Last week, Ignite the South’s inaugural cohort held its third and final in-person retreat. They convened in Atlanta, Georgia for three days of programming.
Prior to the Retreat, participants engaged in a sequenced webinar focusing on mentoring and coaching to nurture their skills and deepen their understanding of how to hold space in dynamic ways while in movement.
The theme of this retreat was “Building Power & Building on Ignite the South” and the cohort spent the three days discussing effective partnerships, examining what it means to win, and connecting with local organizers. The faculty included time to be in active movement together as participants were invited to make calls to support a local ballot initiative that multiple participant organizations were backing in different ways. Much discussion revolved around the diverse strategies that are all needed to work together effectively toward change. In compassion and clear storytelling, the panelists shared how this work saves lives and offered urgency from their lenses as long-term community activists, lawyers, local community members, and organizers.
This final retreat was unique because it is the last in-person meeting for this cohort and they were ushered through a ceremony of recognition. One of the program’s goals is to foster lasting relationships that “forge new friendships and connections with amazing leaders across the South.” The success of the deep connections made also inspires longing for continued connection. The program faculty are excited to offer opportunities for an emerging alumni network as recruitment for the next cohort is now live.
As the launch funder for Ignite the South, Open Horizon is proud of every participant who shared their hearts, passions, curiosities, and time, in service of grounding their leadership in vision, health, personal power, and the South. We acknowledge their commitment to developing and evolving strategies and alliances that overcome historic and systemic barriers to change. Open Horizon is privileged to be in community with leaders of Southern social justice organizations who have grown their skills in mentoring and coaching people and teams, and can only imagine what will come next for each of the participant leaders and this graduated cohort.
To learn more about Ignite the South, please visit https://lnkd.in/eFzg4EbH
Applications are now open for the next cohort! It will start in October and retreats will be held in Louisiana, Alabama, and North Carolina. The deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1, 2023.
