Leadership Support

Open Horizon Leaders Retreat

Since 2023, Open Horizon has hosted an annual Leaders Retreat, offering leaders at all levels from our partner organizations a multi-day experience centered on Reflection, Connection, and Renewal. These retreats provide a valuable opportunity for partner leaders to pause, reflect, and build connections with peers. Participants have shared that this experience not only enhances their leadership skills but also underscores the importance of a stronger commitment to self-care. In the photo above from January 2024, participants gathered after spending two days connecting with other leaders and reflecting on their roles and vision.

Our 2024 Leaders Retreat was held at Ipade, a Black woman-owned gathering space in Washington, DC.

OH leaders represent a variety of issue areas within the social sector.

The Leaders Retreat provides a chance to reflect and share with peers.

Leaders Network

A gathering with our OH staff leaders for DC-based Black leaders is one example of affinity programming.

Recognizing that professional development and support are continuous and should be ongoing, Open Horizon pairs attendees with a coach for personalized support after participating in a Leaders Retreat. In addition to coaching, leaders can engage in workshops on organizational, leadership, and personal development topics, with an increasing focus on identity-based affinity programming.

Ignite the South

In January 2023, Open Horizon and Imagine US launched Ignite the South, a six-month leadership development program tailored for social justice leaders in the Southern United States. Since its launch, Ignite the South has empowered over 60 leaders from across the region.

Ignite the South is designed for emerging staff and elected leaders who hold significant responsibility within social, racial, and economic justice organizations in the Southern United States. The program offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and collaborate, blending in-person immersive experiences, individual coaching, and online learning. Over six months, participants will enhance their leadership skills through exposure to new ideas and best practices, while building relationships with like-minded individuals across the region. Graduates of the cohort will join a connected, supported, and well-resourced network of leaders throughout the South.

In January 2023 Ignite the South’s first cohort had its first three-day retreat in New Orleans, Louisiana. A highlight was a ‘Hidden History Tour’ in the French Quarter led by local elder Mr. Leon.

“Leadership is the ability to call forth your own best efforts, and the best efforts of others, to achieve a shared future that people care about.”

– From the book Missing Conversations: 9 Questions All Leaders Should Ask Themselves by Bridgette Theurer and Heather O’Neill Jelks

Laura SweetLeadership Support