To those of you who joined us at our annual Network Retreat this year, THANK YOU! It was a great success!
On Thursday, January 23, more than 80 volunteers gathered for RIFPC’s annual Network Retreat to create a safe space for people who want a more equitable and resilient food system, and to reaffirm the positive future we want to build together.
The event opened with a moving land acknowledgment by Silvermoon LaRose of the Narragansett Tribal Nation, which was an important step in acknowledging the traditional custodians of Rhode Island land — the Narragansett, Niantic, Nipmuc, Pokanoket, and Wampanoag nations. The Council’s retreat planning committee — Raffini, Lauren Amos, and Vernon Martin — welcomed everyone, and RIFPC Executive Director Nessa Richman and Associate Director Josh Daly discussed the organization’s work in the past year. They underscored the importance of members’ engagement in RIFPC volunteer opportunities to advance its mission, as well as the vital work the Council is doing to ensure a healthy, equitable food system.
Raffini’s call-and-response activity on “approaching a situation with respect,” paved the way for a workshop on “The Art of Connection” led by Dr. Jerrilyn Stokes and Kimbrelia Dixson of Progressive Movement Counseling & Consultation. This discussion prepared the network to foster equitable and open collaboration over the next year.
In Nessa’s “World Cafe” activity, network members brainstormed state-wide food policy goals, and the new types of collaboration and communication necessary to reach them.
This year’s retreat brought together new and seasoned network members and succeeded in fostering stronger connections and offering a solid foundation on which to stand as a community. The principles and ideas shared will carry over into all RIFPC activities in the coming year.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS!
Simple Merchant Coffee, NAVAD Bakers, Beautiful Day, and Leo’s Market and Restaurant for amazing food and drinks; Epic Renewal for making compost collection easy; and to Innovate Newport for providing an ideal venue.
