning parts of the week.
Tuesday 5th November (arrival day) to Tuesday 12th November (departure day). We ask that you do not arrive after Tuesday 5th November or depart before the 12th as this will be disruptive to the flow of our meetings.
In Alongsiders, we always start with relationships before we get down to business. This is a day set aside to have fun and get to know everyone at the Support Centre - and for them to get to know you.
As plans unfold, we’ll post them here, but rest assured it’ll be an awesome and memorable day.
On Thursday morning, you will come to the Alongsiders Support Centre to meet the amazing Khmer team that work behind the scenes to support the Alongsiders movements in 30 countries.
You’ll get to hear testimonies and stories from Alongsiders and former Little Brothers and Sisters themselves (who happen to be on staff), as well as see how we make animations, and how we use artificial intelligence and other tech to streamline our operations.
After lunch with the staff, we’ll depart for Shalom Valley.
Camp will include sharing meals, playing sport, swimming/chilling by the pool, participating in Shalom Valley's outdoor adventure activities, (SV water obstacle course, zip line, team games, etc), times of worship, Bible teaching, small group discussions, evening bonfires, and basically having loads of fun.
The camp attendees will be YOU (special visitors) as well as about 150 Alongsiders and their Little Brothers and Sisters.
These camps are always incredibly inspiring and you get to see the Alongsiders in action!
On your registration form there is a question about any special talents or skills or interests you might have to contribute at the camp. We’d love to include you, or you can simply pray, participate and observe.
ILC will also be meeting throughout the camp - so we will be dipping in and out a bit.
Sotheara Lay (sotheara@alongsiders.org) is organizing the overall program. You can contact Sotheara with any questions about logistics, accommodation, food, travel, etc.
Other individuals are in charge of certain parts of the program:
- Daroth (daroth@alongsiders.org)
- Craig (craig@alongsiders.org)
- Kimhong (kimhong@alongsiders.org)
- Nay (nay@alongsiders.org)
Alongsiders is glad you can make it to Cambodia - we know flights are expensive! - and we will cover your main meals and accommodation once you are in Cambodia for the main program.
If you would like to contribute towards that cost we suggest about $250 USD per person for on the ground costs.
On arrival in Phnom Penh we will meet you at the airport and help you get a local SIM card which is very cheap. You will then be able to use Grab or PassApp (similar to Uber) to get around the city on your own.
When there are official events happening we will arrange transport for those (meals, office visit, Team fun day, getting to and from Shalom Valley etc.)
Simply complete the Registration Form on this page and let us know all your details.
The closing date for registration is the end of September 2024.
Shalom Valley campsite is just outside of Kep, on the coast of Cambodia - 3 hours drive from Phnom Penh.
In Phnom Penh, we are booking a local guesthouse called Kesor Guesthouse which is a 10 minute walk from the Alongsiders Support Centre. The rooms are clean and have aircon and wifi. It is a stone’s throw from the market and local shops.
If you wish to stay in a hotel with a pool and restaurant you are free to book at Larimar Resort Hotel which is about $40 USD per night.
At Shalom Valley, we will accommodate everyone onsite at the camp.
Accommodation for special guests will be in the aircon bungalows. However, if you are interested in staying in a tent, this is also available.
The dorms (and most tents) will be allocated to the Alongsiders campers.
No, all bedding, mattresses, and equipment will be provided by Shalom Valley.
Yes, if we have adequate notice the Shalom Valley kitchen can cater for special dietary requirements.
Shalom Valley has an on-site café next to the pool that will be selling barista coffees, cold drinks and snacks.
No, the program is designed so that we grow in our relationships with one another and in our understanding of Alongsiders. To achieve this we need to be together for the duration of the time planned. Thank you for planning accordingly :)