WFWP Leaders Relax and Recharge at Georgia Retreat

Centering on the theme, “Uplift, Transform, Collaborate: Creating a Culture of Peace,” the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) USA leadership retreat was held from August 12 to 14 at the Calvin Center in Hampton, Georgia where 44 women gathered for three days of spiritual and practical guidance and tools for strategy and goal-setting.

The goals for the leadership retreat were to connect in heart with the WFWP vision, become empowered to take ownership of the vision for peace and get involved, to understand the paradigm shift of feminine leadership, and to identify and include new women as chapter leaders. The program was designed to strengthen, refresh and empower participants to continue their important work for peace.

WFWP USA Preside Angelika Selle and Vice President Katarina Connery kicked off the retreat with insight to reconnecting to the vision, mission and goals of 2020. This was followed by a self-care session where many healthcare representatives and WFWP representatives shared advice to strengthen one’s self. Bento Leal, a California-based instructor on healthy relationships presented an excerpt from a webinar entitled “Finding Your Upward Spiral” for developing empathetic awareness by recognizing one’s own inherent value. Peggy Brewster, a WFWP representative from Massachusetts and an expert in Tong Ren Healing shared many tips on regaining balance in your body through kinesiology, homeopathic remedies, reflexology and pressure points. Vera Reed, a certified health coach and holistic health practitioner, chef, and educator talked about healthy eating, reducing stress and increasing energy through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Lillian Morgan-Lewis, a meditation coach who has spent years practicing and teaching Kriya Yoga, a contemplative form of meditation, led the group in a mindful meditation.

After dinner, Schools of Africa coordinator Mrs. Fannie Smith reported on the current state of fundraisers for Africa and a new booklet that included details and photos of each school. Following the presentation, Ekaette Heyliger led us in dancing to African music, which has become a tradition at the leadership retreats.

Day two featured a session by Irmgard Baynes the WFWP-USA financial administrator and treasurer, who gave a clear report about where we stand financially and budget-wise. She highlighted the importance of planning ahead by creating a budget for any event or project. Continuing with the topic of finance, Hanabeta Deshotel, the WFWP-USA membership coordinator gave a presentation on Fundraising 101. The participants learned most donations come from individuals and the reasons that people typically give.

On the final day each participant took part in the Bridge of Peace ceremony and left the workshop with a new friendship sister. In their reflections, many participants felt the workshop connected them with the foundation WFWP stands on and strengthened the commitment to grow and change together.

Contributed by Myrna Lapres, WFWP-Georgia co-chairwoman.