Healing is a liberatory practice that is inseparable from our abilities to build power and transform society.

Overview of Radical Release

Social justice leaders today face a multitude of converging and interdependent crises. The increasing threats of economic inequality, systemic violence, global pandemics, rising authoritarianism, climate change and more, exact a heavy toll on the health and wellbeing of marginalized communities and leaders. In this moment of collective grief and trauma, it is critical that we prioritize and resource healing strategies to care for ourselves and each other.

In an effort to support the collective care and healing of those leading the charge for social change, Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice is launching the Radical Release: Healing Centered Learning Community. Radical Release is a 12-week healing circle that offers sacred space for leaders to undergo a critical examination of self to understand what is needed to keep themselves whole, sustain their energy, and build resilience. Upon completion of the program leaders will:

• Understand the importance of and have tools to support leading and strategizing from a rested and recharged posture

• Know how to draw upon the healing traditions of our movement ancestors to create self-care practices that support personal sustainability and longevity in social change work

• Develop healthier leadership practice through reconnection to mind, body, and spirit

• Have a plan of action to sustain a long, constant and intentional process of healing

• Ground in the importance of sacred community to create systems of support, nurture joy and seed deep-rooted healing

Program Details

Radical Release is an online six session learning community curated for movement leaders, particularly Black women, seeking a courageous and loving space to explore and honor their healing needs. Sessions will be co-facilitated by Blooming Willow Coaching. Participants can expect to engage in a powerful interactive learning space facilitated by Black Women Healing Centered Coaches. Over the 12-week program, participants will have an opportunity to learn from Healing Experts who will introduce them to tools, skills and strategies that will support learning, reflection and action. Topics explored will include:

• Connecting to the Wise Self

• Joy and Pleasure as an Act of Resistance

• The Body as a Source of Power and Wisdom

• Holding Your Past, Present and Future Self

• Inviting and Caring for The Spirit

• Healthy Grief Practice and Liberation

In addition to the bi-weekly cohort learning sessions, participants will have access to 3 hours of individual healing centered coaching to support them in creating a long-term plan for personal sustainability. Leaders who successfully complete the program will receive a $1000 Rest for Resilience Grant to invest in their self-care plan.

Key Dates

Convenings will occur bi-weekly from 12-2:30PM EST on the following dates:

•  May 18, 2024

• June 1, 2024

• June 15, 2024

• June 29, 2024

• July 13, 2024

• July 27, 2024

Eligibility

This program is specifically designed for leaders building power in community organizations, labor unions, or advocacy groups. We define leadership expansively and welcome applications from individuals who do not hold formal leadership positions. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the fields of community organizing, labor, and/or advocacy. Eligible applicants can reside anywhere in the United States.

Participants must be able to attend all six sessions, take advantage of the 3 individual coaching sessions, and complete reading and reflection assignments between learning sessions.

Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice is committed to equity and inclusion and strongly values the experiences of historically marginalized people and encourage them to apply for all of our fellowship opportunities. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Cost

Thanks to the generosity of our funders we are able to offer this program at no cost to participants!

How to Apply

We are accepting applicants on a rolling basis, so be sure to apply early! The application deadline is April 19, 2024. Apply here.

Have Questions?

Attend our upcoming info session on April 8th, 4:00- 4:30PM EST. Recording will be made available to registrants. RSVP here. Contact Sasha Graham, Director of Social Justice Mentoring and Careers, for program related inquiries.