Birmingham, Alabama
Welcome
You're cordially invited to our convening in Birmington, AL.
You're cordially invited to the Spark Justice Fund Convening—Collaborative Futures: Building Strength Through Partnership—which will take place from May 7th through May 9th in Birmingham, Alabama.
Dedicated to supporting grassroots organizing groups committed to ending unjust pretrial detention policies and progressing community safety, SJF is thrilled to convene our community—both grantee and philanthropic partners—for three days of meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and strategic collaboration. Our Retreat promises an immersive environment conducive to forging meaningful connections, exchanging insights, and providing opportunities to delve into work across the US. Your presence in this transformative gathering is pivotal as we collectively strategize to reshape our approach to safety and justice.
We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham for this empowering and impactful event.
Why Birmingham, AL?
Embracing History, Inspiring Change: The Significance of Birmingham, Alabama
Selecting Birmingham, Alabama as the location for our convening holds profound significance in the context of the Spark Justice Fund's mission. Not only does Birmingham bear witness to pivotal moments in civil rights history, but it also symbolizes the ongoing struggle against systemic injustices. By convening in this historic city, we honor the legacy of grassroots organizing and resistance that has long defined Alabama.
Our convening offers an opportunity not only to engage with the rich history encapsulated in places like the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Museum, but also to draw inspiration from the resilience and determination of those who have fought for justice before us. Moreover, the serene and wellness-focused setting of the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa offers a space for rejuvenation and reflection, fostering connections and collaboration in a supportive environment. Together, amidst the echoes of past struggles and the promise of collective action, we embark on a journey to advance transformative visions of pretrial justice and community safety, guided by the spirit of unity and empowerment.
May
6th
MONDAY, MAY 6TH
Travel Day Arrivals
Welcome!
May
7th
TUESDAY, MAY 7TH
Retreat Day #1 Grounding
8:30 - 10:00 am Networking over Breakfast and Wellness Activities
10:00 - 10:30 am Welcome, Introductions, Overview
10:30 - 10:45 am Welcome to Birmingham
10:45 - 11:00 am Break
11:00 - 11:45 am State of the Movement
11:45 - 1:00 pm Narrative Power Building
1:00 - 2:00 pm Lunch and Wellness Break
2:00 - 4:30 pm Community Space
4:30 - 6:00 pm Extended Break
6:00 - 8:30 pm Dinner Together w/ Karaoke
May
8th
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8TH
Retreat Day #2 This is How You Move Forward
8:00 - 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 - 9:30 am Welcome to Birmingham
9:30 - 10:30 am Pipeline of Leadership
10:30 - 10:45 am Break
10:45 - 11:30 am Optimizing SPARK Justice Fund
11:30 - 1:00 pm Lunch and Wellness Break
1:00 - 2:00 pm Why Funders Say Yes!
2:00 - 5:00 pm Narrative Power Building
Concurrent Sessions:
Grantees Media and Narrative Practice
Donor Strategy Talk
5:00 - 5:30 pm Closing Activity
6:30 - 8:30 pm Dine-around Birmingham (Dinner On Your Own)
May
9th
THURSDAY, MAY 9TH
The Equal Justice Initiative Experience
7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast
8:00 - 9:30 am Travel to Montgomery
9:30 - 4:00 pm EJI Tour Experience (Includes lunch)
4:30 - 6:00 pm Travel to Birmingham
May
10th
FRIDAY, MAY 10TH
Check out & Farewells
Thank You!
Register Today
Logistics
Navigating Your Guide to Seamless Logistics!
Included:
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3 night stay at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
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All meals provided (Tuesday breakfast through Friday breakfast)
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Admission to The Equal Justice Initiative Sites--including the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.
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Local travel during the summit
Not Included:
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Flights/travel to Birmingham, AL, for non-Spark Justice Fund grantee partners. Spark Justice will provide travel accommodations for current grantee partners.
*If you need any assistance with travel, planning, or coordination, please get in touch with Sade Dumas, Spark Justice Fund Program Director, sdumas@borealisphilanthropy.org.
*The Equal Justice Initiatives Sites excursion is an optional, free add on for registrants. Interest must be expressed at time of registration as there are limited tickets.