Thank you for your interest in Emerging Leaders Retreat!
Professional development is part of our City's investment in youth programs. It improves program quality leading to better outcomes for participants. We offer trainings for direct service staff, program administrators, and nonprofit executives at all levels of experience. This upcoming opportunity will be hosted by Spark Decks (learn more here about the provider). Please review the information below, if interested in being considered for this opportunity fill out the application. During the review process we use the application as an opportunity to determine a best fit for these courses and learn more about how you can benefit from these courses.
Why join us?
Being a “leader” can be an exciting but lonely journey, and there are moments where it can feel like there is no one to turn to for advice or support.
Without a system, burnout and turnover cost organizations and individuals both time and revenue. No matter what stage of your career you are at, we feel there is always something to be gained by being surrounded by others who are navigating the same waters. Together, we can learn to lead in ways that are both more sustainable and impactful.
There is always room to hone our skills in critical leadership abilities like coaching, having difficult conversations, balancing time and resources, setting boundaries, supervising staff, and other challenging demands of our jobs. Our 6-month series for people in leadership positions is designed to create a community of support and transformation, so that you can truly thrive.
Who can join?
- Executive directors
- Department heads
- Team leads
- Program managers
- Site coordinators
In short, anyone who would like to be in a space to learn about and support each other on issues related to their positions of leadership. Please contact us if you have questions about whether this series is right for you!
What we will do
Together we will engage in:
- Four synchronous online sessions
- Two in-person overnight retreats at the Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma, CA
Join us to:
- Learn and share new ideas and strategies for increasing your impact and well-being
- Have a space to process and share successes and challenges
- Access creativity as an outlet for dreaming, and find excitement and joy in the possibilities
- Gain clarity on your past, present, and future self as a leader
- Feel supported, uplifted, and appreciated as part of a web of change-makers dedicated to elevating the collective
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does the community start and end? What are the important dates?
We begin with a kickoff opening networking session online on
- Tuesday, October 22, from 11am - 12pm.
In-person overnight retreats at Westerbeke will take place:
- From 4pm on Monday, October 28 to 7:30pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
- From 4pm on Monday, March 24 - 7:30pm Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Virtual Sessions will take place:
- Wednesday, November 13, 10am - 12pm (via Zoom)
- Tuesday, January 28, 10am - 12pm (via Zoom)
- Tuesday, February 25, 10am - 12pm (via Zoom)
It is important that you are able to attend all sessions, so please check your calendar before enrolling in the cohort.
→ What is included in the overnight retreats?
Dinner on Monday night, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Tuesday (all dietary restrictions can be accommodated)
A shared room for Monday night
All materials, snacks, and other goodies
Access to the pool, hot tub, meditation labyrinth and grounds at Westerbeke
→ How can I get to Westerbeke?
We will help to arrange carpools for those wishing to save on gas and ease the burden on the environment. Plus, riding up together offers an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better. Westerbeke Ranch is located at 2300 Grove Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
→ Who is leading the series?
This series is being facilitated by a team of seasoned leaders and practitioners convened by Spark Decks - but the magic centers around the wisdom and experience brought in by participants. Together, we are committed to offering an inclusive and accessible space for all identities and levels of experience.
Have more questions? Ready to sign up?
To apply for a full scholarship from DCYF, please use this application form here. To apply for a full scholarship from DCYF, you must currently work in a DCYF-funded program. All applicants are verified with their Program Specialist to determine a good fit in the cohort.
Application Closes September 27th
If you have any questions about the application reach out astrid.flores@dcyf.org, if questions about logistics of the cohort evajomeyers@gmail.com.