Mini Retreat

Register on Eventbrite

If community builders burn out, then “the way things are” wins.

Feeling pulled in many directions – maybe it’s kinda hard to catch your breath? Or are you even at-risk for burnout in your community work (paid or unpaid)?

• So how about putting on your “oxygen mask” to catch your breath for now?
• And try some practices, in good company, to build your resilience for the long run!

This first mini-retreat of 2024 is part of new recurring monthly “spaces” in the Neighbor Up Network for you to recharge, connect with others, and grow practices that keep you fresh.

• Back by popular demand! 20 of us gathered this way in Dec 2023 for a powerful, energizing evening, including those who came along with others.

Free! The January theme and details will beemailed to those who RSVP here. Please RSVP so we can inform you of any changes due to weather, and so we have enough food and supplies.

Schedule for Saturday, January 20

• Noon arrival and lunch served, socializing. (Semi-potluck; main dishes provided)
• 12:30pm the Circle opens so we can finish up by 3:30pm, including breaks.It’s important to be there from 12:30 to 3:30pm, since what we do builds on itself.

Where?

• This event is IN PERSON at the Neighborhood Connections Office
• Located at 1971 E. 66th Street, CLE, 44103
• Street parking is available on E. 66th, and there is also a parking lot near the corner of E. 66th and Chester Ave.

How?

• In whole-group, small group, and solitary activities, we’ll have time tend to “the heart of the community builder.” This invites resilience through listening – especially to ourselves – in the good company of others doing the same for themselves.
• We’ll surface and share stories from a wide variety of traditions, including perhaps our own lives. Everything here is an invitation, not a demand, and we’ll never march around the circle to demand that you speak.
• Optionally, art supplies are available for those who enjoy using them to explore their stories and reflections.
• The respectful approach we’ll be using is seen here

Who’s it for?

We who are engaged in community building in any setting, paid or unpaid – we who give so much to others – may want to recharge professionally or personally.

• Feed your renewal and power from the inside out!
• All are welcome who are building their community – or hope to – whether paid or not
• Please invite others to consider it?
• There are always newcomers. No previous experience is needed.

Who’s facilitating? Erika Brown and Tony Vento co-create space with participants that is open & hospitable, reflective & non-invasive, evocative yet focused – a Circle of Trust – inviting noise within us & around us to subside so we each hear more of our own wisdom. Their bios are found here. Convened by Neighborhood Connections and the Neighbor Up Network.

For more information or help with RSVPs, please contact Erika Brown at ebrown@neighborhoodgrants.org or cell (216-313-7263) or Tony Vento at tony.vento@purposematters.org or by cell (216-313-0546).

Why?

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for

the sound of the genuine in yourself.

It is the only true guide you will ever have.

And if you cannot hear it,

you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.”

― Howard Thurman, former chaplain of Boston U & Howard U, mentor to generations of activists and community builders