College students are faced with a serious set of problems. They have to navigate an unpredictable economy, an ever-evolving relationship with technology, a changing climate, and weakening social ties. Solving these problems requires skills that empower them to become leaders who can make their material needs for survival and their nonmaterial needs for well-being equally important.

To support student leadership development, Visionary Organizing Lab and Student Life Sustainability at the University of Michigan are partnering to host the Great Lakes Regional Training in Visionary Organizing—a 4.5-day immersive experience in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This training is open to undergraduate students from midwestern universities who are curious about social change or already engaged in addressing social and community challenges.

From November 12-16, students will be engaged in experiential learning about the components of Visionary Organizing, leadership, imagination building, and relationship building. We will eat meals communally and nights can be spent however you prefer. All learning will be workshop based and through large and small group discussions will put students' personal experiences in conversation with larger historical and structural factors. The tentative schedule is:

Wednesday, November 12
2pm - 5pm | Arrival, hotel & conference check-ins, and orientation
5pm - 7pm | Community dinner & introductions

Thursday, November 13
9am-12pm | Connecting to and Trusting Our Inner Wisdom Workshop
1pm - 4pm | Locating Ourselves in Systems and History Workshop
5pm - 7pm | Dinner and community-building activities

Friday, November 14
9am-12pm | Recognizing and Nurturing Interdependence / Imagining New Possibilities Workshop
1pm - 2:30pm | Affirming Dignity Workshop
2:30pm - 5pm | Tour of VOL-informed sustainability projects at University of Michigan
6pm - 8pm | Dinner and community-building activities

Saturday, November 15
9am-12pm | Experimenting with Transformation workshop and group work
1pm - 4pm | Experimenting with Transformation workshop and group work
5pm - 7pm | Dinner and community-building activities

Sunday, November 16
9am-11am | Optional individual/team work time
11am - 1pm | Students present visions & community-based projects
1pm - 3pm | Students commit to next steps
3pm - 4pm | Wrap up & departure

Note: Breakfast and lunch will be provided every day.

Application required! Visit link to apply.