Leadership Retreat

Welcome to Leadership Retreat 2018!

We can’t wait to see you on June 1, 2018. Our leaders are some of the most resourceful, smart, dedicated and knowledgeable people across the country and Leadership Retreat gives us a chance to learn from each other and experts in the field, and gather skills to continue to fight the good fight. Register today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know before I arrive at Leadership Retreat?

We’ve prepared a Pre-Retreat Guide with key information to ensure you get the most out of your participation. You can also view the full schedule ahead of time and start thinking about which workshops you want to attend.

When is Leadership Retreat?
June 1-3, 2018. The retreat kicks off on Friday at 2:00pm central time, and wraps up at 1:30pm central time on Sunday.

Where is it?
St. Louis, Missouri! Specifically, at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 600 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146.

What is the goal of Leadership Retreat?
To provide NCJW leaders with knowledge, skills, resources and connections to the NCJW network so they are better able to deliver on the mission of NCJW locally and nationally. We hope all sections and action teams will be represented.

We recommend coming in teams of at least two people per section so you can learn together and make it easier to implement your new ideas when you return home.

What should I expect from Leadership Retreat?
As a result of attending, you will:

• Build leadership skills to support your role as Section President, Board Member, Committee Chair, Advocacy Leader or NCJW advocate or volunteer
• Gain the knowledge and skills you need to build and maintain a strong section or action team.
• Learn from and build connections with other NCJW leaders from around the country.
• Feel empowered as a leader of complex social justice work.
• Connect with the Jewish values that guide our work.
• Build relationships and have fun!

What if I don’t hold a leadership position at NCJW? Can I come?
Of course! Leadership Retreat is for anyone who wants to learn and connect with us. If you aspire to become a leader in our network, or if you simply want to know more about what it entails, we want you there.

I’m not with an NCJW section or action team. Can I come?
Yes! We encourage anyone who wants to learn and act with NCJW to attend Leadership Retreat. Members-at-large are an important part of our work and our leadership.

How much does Leadership Retreat cost?
Registration includes your program fee, hotel room, and all meals and snacks. Cost is $575 for a double and $725 for a single. Day rates are available.

Are there scholarships?
Every NCJW section is eligible for a  subsidy, which is being underwritten by the generosity of the Ruth and Louis Zalaznick Fund and the Rose L. Shure and Sidney N. Shure Leadership Development Fund. Please contact your Section President for more information..

Should I make a hotel reservation?
No. The cost of your hotel reservation is included in registration, so there is no need to make your reservation directly with the hotel. Everything — the retreat and rooms — are at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 600 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146. Click here to learn more about the hotel and how to get there. 

How do I register?
Visit our registration page here.

Why should I register early?
People who sign up on or before March 31, 2018, will get a free NCJW t-shirt. Also, help our retreat organizers best meet participant needs and plan the best retreat possible.

What dates do I need to remember?

• Early February 2018 –– Registration Opens
• March 31, 2018  –– Last day to receive a free NCJW t-shirt with registration
• April 30, 2018 –– Last day to register
• June 1-3, 2018 –– Leadership Retreat

Who will be speaking at Leadership Retreat?
We don’t know everyone yet, but we are excited to announce Yavilah McCoy as our Scholar in Residence! Check back for the announcement of more speakers.

Will childcare be provided?
We are still gauging the need for child care before we determine what child care assistance we will be able to offer. If you think you will need childcare, or are determining if you will bring your child, please say “yes” to the childcare question on the registration form. 

I’ve never been to St. Louis before. What else is there to do?
The city of St. Louis was founded in 1764 as the gateway to the west. Today, it boasts a population of nearly 3 million, and is the birthplace of Maya Angelou, Chuck Berry, Yogi Berra, William S. Burroughs, T.S. Eliot, John Hamm, Scott Joplin, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Charles Lindbergh, Masters and Johnson, Joseph Pulitzer, Dred Scott, and Tina Turner.

Our NCJW St. Louis section has been around since 1895 and serves as the place for progressive Jewish women in St. Louis. With over 5000 members and supporters throughout the state, NCJW STL is proud to be a part of this year’s retreat and is happy to help anyone with ideas for visiting St. Louis. Leadership Retreat is taking place in an office/retail complex, and you can walk to over 15 different restaurants without leaving the grounds.  There is a jazz & blues club, a comedy club and a Jive and Wail within the complex.

Here are some activities to do while in St. Louis if you come early or stay late:

• Visit the Arch and take a ride up to the top!
• Go see the City Museum. No, really, go. It’s one of the most creative and fun museums in the world. Go. Now.
• St. Louis Zoo — free admission and #1 in the country this year!
• Shop at the Delmar loop — one of the top 10 “streets” to walk around in the US.
• Get ice cream at Ted Drewes famous frozen custard or try the St. Louis specialty gooey butter cake ice cream at Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery.
• Don’t think of Italian when you think of St. Louis? Well, you should. The Hill has some of the best Italian food in the country.
• Saw Meet Me in St. Louis and want to relive the glory of the 1904 World’s Fair? Go for a walk in Forest Park.

I have more questions. Who do I ask?
For registration and logistical questions, contact Ellen Alper at ealper@ncjwstl.org or 314-993-5181. Lisa is available from 8 AM- 4 PM Central time Monday-Thursday and until 2 PM on Fridays. All messages will be returned on the next business day.