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R&R 2022: Help Black Women Dream!

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The R+R Retreat is a collective respite space for community connected black women (including Trans and non-binary) change agents. The goal of The Retreat + Reimagine Weekend is twofold.

We strive to gift time & space for guests to replenish their energy reserves so that they may return to their lives & work as change agents both rejuvenated & inspired. The space also serves to challenge our guests' to reimagine our collective relationships to rest & labor as they determine what it means to decolonize our movements & to be in right relationship with our most human needs & non-human relatives.

It is our hope that all participants will leave the space having gained practices & insights that they will instill in both their lives and their communities. 
 
In 2020, with help from people like you, we gifted 13 Black women change agents a moment of rest and community care in the midst of chaos and uprisings.
 
In 2021, we're stepping deeper into our purpose by inviting more Black women, including Trans and non-binary folks, by expanding our programming to include reimagining our relationship to work and our movements, and by providing year round coaching and peer support to craft a Alumni community-in-practice collective.

2020 Testimonies:

"This experience was something I didn't realize I needed, and now know that everyone needs. R+R gave me a chance to be in communion in a truly safe space (emotionally and physically) with other Black femmes and it was so restful, insightful, meaningful and uplifting. It is deeply important to provide opportunities to refresh and rest deeply because it creates space for us to dream. The whole weekend was curated so intentionally and with so much love. It was absolutely transformative." –

"R+R Retreat was a true blessing at a critical juncture in the multi-faceted pandemic. Not only coming through a major health crisis, but an eruption in our nation's racial wound. The Retreat gave space to reflect, network and plan on how to move forward. Also time to reimagine what we could be moving towards to avoid going back. So glad it will continue for other Black women this year as we continue in the recovery mode." – Alisa Orduna

"Being a part of the R+R Retreat last year was such a huge moment for me. It was so powerful to be with other Black female-identified folx and pause, reset, and ground by centering our wellness, centering ourselves, and being invited to have space just to be a little more tender and loving towards ourselves and share that with each other. To this day it is one of my most cherished memories from 2020, amidst all of the chaos, to just have this moment during that year was huge. It reminds me everyday to take a few minutes for pleasure, for care, for tenderness for myself and I am forever grateful for that learning and teaching." – DeAndrea Lottier-Ross

"Ubuntu - I am because we are. The notion that no one is coming for us but us. These two statements ring true of the team of ladies who planned the retreat and held us the entire time. I am still overwhelmed with the sacred space that was created and protected. From the healthy food, activities and day of silence, the young wise women who held us did right by us and I’ll always cherish that time." – Devona Robertson

"This experience was something I didn't realize I needed, and now know that everyone needs. R+R gave me a chance to be in communion in a truly safe space (emotionally and physically) with other Black femmes and it was so restful, insightful, meaningful and uplifting. It is deeply important to provide opportunities to refresh and rest deeply because it creates space for us to dream. The whole weekend was curated so intentionally and with so much love. It was absolutely transformative." – Nicole Steele

"The R + R retreat was a life changing experience for me. It totally revolutionized the way I go about movement work and self care. It helped me realize that taking care of myself is truly the only way to make sure the movement is as impactful as possible. It helped me realize that the work I do is only as effective as my ability to reimagine a world that centers the needs of the collective and doesn't take everything from us as individuals." – Kamani Harris

"Thankful for this weekend of realizing, reimagining, and rest. There's a shift in consciousness happening before our eyes. Listen and look for your purpose. Integrate rest into your life and find kinship in your community." – Jahbrielle Henning

Organizer

Ashley Thomas
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA

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