Since the early 1890’s, The Salvation Army has used bold, creative, and disruptive ideas to preach The Gospel and address various social problems, including poverty, unemployment, working conditions, homelessness, hunger, slum housing, and prostitution. Think of The Salvation Army’s dry saloons or donut lassies in France during World War I. One such way The Salvation Army sparked change in 19th century England was through the creation of The Salvation Army’s match factory. In just 10 years, this factory forced drastic change in working conditions, and created the societal push needed for governmental change.
Inspired by those early Salvationists, the Match Factory workshop will provide an opportunity to pitch innovative and creative ideas that could advance the work and mission of The Salvation Army. Any registered officer or employee can submit a creative idea. Occurring much like the TV show “Shark Tank”, selected delegates will be given 5 minutes to pitch their creative idea directly to members of Commissioners’ Conference, who will then be able to ask questions, provide feedback, and perhaps put impactful ideas on a path for implementation.
If you are interested in pitching your idea at Better Together, upload a video file summarizing your intended idea using the form provided salarmy.us/match-submissions. The video should not exceed 5 minutes and can be shot match-submissions. The video should not exceed 5 minutes and can be shot using a smartphone. The explanation should include how your idea will:
- Advance the mission
- Strengthen service
- Realize financial savings
- Raise funds or friends
Your proposed idea should align with one of the conference disciplines: Community Relations and Development; Emergency Disaster Services; Social Services and Advisory Organization Development. We also ask that your idea not be focused on personnel resources or include personal/ sensitive information about individuals or groups of employees/officers. Get creative! All video pitches should be submitted no later than March 20, 2026, as each video will be reviewed prior to the conference by members of the conference planning committee. Selected delegates will receive an invitation, via the email provided, to present during one of the two Match Factory workshop sessions at Better Together 2027. During their presentation, they will be allotted 5 minutes to present in person, in front of a live audience and to Commissioners’ Conference members.
The Commissioners’ Conference judges will also select a best-in-show winner from the two sessions, who will be honored during the National Commander’s Celebration Banquet on Wednesday evening at The Star. We can’t wait to hear how you plan to spark change!
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s match factory in East London, visit salarmy.us/matchstick.
Watch this video from the UK & Ireland Territory: salarmy.us/matchvideo