Good Work Institute is a worker self-directed nonprofit organization based in the Hudson River Valley that builds and amplifies the collective power of people to reject systems of oppression and extraction and create regenerative, just, and life-affirming communities. In mid-May, the Good Work Institute’s Solidarity Leaders Lab held a changemaker retreat at The Uplands. The Solidarity Leaders Lab is designed to equip, inspire, and connect leaders working toward just and regenerative futures and supports leaders, over 12 weeks, to deepen the skills needed to build trust, move toward collective action, and sustain meaningful collaboration in complex social change efforts. A retreat is a key part of that program, and The Uplands was delighted to host this inspiring group.
The retreat focused on topics including sharing power and decision-making, participatory facilitation, cooperative principles in practice and the solidarity economy. Their first day included a grounding ritual and welcome a lunch of pumpkin bisque, biscuits and cookies. In the afternoon, they focused on storytelling and creative writing. After a curry dinner, the group enjoyed a sound bath and witnessed a colorful sunset from the west-facing patio.
The following day began with an Uplands-led morning yoga class followed by a series of games and group exercises. A lunch of roasted tomato soup, oatmeal rolls, deviled eggs and salad and a final working session for the day led to free time, as participants enjoyed time in the pool and sauna and explored the trails. After a dinner featuring wild-caught salmon, fried rice and slaw the group walked up to Cheriklo, a grove of black cherry treats named for the healer of wounded healers in Greek mythology. As the stars burned bright in the sky, the group enjoyed a blazing fire in that sacred place, followed by deep rest.
Their final day began with a guided hike followed by a hearty breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, biscuits, blueberry muffins, fruit and yogurt. A final session to conclude the retreat’s work preceded lunch and the group’s departure back to the Hudson Valley.
The Uplands has been honored to host Good Work Institute in the past and has relished the opportunity to provide strategic space and wellness opportunities to this inspiring group of changemakers.
