Saturdays, Noon-4:30pm: February 21, April 25, May 30…

Plus Friday night March 20, 5:30-8:30pm

Monthly Mini-Retreats with Community Cultivators / Community Builders:

Renewal & Resilience 

You’re Invited! Please Save the Dates & RSVP for one or more

How about an “oxygen mask” in good company?

• Feeling pulled in many directions, maybe even at-risk for burnout?
• We offer a range of gentle options so you can tap & renew what’s important to you. You’re not there to take care of anyone else.

All are welcome who are growing their community (as they define it) – or hope to do so – whether paid or not. No previous experience is needed. There are always newcomers!

In these challenging times,

come, recharge for now,

and grow practices that keep you fresh for the long run

because our communities have much to do, and need us

to be resilient from the inside-out.

If community builders and community cultivators burn out,

then “the way things are” wins.

Convened by Neighborhood Connections and the Neighbor Up Network in the same spirit as the powerful series of weekend retreats, “Courage to Build Community,” but not identical to it.

• This monthly series, begun in May 2023, is offered for you to recharge for now, connect with others if you choose, and grow practices that keep you fresh for the long run.

• Each mini-retreat stands alone. And for those who can attend more than one, these build upon each other.

Schedule for each of these Saturdays

• 11:30 am arrival and lunch served, socializing. (Semi-potluck; main dishes provided)

• 11:55 am the Circle opens so we can finish up by 4:30 pm, including breaks. What we do builds on itself that afternoon.

Several mini-retreats filled all spots and had waiting lists.

Click here to get more info, FAQs or RSVP your spot.

Themes and more details will be sent to those who RSVP.

Questions?

Erika Brown: email or 216-361-9336

Tony Vento: email or 216-313-0546

What are others saying about their mini-retreat? 

• It’s a time of Abundance… Wonder… Strengthening… Self care (that) isn’t selfish… Grace… Growth… (Being) Rooted… Planting & Replanting… Sprouting. (Participant’s words after the April 2024 mini-retreat)
• “There is power in knowing that you are not alone as the world burns around us. Being in community with others who run toward the fire helped me accept that there are others who are tending to their corners of the world as I tend to mine.” (March 2025 Participant)
• This is not a planning “retreat” where you leave with more responsibilities. Instead it’s a pause to refresh. A time to revitalize your passion as a community builder (whether or not you are paid for it).

Why?

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for 

the sound of the genuine in yourself. 

It is the only true guide you will ever have. 

And if you cannot hear it, 

you will all of your life 

spend your days on the ends of strings 

that somebody else pulls.”

• • • Howard Thurman, former chaplain of Boston U & Howard U, mentor to generations of activists

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation…”  – Audre Lorde

This is deep self-care, which is not selfish…it’s just good stewardship of the unique gifts you were put on Earth to share.  – inspired by Parker J Palmer