Programs & Offerings

There is in us an instinct for newness, for renewal, for a liberation of creative power. We seek to awaken in ourselves a force that changes our lives from within. And the same instinct tells us that this change is a recovery of that which is deepest, most original, most personal in ourselves. – Thomas Merton

Real change starts within...and changed people change organizations

Adults learn best when learning is voluntary and occurs with others over time. Consequently our signature programs are Courage to Teach®, a series of quarterly retreats offered to educators, and Courage to Lead®, a series offered to individuals from serving professions including nonprofit leaders, clergy, and healthcare professionals, among others. Participants in our multi-session series develop clarity and deeper commitment to their vocation and strengthen internal resources to engage effectively in challenging work over the long haul. Personal change experienced by participants leads to organizational or systems transformation – one person at a time. Teachers connect more effectively with students and colleagues, doctors see patients as individuals rather than an ailing arm or weakened heart; non-profit leaders ensure that the values of their organizations are seen in the services provided. Schools, institutions and communities change because individuals within them are working with courage.

Personal and Professional Renewal Offerings

Our personal and professional renewal offerings are based upon Parker J. Palmer’s concept of the circle of trust. We offer opportunities for you to reconnect who you are with what you do by providing a trustworthy place to explore the important questions of life and work.

Retreats and programs are offered in a variety of formats to meet the needs of busy individuals. Twenty to thirty people gather for sessions that vary from a half-day to a retreat a series of four to eight residential seasonal retreats held over two years. Activities include individual time for reflection as well as small and large group conversation. Work and personal experiences, biographies, metaphor, poetry and stories provide the stimulation for reflection and dialog.


Programs we offer include:

  • Courage to Teach®

  • Courage to Lead®

  • Circles of Trust®

  • Special Events

  • Customized Renewal Opportunities
    We offer on-site renewal opportunities custom-crafted to address the particular needs of the adult community in schools and in work teams of other serving professionals. A seasonal retreat series, which brings together a cohort of 25 who agree to gather seasonally over one or two years, is highly successful at renewing the identity and integrity of participants. Part of our success is based on the fact that every participant freely chooses to attend; no one can be sent or required to join the group. However, we also know that there are thousands of teachers and leaders who long for renewal and encouragement who are not able or ready to attend a full retreat series. And many principals and organizational leaders are looking for ways to support and energize their whole staff. We work with schools and organizations to create on-site retreats, off-site retreats, and workshops. If you would like to learn more, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • Collaborative Projects
    We work with other partner organizations and institutions to offer renewal events to particular groups in the community – together providing a service that none of us could offer on our own.

    Massachusetts Facilitator Pamela Seigle is collaborating with the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to meet the growing interest in teaching mindfulness and stress reduction techniques in the classroom.

    Massachusetts Facilitators Pamela Seigle and Chip Wood, and Maine Facilitator Richard Ackerman, are collaborating with the National School Leaders Network on the Courage & Renewal for School Leaders Project, a program for kindergarten-12th grade principals in Massachusetts and Maine. This program is also made possible by the Center for Courage & Renewal and is generously supported by the Rainwater Charitable Funds and The Angell Foundation.

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 15, 2009