Why a Retreat

The Pre-Gathering Retreat for People of Color creates space for Friends of Color and their families to build community before the FGC Gathering begins. Friends of Color are a small population in the Religious Society of Friends in North America. This is also true at the FGC Gathering. Experience shows that the better we know each other, the better we can support each other, both throughout the year and during the Gathering itself.

The Ministry on Racism sponsors this retreat for Friends of Color and their immediate family members. The retreat brings Friends together to build community that serves as a resource during the Gathering and beyond.

Friends of European descent are welcome when attending with a family member who is a Person of Color. This includes spouses, children, and other immediate family. The retreat is intergenerational. Children are welcome to join us.

During our time together, we build community through:

  • Mutual support and sharing
  • Worship
  • Exploring why Quaker faith and practice matter to us
  • Identifying ways to support each other throughout Gathering week
  • Discussing how we can share our Gathering experience with our home meetings

When & Where

The retreat takes place at the site of the 2026 FGC Gathering: University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont. Overnight accommodations, meals, and programming are all held on campus.

The retreat begins with lunch on Monday, July 6, and ends with lunch on Tuesday, July 7.

Friends are welcome to join the retreat whenever they arrive on campus. Some Friends with Junior Gathering or other responsibilities may need to leave the retreat early. That is okay.

Hybrid Option for Formal Programming

The Pre-Gathering Retreat offers a hybrid option for formal programming and experiences. Friends who are registered for the Gathering but arriving later in the week can join formal retreat sessions remotely via Zoom. However, informal spaces and meals are available only to in-person participants.

Please note: The 2026 FGC Gathering is an in-person only event. The hybrid option for the Pre-Gathering Retreat is available only to Friends who are registered for the Gathering.

Cost and Financial Aid

Retreat Fee

The retreat fee is $51 in addition to housing and meals. Actual costs may vary depending on the type of housing you select. Friends stay in the same room for the Pre-Gathering Retreat as for the Gathering itself.

Scholarship Assistance

FGC offers scholarship assistance to those who need it. We hope that no one stays away from the retreat due to financial concerns. You can apply for assistance when you register for the retreat.

May 1 is the priority deadline for scholarships. After this date, you may still apply; however, applications will not receive priority consideration. See the Financial Aid page for more information.

Dickerson & Rustin Funds

The Mahala Ashley Dickerson & Bayard Rustin Funds provide grants for Friends of Color. These grants support travel costs and registration fees. Friends can use this assistance to attend the FGC Gathering, Friends of Color retreats, or FGC committee work. These funds help ensure that Friends of Color can fully participate in the opportunities FGC offers.

Friends applying for Dickerson or Rustin Fund support should submit their applications by June 1. The priority deadline is May 1.

Due to limited funding, Friends who have received aid more than twice may not receive continuous support. We encourage Friends to also seek support through their monthly and yearly meetings. Learn more and apply for the Dickerson & Rustin Funds.

Join the Pre-Gathering Retreat for People of Color

Registration for the Pre-Gathering Retreat for People of Color and their families is now open. Register for the 2026 FGC Gathering at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont to join us.

Please note: The 2026 FGC Gathering is an in-person-only event this year. All Friends participating in the Pre-Gathering Retreat, whether joining in person or online for formal programming, must be registered for the Gathering.

Registration for pre-Gathering events closes June 1.

When you register for the Gathering, select “People of Color Pre-Gathering Retreat” on the workshop and housing page. If attending the retreat in person, choose early housing (Monday night) to match your housing for the rest of the Gathering.

Hybrid Option

Friends who are registered for the Gathering but arriving later in the week can join formal retreat programming remotely via Zoom. Contact Ministry on Racism staff for information about joining the retreat online.

Retreat Organizers

The Ministry on Racism organizes this retreat. If you have questions about the retreat, contact Ministry on Racism staff:

For general questions about the FGC Gathering, use the Gathering Contact Form.

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