Winter Leadership Institute (WLI)
Strengthening intergenerational leadership for food, land & climate justice
The Winter Leadership Institute is RIC’s national annual retreat for adults and older youth leaders who support youth power in food, land, and climate justice work. This intimate space offers time for reflection, learning, and collective renewal - building the skills and relationships needed to uplift youth leadership with clarity and care.
What to Expect at WLI
GOALS
Strengthen facilitation, program design, and youth leadership support.
Deepen equity, anti-oppression, and intergenerational partnership skills.
Recharge through wellness, creativity, and shared reflection.
Exchange strategies and tools across a national network of peers.
Features
Workshops on youth - adult partnership, equity, curriculum design & movement leadership
Collaborative learning spaces, including participant-led sessions
Farm visits and cultural immersion grounded in land and community
Creative and healing spaces, including open mics, art circles, and restorative offerings
“WLI reminded me that supporting youth isn’t just programming - it’s relationships, listening, and care.”
- WLI Participant
Who Should Attend
Workshops by youth, for youth - organizing, food sovereignty, climate justice and more.
Creative and cultural activities: art, dance, storytelling, healing.
Community meals and joy-centered spaces.
Regional breakouts to support collaboration beyond the summit.
Impact
Participants leave with renewed purpose, practical tools, and confidence in supporting youth leadership. Many return home with strengthened program approaches, deeper community relationships, and an expanded commitment to intergenerational movement building.