Mitchell Kapor Foundation

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TAKING CARE

A Rejuvenation Retreat for Black Philanthropy Professionals

Thursday, August 20 – Sunday, August 23, 2009
Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, CA
(Just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge)
www.cavallopoint.com

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Thank you for making TAKING CARE a phenomenal success!

Please stay tuned for downloadable retreat docuements and photos.

Program

TAKING CARE is a culturally-centered professional development opportunity for black philanthropic staff to reflect on and reconnect with the values that brought us to philanthropic work, giving us energy to better sustain the quality and depth of our commitment on the job.

TAKING CARE is based on the Heart of Philanthropy Retreat offered biennially by the California Regional Associations of Grantmakers in conjunction with the Center for Courage & Renewal.

TAKING CARE offers:

• empowerment exercises that build confidence and strengthen leadership capacity;
• structured activities designed to identify and validate positive personal and professional values;
• opportunities to connect with and support other black professionals in philanthropy from across the nation;
• access to on-site health and recreational services (spa, yoga, kayaking, hiking); and
• valuable time to unwind and reflect.

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Guest Facilitator

Estrus Tucker
Estrus Tucker is an independent consultant, facilitator, writer, storyteller and keynote speaker specializing in small and large group facilitation, designing and leading conversations and retreats across the country in support of personal, professional and community renewal, transformation, healing and reconciliation. Estrus is a seasoned practitioner of the Circles of Trust, Social Change for Leadership Development and other models of civic engagement. For the past twelve years, he has served as President & CEO of Liberation Community, Inc., a social justice network & Community Development Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas, and currently chairs the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission.

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Featured Guest Speakers

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Why You Should Attend - The Case for TAKING CARE

The field of philanthropy is at one of the most critical junctures in its history.  An unprecedented global financial crisis has caused foundation endowments to dissolve and has forced the unexpected closures of valuable allies.  Unemployment is at historic levels, foreclosures are disbanding communities, and the public education system remains woefully ineffective for those who need it most.  Underserved communities, particularly communities of color, are disproportionately affected by these circumstances.  As a result, the need for resources in these communities has grown exponentially. 

Philanthropy will play an important role in addressing critical issues during these challenging times.  Naturally, this will require an extraordinary level of involvement and leadership from you, blacks in philanthropy, who have been so instrumental in facilitating and advocating for the change and progress in underserved communities of color. 

Blacks in philanthropy face unique challenges in our philanthropic roles.  We comprise a vast minority of philanthropic staff and leadership.  We often feel a responsibility to advance an equity agenda that can conflict with the interests and priorities of our respective foundations.  At the same time, we must manage expectations held by the communities we try to serve while maintaining the integrity of foundation processes and decisions.  The confluence of these variables can leave us dejected and questioning our effectiveness.

TAKING CARE offers an opportunity to regroup, reflect, and revive, preparing us to work on the challenges that face our communities and world with renewed enthusiasm.

Letter of Support (pdf) from Freada Kapor Klein, Ph.D., Foundation Board Chair

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Participants

TAKING CARE targets mid-level program and philanthropic services staff, such as program officers and donor relations managers.  However, staff from different sectors of philanthropy and experience levels are also welcome! The retreat is limited to people affiliated with funding institutions.

Participants should be willing to:

• engage in structured exercises designed to determine and validate positive personal and professional values;
• share appropriate advice and strategies with other participants;
• attend with a willingness to seek the best of ourselves; and
• commit to a self-determined agenda for change in black communities or organizations.

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Fees

TAKING CARE costs $750 for single accommodations or $650 to share a double with another participant. The participation fee covers three nights’ lodging, facilitation, and six meals (Friday and Saturday dinners are on your own, with options to eat on site or travel into San Francisco). We will also offer limited ground transfers to and from San Francisco International Airport and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

Fees were due by August 1, 2009. If interested in attending, please contact Cedric Brown at the address or phone number listed below.   Sorry, we are now at full capacity!

Because the Kapor Foundation is underwriting the overall costs of the retreat, the participation fee remains the same regardless of whether participants spend fewer nights at Cavallo Point.

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