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Unveiling & Unlearning:
Understand. Reflect. Transform.
Are you ready to truly understand privilege, unpack its complexities, and embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and social impact?
Are you ready to truly understand privilege, unpack its complexities, and embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and social impact?
Understanding privilege is vital for personal growth, compassionate engagement, and contributing to an equitable society. Our unique "Unveiling & Unlearning" retreat is a supportive space to grow, unpack, and (un)learn together.
We believe that true transformation comes from knowledge-sharing as well as emotional and embodied awareness. Our program blends intensive mindfulness practices with facilitated discussions and engaging exercises.
Choose your journey
Choose your journey
Option 1:
Option 1:
Introductory 90min Workshop Primer
Introductory 90min Workshop Primer
Curious about what "privilege" really means? Want to experience our unique approach firsthand?
Join us for this introductory 90-minute workshop designed to get a taste of our transformative 2-day retreat. It's a perfect starting point to explore complex systems and genuine connection in a supportive, no-pressure environment.
What you'll experience:
A brief, guided grounding mindfulness practice to help you stay present and open.
A clear introduction to "What is Privilege, Really?"
Insights into "The Power of Unpacking" and how privilege shows up in daily life.
Group discussion, intimate breakout room conversations, and collaborative exercises.
Immediate action steps for continuing your journey beyond the workshop
Q&A with our facilitators.
A glimpse into the deeper work of our full 2-day retreat.
Date: Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
Platform: Jitsi Meets
Pricing:
Standard Registration: $149 CAD
Reduced Rate: $49 CAD.
Supporter Rate (Help us create more accessible spaces; a slightly higher fee helps us subsidize the reduced rates... we are grateful for your support!): $249 CAD
Want to go to the retreat, too? Pay $349 for the workshop AND retreat (Early Bird Fee) by Thursday, September 4, 2025 11:59pm EST
Group rates available! Contact us at hello@thebeinghumanfoundation.org
Option 2:
Option 2:
The Full 2-Day Virtual Retreat
The Full 2-Day Virtual Retreat
Ready for a deep dive?
Our comprehensive 2-day online retreat is designed for profound engagement and lasting impact. This is not a course or seminar; it's an immersive experience blending knowledge and embodied awareness.
What makes this retreat transformative:
Intensive Mindfulness Integration: Each session begins and ends with guided meditations and mindfulness practices to build resilience and encourage deep practice.
Expert Facilitation: Guided by experienced facilitators experience in both social justice and mindfulness.
Interactive Learning: Engage in dynamic full-group discussions, intimate breakout room conversations, and collaborative exercises.
Personal Reflection & Growth: Dedicated time for journaling and self-reflection to unpack assumptions and connect key learnings to your own lived experiences.
Action-Oriented Approach: Begin crafting your own personalized action plan for dismantling privilege in your daily life and communities.
Community & Connection: Build meaningful bonds with a supportive group of like-minded individuals.
Retreat Highlights include:
Deconstructing various forms of privilege (racial, gender, economic, etc.).
Understanding intersectionality and systemic privilege.
Navigating discomfort and difficult emotions with self-compassion.
Developing practical strategies for allyship and accomplice-ship.
Dates: Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM EDT daily (with scheduled 1hr lunch at 1215pm and 230pm EST break)
Location: Your own comfortable, quiet space – accessible via Jitsi Meets.
Pricing:
Standard Registration: $399 CAD
Early Bird - Register by Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:59pm EST: $349 CAD - includes the webinar free!
Reduced Rate: $249 CAD
Supporter Rate (Help us create more accessible spaces; a slightly higher fee helps us subsidize the reduced rates... we are grateful for your support!): $499 CAD
Group rates available! Contact us at hello@thebeinghumanfoundation.org
Why This Program?
Why This Program?
Understanding privilege from the context of systemic injustices offers a path to greater empathy, genuine connection, and informed action. Our program offers essential tools to engage in the work of "dismantling" with resilience, compassion, and clarity in a safe, supportive space. This program invites us to move from awareness to empowered action.
Facilitators - More Coming Soon!
Facilitators - More Coming Soon!
