Writing the Wellsprings of Wisdom:
Creating our Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates this year?
Thursday, July 20 to Saturday, July 22, 2006
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We would like you to check in from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19th at Regina Hall so we can get settled and start easily the next day.
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We’ll end at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
How many women can attend?
In order to make it a meaningful retreat experience, we've capped the number at 60.
Did I have to attend a previous Wellsprings conference to attend the retreat?
Yes, you must have attended some part of at least one Wellsprings conference.
Does it cost anything?
No, but there is a $50 commitment fee. This means that once you complete the retreat, your check will be returned. However, if you don’t make or complete the retreat, then your fee is forfeited. We do this to both ensure that women from all economic backgrounds can attend, since the conference is still free, but that you have made a financial commitment to attend.
When is the deadline?
June 15th is the deadline to receive applications. We will make our selections and send a letter back to everyone by June 30th.
What is different from previous years?
This year Wellsprings is a three day retreat format focusing on writing our experience of Wellsprings. Though we will have workshops, they will be focused on providing us with a structure for reflection and writing, and, of course, building community.
Why the change?
There are three major reasons for the change.
First, this is our fifth year and it is important that we begin to understand the impact of the Wellsprings conference. We want to better understand how Wellsprings conferences has impacted women’s lives and leadership – and only you can tell us that. And we want to continue to support your leadership, and reflection and analysis are important ingredients we often don’t get.
Second, as the generous Lilly grant is coming to a close, we no longer have the kind of funding to support the Wellsprings format of previous years. This retreat will give us a chance to find how the Wellsprings format supported women’s intercultural leadership development, which will help us decide what we might do in future years.
Third, we want to share the Wellsprings experience with other communities. This will give us rich information and detail that we can use to begin this process.
What will we do with our stories?
We don’t know yet, but we are considering a play, and a book. We know they will be moving, inspiring and insightful stories and we would like to find the best ways to share them with each other, as well as with other women and communities around the country and even around the world. We will of course make sure you are comfortable with and have given permission to use your work.
What if I can’t attend but want to submit a story?
We welcome everyone in sharing their Wellsprings story, poetry or other reflection. Just send it to us at our email or by snail mail.
How will you select who can attend?
This is one of the most difficult aspects of this format, but if we have more than 60 women apply, we will select so that we have a strong diversity of women: different ages, religious, races, cultures, background, experiences, etc.
What will we do at the retreat?
You will be participating in a powerful format that will help guide us through a process of reflection, remembering, and analyzing, along with workshops with professional writers to help us develop and complete our stories about Wellsprings and our leadership. We will use art, music, relaxation, movement, presenters, and writing as ways to tap our creative energies and collective wisdom.
Will you have the retreat again?
We don’t know. It will depend on the success of the first one, the number of people who want to attend, and our financial and staff resources. But if there are another 60 women who are interested in a retreat to reflect on their leadership and write their Wellsprings stories, we will give it very serious consideration.
Do I have to stay on campus?
Yes, we’d really like this to be a retreat where we can focus on our work (and play!) together. What happens in the informal time is often as important as what happens in the formal sessions. We will stay in Regina Hall, the same building as previous Wellsprings conferences.
What is provided?
Almost everything -- we provide room, meals, snacks, materials (even a totebag!) and all workshops, along with evening events.
Are there any costs?
Yes, your time, energy and creativity of course. If you want a fan in your room, there is a $20 fee.
Will I have to room with someone? Are the rooms air-conditioned?
There is a chance you will have to share a room. Only the first floor is air-conditioned. Let us know if you have special needs or requests such as air conditioning or an individual room. We can’t guarantee it, but we will try.
How do I Apply?
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