Builders for Social Justice Program Information

Participation in the Builders program will require significant time commitment including the mandatory 3-day retreat in January, monthly Saturday sessions, and participation in a team project that may have hours outside of the Saturday session.

Builders program reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the program who misses more than 12 hours of session time. Attendance will be tracked. Missing any portions of the program heavily impacts your experience in the Builders learning. Being fully engaged and actively participating throughout the year provides you with the best experience.

Please consider your availability with the dates listed for the program if you should be selected to be in the program.

By submitting this application, you certify that you understand the purpose of the Builders for Social Justice program and, if selected, will devote the time to actively participate and complete the program.

We offer a voluntary three-level registration fee structure for our sponsored retreats. This approach allows you to choose the level that best reflects your personal financial situation. Your choice will remain confidential and will not affect your retreat experience in any way. For more information, please visit FAQ page.

Partner: $1,375
Advocate: $1,830
Sustainer: $2,290

Tuition payments will occur after applicant selection and before the January 2027 retreat.

Need-based partial scholarships are available! Please fill out the application and the scholarship request form by October 30th!

After the March 20 session, participants will:

  • identify a community need or opportunity that can be sustainable
  • plan and carry out a service-based initiative using the skills you are learning in the program, i.e. asset mapping, listening to learn, issue framing, etc.
  • work together in a small group to determine how you can make a meaningful contribution
  • engage with a community organization or partner, approved by Builders program facilitator
  • organize and complete your group’s effort between March 20 and July 1, 2027

Each small group will be able to invite a few members of the community organization or partner to attend the July 10 celebration session, when each small group will give a 5-minute presentation on their experience.

If you have further questions about the program content or requirements, please reach out to:

Marilyn Bugenhagen, Program Facilitator
mjbugenhagen@gmail.com

Vicky Curtiss, Siena Retreat Center’s Program Director
vcurtiss@sienaretreatcenter.org

If you have technical questions about the application form or require assistance filling out the form, please reach out to our registrar:

Christine Noelle
cnoelle@sienaretreatcenter.org
(262) 898-2582

If you have questions about financial aid, please reach out to our Executive Director:

Claire Anderson
canderson@sienaretreatcenter.org