Social Justice Grounding Retreat | Student Life | The University of Vermont(title)

The Social Justice Grounding Retreat: Building Roots in Compassion, Equity, and Justice

The Social Justice Grounding Retreat (SJGR)

The Social Justice Grounding Retreat: Building Roots in Compassion, Equity, and Justice occurs annually during the Spring semester. The retreat provides participants (undergraduate, graduate, staff and faculty) with an experience to dive deeper into the knowledge and skills around their own social identities and further define themselves as leaders of compassion, equity and justice in their communities. Participants learn about systems of power, oppression, and white supremacy, and will engage in self-reflective activities that center furthering their understanding of their experiences with power, oppression and privilege in their community.

The Social Justice Grounding Retreat asks participants to consider these essential questions: 

  1. What is the importance of compassion, equity and justice in activism and advocacy work?
  2. What social identities do I hold? 
  3. What do these identities mean to me? 
  4. How do my identities influence my view of my environment, the world?
Group photo of the SJGR attendees having a discussion circle.

Reserve your spot!

The Social Justice Grounding Retreat is made up of roughly 20 participants (both undergraduate and graduate students) and a team of 2 facilitators. Registration will be available here once open!

Learning outcomes and goals

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After attending the Social Justice Grounding Retreat, participants will leave with the skills and knowledge to:

  • Articulate a deeper understanding of the intersection of their social identities.
  • Define compassion, equity, justice, activism, advocacy, social justice, white supremacy, and other important terms related to this work.
  • Demonstrate different activities for group discussion and self-reflection.
  • Identify at least two ways to engage in self-reflection, especially when faced with moments of cognitive dissonance. 
    Identify at least two tenets of white supremacy culture.
  • Explain values of leading with compassion and equity in social justice, activism, and liberation-based work.
  • Build new connections to others in our campus community committed to social justice work. 
  • Identify their personal, academic and/or professional goals beyond the material from the retreat. 

What you need to know

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  • It is mandatory that ALL participants attend the retreat from beginning to end.
  • Breakfast and Lunch provided!
  • We will be departing the Davis Center Oval at 8:30am, and returning by 5:30pm.
  • This retreat includes riding in SGA vans to Common Ground Retreat Center. All activities will take place at Common Ground's Eco Lodge, and may include some standing / sitting / moving around to break into smaller discussion circles. 
  • Facilities at Common Ground are wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions related to accessibility, please reach out!

 

If after reviewing the information presented on this page you have any questions about being part of the Social Justice Grounding Retreat, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Roles and Expectations

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It is expected that participants will:

  • Remain mentally and emotionally engaged throughout the retreat.
  • Have a willingness to be open to discussion and learning from everyone involved.
  • Agree to keep confidentiality.

What to bring?

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Just yourself! We will supply all materials for activities, including pens and journals for reflection times. Dress for the weather! We may spend some time outside exploring all the retreat center has to offer.

There will be time to experience the grounds, which will be wooded and snowy. Wear or bring good shoes and a jacket if you'd like to explore!