2026 MUTA CONVENTION

The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment in MUTA’s history - a deliberate pause for reflection, reassessment, and recalibration as we rethought our organizational purpose, structure, and strategies. The robust discussions and participatory evaluations conducted during the 2024 convention emphasized not only the need for operational improvements but also the urgency of preparing for the future. With the machinery of MUTA now retooled and its mission and vision sharpened, the question before us is clear: What legacy are we leaving for the next generation?

The 2025 theme, BeyondNow: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders, is a call to action for all of us to look beyond the immediate and actively cultivate the leadership, skills, and resources necessary for a sustainable future. It is grounded in the recognition that for MUTA to remain relevant and impactful, we must invest in building a pipeline of leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world while preserving the essence of our cultural heritage and values. This investment is not only about inspiring individuals; it is about creating systems, structures, and opportunities that enable the emergence of visionary, ethical, and compassionate leaders. 

Why Focus on the Next Generation?

Sustainability of Our Mission 

For over three decades, MUTA has been a beacon of cultural preservation and humanitarian outreach, addressing pressing needs in education, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster relief. To ensure the continuity of this mission, we must intentionally prepare the next generation

to step into leadership roles with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to adapt to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities. Empowering future leaders is an investment in the longevity and resilience of MUTA itself.

The Global Context

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in economic power, and evolving social dynamics. Our young leaders must not only navigate these changes but also position themselves as active participants in shaping a better

future for Tiv communities and beyond. This requires a deliberate focus on education, mentorship, innovation, and cross-cultural competence. 

Preserving Tiv Identity in the Diaspora As the Tiv population in the diaspora grows, there is a pressing need to ensure that younger generations remain connected to their heritage while thriving in multicultural environments. Leadership development efforts must include a dual emphasis on cultural preservation and global engagement, fostering pride in our identity while building bridges to other communities.

A Legacy of Service

The essence of leadership is service. By empowering young leaders, we are embedding within them the values of selflessness, collaboration, and accountability that have been central to MUTA’s work. This theme challenges us to see leadership not as a position of

power but as a responsibility to uplift and empower others.

St. Louis, Missouri, a major metropolitan area in the Midwest, is served by two (2) primary airports, offering convenient options for guests. Here are the key details for each airport:

1. St. Louis Lambert International Airport (airport code: STL): Commonly referred to as Lambert Airport, STL is the primary international airport serving the St. Louis metropolitan area. Located approximately 14 miles from the convention center (around a 20-minute drive), the airport is a major hub for domestic and limited international flights. The convention hotel operates a shuttle service from Lambert Airport to the hotel. Attendees are encouraged to use the airport’s ground transportation services, including shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing options, for seamless access to the convention venue.
2. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (airport code: BLV): MidAmerica Airport is a secondary airport located in Mascoutah, Illinois, about 30 miles east of downtown St. Louis (approximately a 40-minute drive). While it offers fewer commercial flight options, it is known for its convenience and smaller crowds. Various ground transportation options, including rental cars and ride-sharing services, are available for attendees arriving at MidAmerica Airport.