12th Dec Civic Engagement Retreat
“Bridging Communities: Civic and Social Engagement Planning Retreat- December 2024”
Introduction
The Civic and Social Engagement Planning Retreat is a cornerstone event designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and shared understanding across diverse communities. This gathering provides an opportunity for leaders, advocates, and young changemakers to strategize and plan for the year ahead. From thematic presentations on topics such as interfaith dialogue in the U.S. to actionable initiatives like Ramadan Iftar planning and Black History Month events, the retreat reflects a commitment to meaningful social impact and spiritual enrichment.
This year’s program combines thought-provoking sessions, dynamic presentations, and vibrant discussions, alongside practical initiatives like gala dinners, summits, and youth advocacy events. Attendees will also engage in creative community-building activities, such as museum visits, cooking classes, and social responsibility projects, all designed to strengthen connections and inspire collective action. This retreat promises a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, setting the stage for a transformative year of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
Schedule
9:30 AM – Breakfast
10:15 AM – Presentations Session
• Ibrahim Barlas: Dialogue in the US. Past, Present and the Future
• Kemal Cem: Anadolu Kardesligi
• Almira Hisar: Youth Advocacy
11:15 AM – Super Bowl, Sharing Sacred Space, Black History Month, and MLK Day
12:15 PM – Thematic Ramazan Iftar Planning and Sahours
1:15 PM – Break
1:45 PM – Gala Dinner
2:45 PM – West Dialogue Summit, Youth Dialogue Summit (11th–12th Grades and College), and Youth DC Advocacy
3:45 PM – Community Engagement Activities: Book Retreat, Coffee Night, Hiking, Museum Visits, Coffee and Baklava Offering at the Townhall, Social Responsibility Projects, Around the Fountain, Cooking Classes, Noah’s Pudding Boat Dinner, and UNGA
4:30 PM – Early Dinner
New Events: Hizmet Advisory, Salon Gathering, Quarterly Social (Young Adults), SAT Course with Churches
Event Summary: Bridging Communities: Civic and Social Engagement Planning Retreat – December 2024
The Civic and Social Engagement Planning Retreat is an annual event dedicated to fostering collaboration and shared understanding across diverse communities. This year’s retreat focused on equipping leaders, advocates, and young changemakers with strategies and actionable plans for impactful civic and social initiatives in the coming year. With a rich agenda, the retreat highlighted interfaith dialogue, cultural celebrations, and innovative community-building projects.
The program featured thematic presentations on topics such as the evolution of dialogue in the U.S., youth advocacy, and Anadolu Kardesligi, followed by discussions on upcoming events like Black History Month, MLK Day, and Ramadan Iftars. Sessions emphasized actionable planning for signature events like gala dinners, summits, and youth advocacy projects, alongside creative activities such as museum visits, hiking, and cooking classes aimed at strengthening community bonds.
This year also introduced several new initiatives, including Hizmet Advisory, Salon Gatherings, quarterly socials for young adults, and SAT preparation courses in partnership with churches. The retreat provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collective action, ensuring a vibrant, purposeful year ahead for interfaith and intercultural collaboration.
Schedule Highlights
•Morning Presentations:
•Key Planning Sessions:
•Black History Month, MLK Day, and Ramadan Iftar programming
•Gala Dinner and Dialogue Summits (West & Youth)
•Community activities, including social responsibility projects, cultural events, and book retreats
•New Initiatives:
•Hizmet Advisory, Salon Gatherings, and Youth-focused Social Events
•SAT Preparation with Church Partnerships
The retreat closed with a renewed sense of collaboration and actionable plans, setting a solid foundation for impactful engagement in 2025.