By: Mia McCauley, Student Affairs Intern
This year, UW-Madison’s Social Justice Leadership Retreat hosted approximately 20 undergraduate students and facilitators for a meaningful 3-day collaboration, November 8-November 10.
The Social Justice Leadership Retreat (SJLR) provides a powerful opportunity for students to share personal stories and connect their experiences to broader social contexts, particularly systems of power and oppression. Through this annual event, both students and staff gain skills and awareness to foster inclusive leadership and community-building.
Assistant Director for Social Justice Education and Engagement in the Office of Inclusion Education Triston King explains that each day of the retreat focuses on a different set of values—from internal identity and bystander intervention to local community impact.
“The retreat asks attendees to consider how they show up in their communities, reflecting on the systems they exist in, as well as how they advocate within those groups,” said King. “We want people to understand themselves before they go out and teach others.”
Individuals are encouraged to contemplate how their identities and personal experiences influence their understanding of leadership. Throughout the retreat, participants challenge themselves, build connections, and ultimately return back to campus as stronger leaders.
Top Row: Triston King, Cleda Wang, Sarah Hallas, Kevin Wong, Talia Ivry.
Bottom Row: Abbi Stickels, Naeelah Chism, Jonathan Chen.
The retreat draws a vibrant and diverse community of students and faculty passionate about creating positive change and fostering equity on campus.
Program Coordinator for the Center for Interfaith Dialogue and SJLR 2024 attendee Talia Ivry said, “I very much enjoyed getting to know students from all over campus and facilitating discussions. I was reminded of how crucial it is not only to get people together from different walks of life but also to give them a chance to reflect on points of connection and points of difference.
Students interested in the Social Justice Leadership Retreat can apply through the UW-Madison Inclusion Education Website. For more information or specific questions about the Social Justice Leadership Retreat email Triston King at tgking@wisc.edu.