Apply here by the deadline corresponding to your Cohort as shown below.

The Gathering Strength Initiative of The Action Lab creates vital space for rest, reflection, and respite—for organizers, leaders, movement artists,  and communities to cultivate individual and collective wellbeing. Rooted in the traditions of healing justice which have nourished and sustained resistance and social change work in this country since its founding, the Gathering Strength Initiative is designed to honor the humanity at the heart of social justice work by providing a sanctuary which centers individual well-being and collective care as elements of a healthy, resilient social justice movement.

The Initiative collaborates with a diverse set of leaders—from healers and innovators in leadership, to those building anti-racist, equitable organizations and leaders from varying global traditions—to deepen our shared understanding of how the practices, systems, and structures we are building in our movements now can and must plant the seeds of resilience, justice, creativity, and well-being that we imagine for our shared future. This work informs on-site retreats and work in fellowship, and, as importantly, feeds a networked national community of leaders and artists infusing and reshaping visioning, organizing, and institution-building habits on the front lines of our shared fight. We understand that building a people-centered and led movement demands care for the well-being of the people whose love, imagination, and labor are so deeply invested in our collective future.

Take a Breath Residencies offer a space for individual movement organizers, artists, healers, and other leaders to rest, reflect, and cultivate practices that will nourish and strengthen their efforts to imagine and create a more just and equitable future. Take A Breath Residencies are not intended to serve as staff or work retreats. The residencies are self-guided at our rustic retreat center in Ossining, NY (or other locations, as indicated), allowing participants to design their experience while being fully supported with daily schedule that includes nourishing meals, daily movement and mindfulness activities, and optional local outings. Rest, reflection, and days spacious enough to invite awareness, peace, or any other personal goals set by our residents, are our anchor. We invite you to apply with this in mind. Your time at Take a Breath is entirely yours.

The Take A Breath Residency is free of charge to all selected participants.

Residencies will be offered on the following dates:

• Cohort I: March 28- April 2, 2023: Youth Organizers Cohort at The Borden Estate
• Cohort II: March 28- April 2, 2023: Open Cohort at the Borden Estate 
• Cohort III: April 3-8, 2023: Westchester & Rockland County Organizers/Open Cohort
• Cohort IV: June 30-July 5, 2023: Movement Families Cohort at The Action Lab (for families with children 18 and under.)
• Cohort V: July 7-12, 2023: Westchester & Rockland County Organizers/Open Cohort
• Cohort VI: October 28-November 2, 2023: Open Cohort at The Action Lab
• Cohort VII: November 4-9, 2023: Westchester & Rockland County Organizers/Open Cohort

The National Youth Organizers Cohort is exclusively open to youth organizers from across the United States and its territories. This cohort is funded through generous donations from The Ford Foundation and The Andrus Family Fund.

The Movement Families Cohort invites families with children under 18 to apply. The Movement Families Cohort will be the only cohort in which participants will share rooms (with family members), and is the only cohort in which children are allowed. 

The Westchester and Rockland County Organizer Cohorts are exclusively open to organizers from and working in Westchester and Rockland Counties. This cohort is funded through a generous donation from the M&T Amplify Fund.

COVID Policy:
All residents must be vaccinated against Covid-19 and show proof of vaccination. In addition, we request that you show results for a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents will be asked to take a test on-site upon arrival. Residents may wear masks in common areas or shared spaces, and are urged to be in the practice of collective care as they engage with other residents.  

Submission Deadlines:
*The deadline for submission of the completed application form for COHORTS I- III (1-3) is January 20, 2023 at 9:00 PM-EST. All accepted participants will be notified by the first week in February.

*The deadline for submission of the completed application form for COHORTS IV- VII (4-7) is March 10, 2023 at 9:00 PM-EST. All accepted participants will be notified by the first week in May.

For more information  email marinieves@actionlabny.org.

Previous residents are not eligible to apply.