Healing through the power of storytelling—our story.

Overview of Radical Release

Narrative power is infused into more than our organizing. It permeates the ways we view ourselves, the world and others. The narratives we hold as true carry the power of decision making, which is the tool of our autonomy in community with self and others. 

Radical Release 2025 invites movement leaders, particularly Black women, to interrogate the impact a multitude of influences have on the personal and communal narratives of organizers and movement leaders. As leaders move through the 16 week program cycle, they will navigate multiple parts of their story and be offered new perspectives, practices and tools for reshaping parts of their narrative to heal and thrive in their work and life. Upon completion of the program leaders will:

• Learn ways of exploring one’s story and beliefs

• Discover tools and practices for engaging holistic health

• Create an evolving plan of action to sustain a long, constant and intentional process of healing

Program Details

Radical Release is an online eight session healing centered learning community using the power of storytelling and narrative to support movement leaders in self-discovery, healing, and long term sustainability planning. Each session, leaders will explore a different element of their individual story to uncover new paradigms for personal growth, self-care, and collective action.  Participants can expect to engage in a powerful, interactive learning space that incorporates guided meditation, group discussion, small group exercises, and opportunities for individual reflection. 

In addition to the bi-weekly cohort learning sessions, participants will have access to 5 hours of individual healing centered coaching to support them in creating a long-term plan for continual healing and sustainability. Leaders who successfully complete the program will receive a $2,000 Rest for Resilience Grant to invest in their self-care plan.

Key Dates

Convenings will occur bi-weekly from 12-2:30PM EST (with the exception of the July 2nd session) on the following dates:

•  April 5, 2025

• April 19, 2025

• May 10, 2025

• May 24, 2025

• June 7, 2025

• June 21, 2025

• July 2, 2025 (will be held from 4-6:30PM EST)

• July 19, 2025

Eligibility

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 or labor. Eligible applicants can reside anywhere in the United States. We strongly encourage applications from Black women identifying leaders.

Participants must be able to attend all eight sessions, take advantage of the 5 individual coaching sessions, and complete reading and reflection assignments between learning sessions.

Cost

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

Application Deadline

We are accepting applicants on a rolling basis, so be sure to apply early! The application deadline is March 3, 2025.

Have Questions?

Attend our upcoming info session on February 13, 4:30- 5PM EST. Recording will be made available to registrants. RSVP below.

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.