Cal Caucus 2026: The Grove and the Understory

Welcome!

Asilomar in November carries the scent of pine, oak, and salt‑sprayed breeze — a reminder of the resilience in the coastal grove where Monterey pines, Coast live oaks, and wind‑shaped cypress stand together against Pacific winds.

Join fellow ombuds at the 53rd Annual Cal Caucus at Asilomar Conference Center as we gather to explore The Grove & the Understory — a theme rooted in stability, interlocking support, and the sheltered “quiet zone” beneath the forest canopy. In nature, the understory refers to the layer of smaller trees, shrubs, and ground vegetation that grows beneath the taller canopy trees, creating a calm and protected environment that supports the health of the whole woodland.  

As Ombuds, we are the stewards of that stillness. In seasons of institutional uncertainty, we provide the canopy that shelters the individual voice and the rooted stability that keeps a community grounded. Like this forest understory, our work as ombuds creates space where voices can be heard, perspectives can take root, and communities can find grounding even amid change.

Come deepen your roots with colleagues, share insights that sustain us, and discover how to cultivate peace and grounded support in the wind-swept landscapes we navigate together.

The 2026 Program can be found here.

Registration, Payment, and Cancellation Policy

All payments must be received by August 21, 2026 or, for registrations received after that date, at the time of registration. Unpaid ticket holders will be notified one week prior to the deadline. Any registration not paid in full by that date will be canceled, and someone from the waitlist will be offered the ticket. 

Refunds:

Life and plans change.  We know.  

If you need to modify or cancel your registration, please contact the Conference Registrar at hello@calcaucus.com.

Cancellations received by email prior to September 25, 2026 will receive a full refund minus a $150 USD cancellation fee, if the room reserved by the participant can be filled by another participant from the waitlist. Unfortunately, cancellations requested after September 25, 2026 present significant logistical challenges and will be at the discretion of the Registrar.

Registration will be open until September 11, 2026 or until capacity is reached, at which time the waitlist will open.

Additional Questions?

If you have additional questions, please contact the Conference Registrar at hello@calcaucus.com.