R.E.A.C.H. Retreat

The annual, three-day Reaffirming Ethnic Awareness and Community Harmony (R.E.A.C.H.) retreat, sponsored by the Cross Cultural Center, brings together staff, students and faculty to "learn to question, discover connections and engage in social justice."

The theme for the 2008 retreat, held at the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, Kelseyville, January 4-6, was "Violence of Silence," and R.E.A.C.H. Coordinator Hanh Le says the retreat workshops and exercises were designed to "provide participants with the opportunity to truly look into themselves and find what it is that they have been hiding from greater society, and possibly themselves."

Le says some of the activities used to help participants understand themselves better over the course of the retreat were interactive games such as role playing, "letter to self," and "postcard secrets." These activities were aimed at providing a safe space for participants to explore their identities and learn to embrace others, says Le. "Participants had ample opportunities to engage in discussions regarding their feelings and experiences about the different dimensions of identities," she says.

Le says participants leave the retreat with a deeper understanding of themselves, the different dimensions of identity and where their biases lie. "I also hope that through R.E.A.C.H., the participants acquired the tools, resources, friends and allies to help them address their biases and to proactively fight injustice on our campus and in our society," says Le. "Above all, I hope that each participant walks away from the retreat with an open mind and dedication to continuing the conversations and education they started at R.E.A.C.H."

Le says that after the retreat many participants told her that the experience was life changing and impacted their lives and views beyond what they had expected.

The retreat is open to UC Davis faculty, staff and students, and Le says it's an experience campus community members shouldn't miss out on. Says Le, "It's an opportunity to spend a weekend at a beautiful facility in an open evironment where you can meet new people, hang out with friends, engage in discussions and conversations and enjoy great food. Apply!"

Visit the R.E.A.C.H. Retreat Web site for more information, including dates for the 2009 retreat.