The Climate Burnout Report, produced by Catalyst Recipient Tamara Toles O’Laughlin in 2023, revealed that burnout is widespread in the environmental movement, especially among women of color. This burnout can
result in exhaustion, depression, physical pain, and much more. Some leave environmental work altogether. What can we do to support the leaders of our movement who are so vital to its success?
In 2024, Rachel’s Network partnered with the Tides Foundation Women’s Environmental Leadership Fund (WE LEAD) program to offer its first wellness retreat for Catalyst recipients at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The retreat served as a supportive gathering space for 14 leaders to connect over three days. The enthusiastic feedback from participants convinced Catalyst Program Director Shreya Durvasula that offering regular retreats and affinity spaces for movement leaders was a natural fit for the Catalyst Program going forward.
“That first retreat was an affirmation of the work we’re doing, and a glimpse of the resilience of our movement,” Shreya said. “I knew we had to continue this momentum, especially when the need for rest is so great in this community.”
Since then, Rachel’s Network has hosted both annual multi-day retreats, and smaller affinity spaces at our annual meetings. Those have included everything from afternoon herbalism workshops to a grounding and restorative week-long trip to Senegal for our inaugural Legacy Awardees in 2025.
In 2026, Rachel’s Network partnered once again with the WE LEAD program to host 11 longtime movement leaders at Knoll Farm in Vermont. For decades, Knoll Farm has been a place of refuge for community leaders and organizers, offering natural beauty and radical hospitality. For many participants, the retreat was transformative and connected them with cherished new friends.
“This retreat provided anticipated respite but also triggered a level of self-reflection I have never experienced,” said participant Akiima Price. Social change requires whole, nourished humans who organize from love, wielding power through community care rather than individual endurance. Rachel’s Network will continue to fund rest and care as an investment in the long-term health of the environmental movement. To support this work, contribute to the Catalyst Program at rachelsnetwork.org/catalyst.