Convened social justice advocates and leaders to create a space for healing, connection, and resilience.

Through the AESOP’s (Activists Engaged in Sustaining Our Power/Potential) Network, we hosted two virtual learning sessions open to the network of over 40 advocates and leaders in Texas. These sessions included a transformative journaling workshop that guided participants through grounding exercises and restorative writing practices to cultivate abundant narratives and strengthen leadership resilience. We also convened a three-day in-person retreat in Houston, offering peer dialogue, nature walks, and an activity where participants designed individual patches to form a whole, collective quilt reflecting the network. Through peer discussions held with leaders, we’ve learned that opportunities for intentional rest and connection are rare, yet important in maintaining momentum for movements and personal wellbeing. By bridging cultural appreciation, spiritual wellbeing, and leadership development through AESOP’s offerings, leaders have started to implement individual and organizational practices that promote collective wellbeing and a culture of care. We have shared lessons learned from AESOP’s internally and externally, including at the 2025 Young Minds Matter Conference.

Funder: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health Image by Prevention Institute.