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Safety & Belonging

Sustaining BIPOC Leadership Initiative

Founded to reimagine what sustainable leadership looks like for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other historically marginalized changemakers.

A circle of chairs on the lodge porch

Rooted in the belief that nature is a powerful force for healing, this initiative invests in the rest, wellness, mentorship, and interconnection of leaders who too often bear the dual burden of advancing equity while navigating structural oppression.

Leaders of color, especially women, often bear the heaviest responsibilities in advancing racial equity and social justice, frequently facing overwork and under-resourcing. Using the wilderness as their classroom, leaders in our program will find much-needed respite and healing amidst the Adirondacks’ natural beauty. Through our partnership with local Great Camps, trained by our organization, participants can recharge in a safe, empowering, and intentional environment. This support helps organizations sustain their vital work and continue making their impact.

  • 100% of participants reported an extremely positive experience
  • 100% of participants reported a deeper connection to nature, a stronger commitment to self-care, and a stronger support network

Vision

Our vision is a legacy of thriving, empowered, interdependent, intergenerational community leaders who manifest self-care and wellness to bring their full selves to advancing racial, social, environmental, and economic justice throughout NY and beyond. This Initiative directly reflects ADI’s goal to mobilize people, resources, and expertise to advance racial, social, and economic justice.

Mission

To invest in, and provide opportunities for rest, healing, wellness, mentoring, and networking for emerging and seasoned leaders who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color and/or are members of other marginalized groups. Through restorative practices, relationship-building, and networking, we provide the necessary foundation so participants can bring their full selves to benefit their communities through sustainable, nourished leadership.

Need

BIPOC and other marginalized leaders are exhausted, often overriding instincts of self-care and pushing through because of the importance of “the work”. These leaders are overworked, underpaid, and under-resourced. Yet, these are the same leaders who are at the forefront of advancing racial, social, environmental, and economic justice for our communities.

Goals

Participants will leave with:

  • A deeper understanding of the importance of self-care, ways to practice it in their everyday lives, and a commitment to helping each other maintain this practice.
  • An increased appreciation for the Adirondack Park and increased comfort in nature, using it as a healing force for themselves and their communities.
  • A network and commitment to working together to support and strengthen their communities.

The retreats

  • Safety & Belonging

    Cultivating Community Leaders

    A retreat at Great Camp Sagamore that gives Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color leaders the respite and sense of community needed to sustain their work.

  • Safety & Belonging

    LGBTQIA+ Leaders Retreat

    During this challenging time in history, the LGBTQIA+ community is under attack. This program aims to bring together LGBTQIA+ leaders to create a supportive space for unity, respite, connection, and peace.

In participants’ words

  • This has been a life-changing experience - and I do not say that lightly. I am still in awe of what transpired at Sagamore.

  • The Retreat is very necessary and absolutely life-transforming. Leaders do not always have an opportunity to be a participant...

  • This was definitely a highlight in my career.

  • My biggest takeaway is the profound sense of shared purpose and authentic connection. I'm leaving with a renewed sense of confidence and a deeper commitment to leading with empathy and vulnerability. This retreat wasn't just about professional development; it was a deeply personal journey that has forever changed how I see my role in the world and how I plan to support the women around me.

  • I am recommitted to pairing compassion with accountability, holding myself and my community responsible for creating tangible, lasting change.

Get the first word when applications open

Our next cohort's application will be available in early 2027. Leave your name and email and ADI will write when it opens.

Which retreat? (optional)

Choose one or both.

From ADI’s calendar