Running an Empowering Sorority Retreat

Retreats have been around since the dawn of time, and the concept itself is something which most people innately recognize as needing from time to time. Modern times are exponentially busier and more nuanced than previous ages, so it’s no wonder that retreats are still utilized to take people out of their daily life for reflection, healing, and growth. The success of a retreat isn’t determined by factors such as location or intention, although they are important, the most important element is organization.

Despite all of our progress, there are still degrees of systemic misogyny which make life as a woman a lot less glamorous than it may seem from the male perspective. Although our women make up a majority of modern society, and have proven they can do many of the jobs we deemed fit only for men. It is now our social responsibility to provide space and support for the future women of our society, and what better way than a sorority retreat in Florida. Here are some tips on how to run an empowering sorority retreat which can both provide space for and support the young women in your sorority.

Inclusive and Optional

First and foremost, when planning a sorority retreat in Florida you need to ensure that all activities are both inclusive and optional. These can mean different things to different people, so let’s look at them below.

Inclusivity in a Retreat Environment

While we are more progressive than previous generations, there is still plenty of prejudice for people of all kinds. Your retreat should be a space without judgment of another’s appearance, sexuality, or gender identification. Although simply avoiding harmful terms is not enough, make sure that all activities hold space for all kinds of people and are honing into the fundamental qualities of inclusivity.

Make Activities Optional

Part of being inclusive means allowing people to exclude themselves when they feel comfortable. Not everybody will want to spend an hour doing yoga outside, some may prefer that time spent reflecting on the retreat or even doing some reading. While it is wise to make certain events compulsory to not allow anyone to isolate themselves, gentle encouragement shouldn’t turn into forcing anyone to do anything.

Involvement

Another important aspect of inclusiveness is involvement, and this is so important it deserves it’s own section. Rather than simply finding various activities online which you can squish into a sorority retreat environment, you may want to allow the sorority to determine some of the activities themselves.

One way you can do this successfully is by appointing teams to organize certain aspects of the retreat, such as activities, meals, and general management.

Appoint an Activity Team

In whatever way you or they see fit, appointing a group of individuals as the leaders of an activity team can ensure that they are doing the things which they enjoy. This can make for a much more effective retreat, and provide them with the opportunity to both celebrate and challenge themselves and one another.

Be sure to suggest the inclusion of activities of the following areas:

– Communal Rest and relaxation, especially in nature

– Activities which enhance physical well being such as yoga, hiking, cycling, etc

– Spiritual (or religious if all participants agree) activities such as guided meditation

– Team-building and problem-solving activities to help them identify their strengths

– Guest speakers such as local inspirational women

Appoint a Meal Team

Diet and food culture changes so quickly nowadays that it’s hard even for the most food-savvy adults to keep up. By appointing a meal team, you can be sure that they will be more inclusive in their self-governing, although you will want to ensure all allergies are adhered to.

Appoint a General Management Team

Having a couple of people keeping an eye on things is always helpful in events like this, and while you may want to ask a couple of parents to come along, it can be more empowering to allow them to police themselves. Be sure to guide them to manage with compassion not hostility, and to show patience for those who may not feel, or even want to be, included.

Orange Springs Will Provide Sorority Retreats in Florida

This final point is perhaps the most important, as with any group of people there will be unexpected events arising that may be confusing or frustrating. Instead of attempting to keep everything regimented, be ready to make allowances. This will ensure that everyone feels respected and heard, and even if it doesn’t work out according to plan, it will still have been a beneficial experience at Orange Springs Retreat. To learn more about the amenities of our retreats and to book a retreat call now.