Date: 22-25 August 2024 (arrival on 22 August, departure 25 August afternoon)

Location: Austria (TBC)


 

Our Network is at the heart of ENAR's work, and it is one of our strategic objectives to create and sustain diverse safer spaces for members. We want to nurture our Network, and care for the activists and organisations paving the way for radical systemic change in Europe.


ENAR is organising its annual Summer Retreat in 2023 to create a space to centre healing, wellbeing, joy, and liberation in our practice. We will come together and work to undo harm, build solidarity and heal in an atmosphere free from interpersonal and structural violence. 


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


In the current digital age, the omnipresence of social media has brought the harsh realities of genocides and systemic violence to the forefront of our daily lives. Anti-racist activists, in particular, are confronted with a steady stream of traumatic images, stories, and news that can evoke a range of intense emotions. Witnessing such atrocities can lead to feelings of powerlessness, deep-seated guilt, and a pervasive sense of being lost in the face of overwhelming injustice. These emotions can take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of human rights defenders, potentially impacting their ability to sustain their advocacy and support for affected communities.

 

Recognising the urgent need to address these emotional challenges, this restorative healing activity aims to support anti-racist activists in their journey towards healing, empowerment, and sustained advocacy by providing space for them to process their feelings, find solace in community, and explore tools for resisting oppression.

 

We want to:

  • Provide a safer and supportive space for anti-racist activists to share and process their emotions in response to witnessing violence and injustices through the news and on social media.
  • Cultivate a sense of community and solidarity by actively listening to and validating each other's experiences, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
  • Offer guided meditation and dialogue sessions to help participants navigate feelings of powerlessness and explore strategies for self-care and emotional restoration.
  • Empower participants with tools and resources to channel their emotions into meaningful advocacy and action, reinforcing their commitment to the anti-racist cause and promoting sustainable engagement.
  • Encourage participants to reflect on their personal experiences and set intentions for moving forward, promoting a sense of renewed purpose and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Registration


Share with your networks and register till 25 May 2024. Please get in touch with pia@enar-eu.org with any questions. 


There is no participation fee for the event. Please however make sure that the membership fee for your organisation is paid in order to participate in the Summer Retreat.


We especially encourage young anti-racist activists to join us.


We will be selecting participants based on their demonstrated motivation, and we encourage all applicants to take the time to carefully reflect on their expectations and reasons for wanting to attend as they will play an important role in the selection process.


Selections and approvals will be finalized after the deadline.  Please do not purchase any tickets before receiving an official email from the ENAR secretariat with an Infosheet.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Code of Conduct


By registering to this meeting, you confirm your agreement with ENAR's code of conduct at ENAR meetings and events.


You can download the full document HERE​.


Co-Funders and Partners