Common Defense is a grassroots organization of 350,000 veterans and military family members working to champion a truly equitable and representative democracy.  The Uplands was pleased to host a strategic planning retreat for Common Defense’s leadership team in January.

Their retreat aimed to reinforce the organization’s vision, values, and goals and theory of change and allow the organization’s leadership to assess current programs and identify strategies for the coming three years. Over four days, the Common Defense Directors team, together with several Board members, created a team charter and considered findings from previously conducted surveys of the organization’s staff and Board. They evaluated programs focused on democracy, climate justice and trainings and defined objectives for the coming years’ work. 

Participants also joined an art project and several wellness practices (including yoga and a sound bath) and explored the scenic winterscape during a very snowy week in the Western Catskills.

The Uplands was delighted to host the Common Defense leadership and to support the renewal of their energies, as they gear up for their ongoing work as – and with – veterans across the United States to ensure that liberty and justice are truly for all.