Staff Retreat in Vallecitos
Last month the Leadership Austin staff participated in a week-long strategic planning retreat at Vallecitos Mountain Refuge near Taos, New Mexico. Our team, as well as the teams from Austin Area Interreligious Ministries and College Forward, were invited and sponsored by Builder Homesite, Inc. to undertake a new and highly productive adventure!
Vallecitos Mountain Refuge (photo courtesy of Tom Spencer)
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"As part of BHI’s philanthropic outreach, we wanted to effect organizations in a deeper and more lasting manner," says BHI CEO Tim Costello. "Having spent time at Vallecitos with other non-profits in the past, I realized the transformational capability this place possesses. After a staff visit to the ranch last year we began planning a retreat for Austin non-profits." In addition to BHI’s sponsorship, the Leadership Austin Board of Directors contributed the miles and dollars needed to fund the airfare for the trip.
The retreat at Vallecitos emphasized mindfulness and cultivating an inner practice to help balance work, life, and the stress of a busy non-profit career. We also spent a great deal of time working collaboratively on revising Leadership Austin’s strategic plan. The timing was perfect, as we are currently two and half years into our original five-year plan. A few highlights of the plan revision include explicit focus on:
- Engaging alumni through enhanced member benefits, targeted special events, and a focus on continuing leadership education
- Remaining focused on timely presentation of horizon issues that are critical across Central Texas
- Greater emphasis on leadership skills development in all programs
- Creating community connections and building relationships among a diverse array of leaders
- Convening and facilitating community dialogue
“You never know how these things are going to turn out," continues Costello, "but in this case the results exceeded our expectations. Not only was the event beneficial to the participants, but it laid the ground work for an entirely new kind of retreat to be hosted by Vallecitos in the future. It is so rewarding to feel as though you have helped an organization that so selflessly improves the lives of others.”
Vallecitos Mountain Refuge (photo courtesy of Tom Spencer)
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We on staff are grateful for the team-building experience as well! Though it was difficult being away from family and the office for a week, the benefits of the time spent were clear. We left with a much clearer understanding of our team and its strengths, our slate of work for the next 2.5 years, and the importance of our mission to the future of Central Texas.
