All events are currently on hold pending Covid restrictions.

Are you eager to create change?
Have ideas for bettering your community?
Want to be a part of making an impact?

If so – join us for the Ignite Retreat!

Over the course of 3 days, a team of facilitators, coaches and conspirators will lead you on a journey to discover how you can change the world in a positive way. From igniting passions to igniting ideas – the weekend is filled with exciting workshops, activities and opportunities to connect you with a tribe of like-minded individuals.

The Ignite Retreat is designed for a wide range of participants. Whether you are still trying to figure out your role and what skills you have, or if you have an idea or venture that you want to launch and get off the ground, this retreat is for you!

Thank you Renasant Bank for supporting Sullivan’s Ignite Retreats!

Upcoming Dates

Postponed until a later date

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Connect with your tribe of changemakers across the American Southeast

What Can I Expect

Choose Your Adventure

There are three tracks during the retreat – you are welcome to bounce between any of the workshops that you feel are most relevant to your journey.

Personal: For those uncovering their calling, who want to better understand their skills and passions, build self-confidence, and explore the mindset of a social entrepreneur.
Problems: Designed for those who have a set of problems that they want to work on but are unsure how to get involved. This track gives you concrete and practical skills.
Project: This track is for those who would like to dive deeply into one concrete solution, campus initiative, project, or venture they are actively trying to bring to life.

Dedicate Time to Workshop your Career or Project

The weekend is designed to give you plenty of time to work on a project, get some clarity on potential career paths, or dig deeper into a set of problems you have a heart for. The workshops are incredibly hands-on and experiential.

Connect with a Tribe of Changemakers

Not only will you have the chance to connect in-person with 100 peers around the campfire each night, you’ll also be invited in to our alumni group of past Ignite Retreat participants.

Agenda for the Weekend

Friday

2 – 5p: Arrival (participants may arrive at any time in this window)
6 – 7p: Dinner
7 – 9p: Kick-off Workshop + Welcome
- Framing + Introductions
- Agenda Overview
- A Quick Dive into Social Entrepreneurship
- Intention Setting for the Weekend

Saturday

8 – 9a: Breakfast
9 – 10:30a: Morning warm-up
- Connection
- “What is Changemaking” Discussion
- Introduce Track Sessions (Personal, Problems, Project)
10:45 – 12:15p: Workshop #1
- Personal: Head, Heart, Hustle
- Problems: Unlocking Creativity
- Project: Charting Your First Steps
12:30 – 2p: Lunch
2 – 4p: Workshop #2
- Personal: Farewell Fear
- Problems: Grow Your Team
- Project: Pitch + Find the Money
4:45 – 6p: Full Group Tiny Teach
6 – 7p: Dinner
7 – 8p: Changemaker Storytime
8 – 9p: Try on a Hustle

Sunday

8 – 9a: Breakfast
9 – 10:15a: Prototype Pitch Competition
10:15 – 11:15a: Closing Debrief

Who Is It For

College Students + Young Pros

The Ignite Retreat is designed largely for university students – from incoming freshman to graduate students – who are seeking to connect their skills and interests in a way that creates positive change. The event is also open to recent graduates and young professionals excited to connect with a wider community of changemakers and gain clarity on projects and careers they are pursuing.

The retreat changed my perspective on how I want to make an impact. It gave me the push I needed to excel and believe in myself.

Juhee BhattFurman University

The Sullivan Foundation allowed me to participate in an amazing weekend that changed my mindset from dreaming to believing I could tackle any project.

Julie SparksRollins College

Thanks to the Ignite Retreat, I’ve now started a social venture that will impact the lives and health of many. Needless to say, this event was truly life changing!!!

Colby DevaneErskine College

The Sullivan Ignite Retreat helped me to realize all that I was already doing in the field of changemaking and all that I am capable of doing in the future.

Anna RuthShenandoah University

I went into the weekend not knowing what to expect. I came out knowing my plan for the future.

Sharron BockmanSewanee

Faculty and Staff

The Fall gathering is open for faculty and staff to join and participate in their own dedicated track throughout the weekend. Most schools send a faculty representative to join with their students. Take a look at what you will get to experience if you attend in that role.

FRIDAY

INTRODUCTION TO CHANGEMAKING

Connect with other participants to set intentions for the weekend

SATURDAY

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

Join Rich Meagher, head of faculty/staff programs, for a quick introduction to the Sullivan Foundation and the world of social entrepreneurship.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

Stay tuned for more details regarding specific workshops offered throughout the day

SUNDAY

HELP A FELLOW OUT

Hear about all the exciting projects being hatched by Sullivan’s latest cohort of Faculty-Staff fellows. Share feedback and bring terrific new ideas for courses and programs to your own campus.

Who Will I Get to Meet

Jasmine Babers

Founder & CEO, LOVE Girls Magazine

Reagan Pugh

Founding Partner, Assemble

Jarren Small

Curator, Reading with a Rapper

Nicole Kelner

Cofounder & COO, Coding Space // Founder, Lemonaid

Josh Nadzam

Co-Founder & Director, On The Move Art Studio

Adrienne Wright

Executive Director & CEO, U-Turn

Spud Marshall

Founder, the co.space // Innovation Director, 3 Dots

Jason Reed

Founder, Reach USA

Danielle Espiritu

Learning Success Director, WeThrive

Abu Fofanah

Founder, Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator

Meet Experienced Changemakers

During the weekend, there will also be plenty of time to hang out with our facilitators and experienced changemakers. Each retreat will spotlight one of these individuals who will share their journey as a social entrepreneur. Take a look at some of our past speakers and facilitators that have joined the retreat.

Tickets

General Admission

$425/participant

Students from Sullivan Schools may be eligible to receive a sponsored ticket. Get connected with the Sullivan Foundation to find out if you qualify. All attendees get access to the following with their ticket:

All meals included (Fri dinner – Sun breakfast)
Housing is provided in shared dorm-style rooms on site
Transportation to and from retreat venue not included
Receive access to an alumni community of changemakers

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: TBA

Refund Policy

2 weeks out – 50% refund if you cancel OR you can transfer ticket to new student
1.5 week out – no refund for canceling OR you can transfer ticket to new student

All events are currently on hold pending Covid restrictions.