Organizing a retreat

1
Organizing a retreat
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Purpose of a retreat

• Form bonds
• Inspect motives
• Work towards goal

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Benefits of a retreat

• Eliminate distraction
• Build enthusiasm in staff
• Cultivate casual mood
• Create sense of sharing
• Problem-solving time
• Re-examine goals

4
When NOT toorganize a retreat

• Need to work on individual's problems
• Too financially taxing
• Several big problems exist

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4 months ahead of time

• Set goals
• Look into facilities
• Decide who will attend
• Look for presenters

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3 months ahead of time

• Decide on length
• Pick date(s)
• Make a budget
• Assign planning duties
• Make rough schedule
• Reserve site

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2 months ahead of time

• Finalize schedule
• Establish needs of your presenter
• Send out invites/notices
• Deal with access issues
• Arrange transportation

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1- 2 weeks ahead of time

• Double-check with site
• Round up equipment
• Make meal plans
• Make needed photocopies

9
The day before

• Re-check agenda
• Check with committee heads
• Relax and get some rest

10
After the retreat

• Evaluate the retreat
• Clean up your site
• Schedule facility for next year, if applicable

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Questions to ask during evaluation

• Were objectives met?
• How were facilities?
• Which activities worked?
• Which didn't?
• What was most useful?
• What was least useful?
• Was retreat balanced?