October 7 – 9, 2022
Asheville, North Carolina

Want to create social change, but don’t know where to start?

We’ll help you to chart your path at the Ignite Retreat!

In 3 days, learn how to change your community and…

Receive 1-on-1 mentorship from coaches who have started non-profits, built social ventures, and are actively changing their communities.
Attend workshops about understanding your passions, clarifying the problem you want to solve, and how to launch a project.
Rub shoulders with like-minded students from 30+ universities who will become your closest friends, cheerleaders, and co-conspirators.

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

Next Retreat: October 7 – 9, 2022
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Registration Deadline: 5p EST on September 19, 2022

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Can’t make it to the Fall Retreat? The retreat will be held again in April 2022. Dates and location will be announced later this summer.

Connect with a community of changemakers across the American Southeast

What Can I Expect at the Ignite Retreat?

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

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 Community 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

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Who Is the Ignite Retreat For?

College Students + Young Pros

The Ignite Retreat is for you if:

You have a big desire to create social change, but are still trying to figure out where to start.
You are passionate about a particular problem, but still unclear on how you’ll contribute to change.
You’ve already got a project or venture going, but need guidance on raising money, building a team, or scaling your idea.

Faculty and Staff

The Fall 2022 gathering is open for faculty and staff to join and participate in their own dedicated track throughout the weekend. Most schools send at least one faculty representative to join with their students.

This is an excellent time to network with other colleagues around the American Southeast, as well as learn about new opportunities across the Sullivan network. Details regarding specific activities will be posted closer to the event.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

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.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

How Do I Pay For It?

Many of our university partners cover the ticket price for students to attend the Ignite Retreat.

Reach out to a faculty or club advisor to discuss how your university can support you in attending an upcoming gathering. To direct questions to the Sullivan Foundation, please contact admin@sullivanfdn.org for more information or to get connected with a Sullivan liaison at your campus.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

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

Cost:
$450 per participant (student, faculty, or staff)

Students from Sullivan Schools are likely 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 at Hotel 24 South, a short 4-min walk away from the main venue. Students all share a double room. Faculty and staff get a private room.
Transportation to and from retreat venue not included
Receive access to an alumni community of changemakers

Registration Deadline:

5p EST on September 19, 2022

Vaccine Mandate:

After your tickets are purchased, each participant will be asked to provide proof of vaccination in a follow-up form.

Refund Policy:

2 weeks out – 50% refund if you cancel OR you can transfer the ticket to a new student
1.5 week out – no refund for canceling OR you can transfer the ticket to a new student
If sick beforehand – anyone displaying covid symptoms in the days leading up to the retreat are asked not to attend, and can redeem their ticket for the Fall 2022 Ignite Retreat instead.

Location:

YMCA Blueridge Assembly
84 Blue Ridge Cir, Black Mountain, NC 28711

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REGISTER TO ATTEND

Covid Policies:

Vaccine Mandate: All participants must upload proof of being fully vaccinated in accordance with CDC / WHO guidelines before arrival.
Masking Indoors: Other than meals, participants must wear masks for all indoor activities. Whenever possible, workshops will be held outside, weather permitting.
Accommodation: Rooms will be capped at two students per room. Faculty and staff will all have private rooms.
Exchange Ticket if Showing Symptoms: Anyone who shows symptoms in the days leading up the retreat will be asked not to attend. Instead, your ticket can be redeemed for the Spring 2023 Ignite Retreat, free of charge.

If you have specific concerns or questions regarding Covid preparation, please reach out to admin@sullivanfdn.org for more information.