Vanessa Ferlaino
President, The Being Human FoundationAward-winning authorVanessa Ferlaino
Vanessa Ferlaino is a two-time award-winning author inviting us to transform our inner and outer world. In addition to practicing Buddhism for the last 7 years, she holds a 200-hr Mindfulness Teacher Certification - Professional Level (CMT-P) from The Lab of Meditation, specializing in Trauma-Informed Offerings and Social Justice. She has also completed Staci Haines Politics of Trauma course, focused on somatic training and social justice. She has led over 100s of hours of mindfulness sessions and large guided groups.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Whether you're taking your first step with our free webinar or diving deep into the full retreat, we welcome you to a space of learning, growth, and transformation.
Questions?
Questions?
What kind of mindfulness do we explore in sessions?
What kind of mindfulness do we explore in sessions?
Our mindfulness practice is rooted in Engaged Buddhism, born from the Mahayana tradition and coined by Thich Nhat Hanh. Engaged Buddhism is no different than traditional Buddhism, with a specific intention to encourage social action and address suffering in the world. While these are the roots of our practice, exploring the traditions and sutras are beyond the scope of this retreat and workshop. We lean on the principles of Engaged Buddhism to give depth to our practices and sessions.
Do I have to attend both the workshop and the retreat?
Do I have to attend both the workshop and the retreat?
No, you do not have to attend both. The workshop is a "primer", simply an opportunity to learn more about the retreat, practices, and meet the facilitator. You can choose to only select one or the other, or both.
Are sessions recorded?
Are sessions recorded?
Yes, the instructional and practice portions of both the workshop and the retreats will be recorded and available for registrants. We do not record the discussions or the group work.
Why are there fees, especially for the workshop?
Why are there fees, especially for the workshop?
We are a small and mighty team. Fees support our program costs and facilitation. Our fees are at par or lower than industry standards. We also offer tiered options and reduced rates for individuals who may find that supportive. If you need further support, or would like to explore Pay-What-You-Can, please contact us at hello@thebeinghumanfoundation.org.
The best rate is the Early Bird Rate of $349 which includes the workshop AND retreat, if purchased by Thursday, September 8, 2025.
We also offer group rates for organizations! Contact us at hello@thebeinghumanfoundation.org to learn more.
Are the facilitators experienced?
Are the facilitators experienced?
Yes, facilitators are experienced both in Engaged Buddhism/Engaged Mindfulness, as well as active participants in social justice and advocacy. Facilitators are expected to be experienced and comfortable with topics like privilege, power dynamics, colonization, and global issues.
Our facilitator, Vanessa Ferlaino, is also President of The Being Human Foundation. She is a two-time award-winning author inviting us to transform our inner and outer world. In addition to practicing Buddhism for the last 7 years, she holds a 200-hr Mindfulness Teacher Certification - Professional Level (CMT-P) from The Lab of Meditation, specializing in Trauma-Informed Offerings and Social Justice. She has also completed Staci Haines Politics of Trauma course, focused on somatic training and social justice. She has led over 100s of hours of mindfulness sessions and large guided groups. She has also taught lectures of decolonizing business and social impact.
Who is this program for?
Who is this program for?
Those who are engaged in social justice issues through their line of work or through their own activism/social justice efforts will benefit from these offerings, in particularly, anyone looking to deepen their connection to their causes by deconstructing their own privilege and dominant worldviews.
What are your refund policies?
What are your refund policies?
We do not offer any refunds, unless for exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to attend, we invite you attend the next one. We aim to run this workshop and retreat at least on a quarterly basis.
To request a refund, please contact hello@thebeinghumanfoundation.org. The Being Human Foundation reserves the right to decide if a refund will be issued.
Are there unlimited spots for both the workshop and the retreat?
Are there unlimited spots for both the workshop and the retreat?
We have unlimited spots available. Breakout rooms will be leveraged accordingly.
Can I get a tax receipt?
Can I get a tax receipt?
General receipts will be issued via email through our payment platform, Zeffy. Receipts may be able to be claimed for education/professional development purposes, depending on your line of work. Please consult with a tax specialist. This is not tax advice.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer tax donation receipts for your participation in this workshop and/or retreat.
If you would like to leave a donation in addition to workshop fees, there will be an opportunity to do so during registration. Tax donation receipts for additional donations will be available for US Citizens and residents, through our tax-exempt non-profit in California.
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