The Black Freedom Collective invites you to our hybrid (virtual and in-person) BFC Partner Convening which will take place at The Line in Washington, DC From Wednesday, July 27, through Friday, July 29th for BFC partners to come together and retreat, re-connect, rest and rejuvenate. The gathering aims to build and deepen relationships amongst partners and radically reimagine the network’s purpose, vision, and structure.
We’re growing! The BFC network is 29 partners strong and has become even more richer and diverse across regions, issue areas, and ideas. As we expand we want to lean into imagination about the possibilities and power of our collective and what is needed to strengthen and transform this space to best serve the needs of partners.
What to expect:
The Reinvestment Team and our facilitators, Viveka Chen and Maura Bailey of co-LAB, are working hard to create a relaxing and fun experience that aims to foster relationship building and deepening, and space to radically reimagine our BFC network and the possibilities for us to strengthen our network and the work we do. We know folks are tired and that there are multiple pandemics that continue to spread throughout our country and world and hope to be a space of respite and rejuvenation. We’re taking stock of what you all need at this moment and you all have been helpful in sharing your thoughts on our BFC calls and 1:1s. We will continue to engage you all in the planning and share more details of how we will spend our time together over the next two months.
In the meantime, please take a moment to RSVP for the convening by Friday, June 30th
Agenda
Wednesday July 27, 2022 (Arrival day)
5:00 – 6:00 Welcome Cocktails
6:00 – 8:00 Welcome dinner & live music
Special Guests Too Much Talent Band!
Thursday July 28, 2022
Rep your org! Wear your organization’s swag today so folks can recognize you!
7:30 – 8:30 Rooftop Yoga
Class 1: Gentle Flow -Grounding Movement
This is a gentle flowing class which offers a great way to come back to center and gently work out the kinks and stresses of a hectic life. We’ll explore gentle flows, grounding movements and focus on the breath and relaxation.
8:30 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 Community Connection & Conversations (Hybrid)
12:00 – 1:00 BFC A brief history
1:00 – 2:30 Lunch & Free time (Stop by F.U.L.L. Curriculum Lab)
2:30 – 5:00 Building the BFC network (Hybrid)
5:00 – 5:30 Group Photo
5:30 – 6:00 Free time
6:00 – 8:30 Rooftop dinner & Open Mic/Karaoke (Led by Osyrus Bolly and Dee McCall)
Friday July 29, 2022
7:30 – 8:30 Rooftop Yoga & Meditation
Class 2: Breathe & Flow – Awareness of breath
This is a gentle flowing class designed to bring awareness to the breath and body. Breathe & Flow incorporates breath, meditation, and poses to ease yogis through a flow aimed at releasing mental and physical barriers to total wellness.
8:30 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 1:00 Building Collective Power through Campaigns (Hybrid)
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 Free time (Stop by F.U.L.L. Curriculum Buildout Room)
3:00 – 5:00 Reimagining the BFC Network Pt.3 (Hybrid)
Close
Logistics Memo
Agenda & Virtual Attendance
Please take a moment to review the agenda overview for the convening. During the week of July 20th, we will send out a more detailed agenda as we near the convening. We will update this memo over the next few weeks with detailed instructions on how to join the sessions virtually.
Travel Information & Ground Transportation
Kathy will be booking your flight into DCA. When you arrive at the airport, take a taxi/Uber/Lyft to the hotel. If you are local and are driving, you can park your car at the hotel and the parking fees will go to our master bill. If you run into any problems during your travel, please contact Kathy via email, phone or text.
Reimbursable Expenses
Community Change will reimburse you for the cost of ground transportation in DC to/from the airport. We will also reimburse for meals during your travel time to DC. We will not reimburse for meals outside the reasonable travel time from your location. We will reimburse for 1 checked bag. Please check with Kathy and Imaa if you have any questions about reimbursable expenses.
Any expenses you submit must have receipts attached to a completed Travel Reimbursement form (attached here). You can also use this reimbursement form if you booked your own flight, or if you are driving and want to reimburse for your mileage. Please follow the instructions on the reimbursement form for submitting receipts. Reimbursements must be submitted within two weeks of the convening to be considered for reimbursement. Please allow 2-3 weeks from the time you submit your receipts until reimbursement is received.
Covid Precautions
While restrictions have eased up, Covid (in its many variants) is still a reality and we want to do everything we can to keep you all safe during your travels. We ask everyone to take a Covid test the day before you travel, and if you test positive, we ask that you not join us in person, but we will have a Zoom link where you can join virtually. While face masks are not mandatory at this time in Washington D.C., in light of the recent BA.5 subvariant, we highly encourage you to wear a mask. We will continue to monitor the restrictions and update you if there are any changes before the date of travel.
When you check into the hotel, the front desk attendant will give you a welcome bag. Included in your bag is a Covid rapid test kit and we ask that you take the first test once you get settled in your room, before gathering with any of the other attendees. We will set up the meeting space with as much distance between chairs as possible. We will also provide name tags with red and green lanyards. If you are ok with physical contact (hugging, shaking hands) please attach your name tag to a green lanyard. If you prefer to maintain no physical contact, please attach your name tag to a red lanyard. Kindly take a moment to review the Safety Protocols for Attendees at in-person convenings.
Meals
We will have a small reception on Wednesday before dinner, and we will provide all meals on Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday. Dinner on Friday will be on your own and will be reimbursed.
All dietary needs that were noted on the registration have been given to the chef and we have selected meals to best meet everyone’s dietary needs/restrictions. Foods that are vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free will be noted as such. Vegetarian proteins will be available for all meals, either on the buffet, or depending on the meal, a separate vegetarian plate will be available to our vegetarians.
Rooming
All rooms are singles (unless you requested otherwise). The guest rooms have small refrigerators, so feel free to bring any snacks you’d like to have with you. Check-in is at 3:00, but if you arrive early they will give you a room if one is ready. Check-out is at 12:00 p.m. You will not be required to present a credit card for incidental charges unless you request the hotel to take your card, but incidental charges are not covered by Community Change, and any incidental charges on the final bill will be billed back to the attendee who incurred the charges. Note: Guest rooms have a mini-bar. If you remove anything from the mini-bar you will be charged for that by Community Change.
Weather & Appropriate Clothing
The weather in DC in July is hot and humid. So light clothing is recommended, but you will probably want to bring a light jacket or sweater in case the meeting space is cool.
If you have any curiosities, questions, or concerns, please reach out to Imaa Nicco-Annan