Open Letter on COVID-19

March 31, 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on our communities is profound, and the effects, which began slowly, are now having a substantial impact on retreat centers. Retreat centers are closed for months to come, and retreats have been cancelled into the Fall. Based on a sample of registration data from Retreat.Guru from the last few months, the losses to the sector can exceed $60 million. All of us, not just retreat centers, are facing new circumstances that emerge every day. 

 

At this point there are many unknowns in regard to the pandemic. Most physicians and scientists expect this to get worse before we resolve or adapt. The financial impact will be significant and long-reaching, as people will have new demand on their discretionary resources well beyond the active pandemic phase. It will take some time before we see occupancy return to normal.

 

When coming out on the other side of this crisis, retreat centers will need to be ready to be a cornerstone for building a new foundation for a transformed world, especially when communities face loss on every level.

 

For now, we grapple with many questions including: 

  • What are retreat centers being called to do in this moment of global crisis?

  • What is our role in fostering a just and loving world?

  • How do we assure our staff is cared for during these times, both employees and contractors?

  • How do retreat centers serve communities in crisis, and do so in a way that is both socially impactful and fiscally responsible?

The Retreat Center Collaboration, supported by the Fetzer Institute, is offering regular phone meetings for retreat center staff around the country to connect and support one another in the wake of COVID-19. We are also coordinating with the Holistic Center Network in assembling relevant resources and sharing learning across our communities. 

  • Online forums - Regular Zoom calls to share best practices and reduce isolation. Contact us to receive invites.

  • Online resources - Websites and online materials shared by RCC members.

  • Survey - Please fill out this quick survey to help us generate a real depiction of our centers' financial crisis. All information will be kept confidential.

  • Suggestions, ideas and concerns — we welcome ideas, feedback and questions. Send us an email.

With love and community,

Margarita Solis-Deal -Director, Dominican Center at Marywood, MI

Jean Richardson -Executive Director, Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, PA

Oren Slozberg -Executive Director, Commonweal, CA

Michele Gossman -Director, Transformations Spirituality Center, MI

 

Steering Committee Members

Retreat Center Collaboration