Our staff team just returned from 3 days of planning, relaxing, and reconnecting at the incomparably beautiful Wildacres Retreat. 

Facilitated by our amazing Director of Operations Jessica Freely, we worked hard to review our progress this year as we explored both the challenges and opportunities of working to fulfill our mission during an uncertain time. We began connecting our big dreams for 2022 to advocacy strategies and campaign ideas.

Most importantly, we intentionally reconnected as a team after more than 18 months of largely remote work.

Against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and under towering pine trees, we meditated, practiced yoga, toasted gooey s'mores over the campfire, and remembered the importance of regularly expressing gratitude to each other and to ourselves. On Wednesday night after the sky had darkened, we gazed up in awe at the planets and stars.

We were gently reminded that all people have a right and a need to be close to nature in our daily lives. Maybe it's the opportunity to feel the wind in your face while biking to work. To walk under the cool shade of your neighborhood's street trees without fear of traffic. To take a bus or light rail to reach parks and greenways. 

You and all residents deserve these opportunities. 

Sustain Charlotte's team left Wildacres Retreat yesterday afternoon feeling refreshed and recharged to continue advocating with you and for you -- and the generations who will follow --  to enjoy a healthy, equitable, and vibrant future.