Whole Thinking Retreats
Why do I need you?
Why do you need me?
Who and what are we working for?
What are the unintended consequences of our work?
How can our work build whole communities?
Whole Thinking Retreats are seven-day residential fellowship programs that bring together leaders in the environmental and social change fields to grapple with these questions – and many more. Through fellowship awards, we bring together leaders whose work relates to land and people to find common ground, common purpose and common courage in tackling the major issues of our day.
Retreats are attended by leaders from a broad range of professions: urban and rural conservationists, environmental justice advocates, community development practitioners, food security advocates, farmers, ranchers, faith-based activists, business people, biologists, writers, educators, elected officials, and many others. We bring them together to encourage them to ask questions of themselves and each other. Through that process, we help them see their work and potential in a new light.
“I feel that I have tools to help me in my personal and professional spheres. I feel like I’ve made lifelong connections and that I have a deeper presence in my work.”
– Anonymous 2011 retreat participant
The Whole Thinking Retreats aim to strengthen the environmental and social justice movements in this country by:
- Helping individuals from specialized groups to re-think their work together, in terms of whole systems and in terms of addressing root causes as opposed to symptoms
- Initiating values-based inquiries that will help social and environmental change movemenst to better understand and communicate the values that hold them together and, later, inform better strategies and tactics
- Helping all people to engage in a safe and productive dialogue about the roles of race, class, power and privilege in their work, and how to adddress injustices
- Introducing new definitions and measures of success that foster greater collaboration, link social and environmental objectives, and offer a clearer vision of what a whole community is and how to get there
- Rejuvenating people’s strength and wisdom through nurturing, reflective and creative practices that open the door for more authentic relationships, deeper dialogue and new ways of leading.
“I’d like to contribute more fully to my organization’s mission and strategies by deepening staff understanding of what it is we’re trying to do. I’d also like to expand partnerships and initiate new partnerships with other organizations who share common visions.”
– Anonymous 2011 retreat participant