Changemaker Writing Retreat

The world needs more authentic stories about new ways of living, working and cultivating change. More practitioners need to be supported in their writing and curating of these stories.

Come and join us in a dedicated writing space for changemakers and practitioners who have an emerging story to tell and are struggling to make the space to develop and write it.

It might be a blog or article, a whole series of stories or the beginnings of a book. Or you might not know what the format is yet, but you have the intention to write and would love a dedicated space and support to do so.

Louise and Anna invite you to join them later this year for a writing retreat. We will lightly host the space, to support the writing process, which might include daily check-ins, as well as offer one-to-one or group coaching sessions where required as well as peer accountability and support.

Format

The format of the first retreat would include:

• A flexible schedule for you to make the time to write each day
• Daily group check ins - an opportunity to shape and craft what we need
• Options for 1-to-1 systems change coaching and writing support 
• Peer camaraderie and accountability 
• Time to scope out the bigger potential of changemaker writing retreats and the infrastructure needed to enable this

What's included

• A shared room to stay in beautiful surroundings with shared bathrooms (small number of en-suite rooms)
• A 1-to-1 coaching session to support you to craft your narrative & writing 
• Peer support and mutual learning environment
• A large room for us to gather plus smaller writing spaces
• Food and nourishment 
• All cleaning

What's not included

• We’ll need a team of 2-3 people to help cook each evening
• Any snacks, breakfast foods and alcohol to be brought with you

When

Start time: TBA, typically Tuesday at 16:00

End time: TBA, typically Friday at 11:00

Where

UK (Venue to be announced)

The School of System Change is continually working to improve the financial accessibility of our offerings. We offer three rates and ask that you select the one that fits your financial situation. It is our hope that those able to afford the higher fees help us cover costs and support others to access the discounted rates.

The rates below reflect the 2024 pricing and the School may or may not modify rates in future offerings. We did not run a Changemaker Writing Retreat in 2025. Each rate covers a single occupancy room and food costs for self-catered meals (prepared by teams of participants). If cost is a barrier, we ask you to reach out for the shared room pricing (max 2 per room), and we will try our best to pair you with someone else looking for shared occupancy, if not a friend you are joining with.

Full rate: £675 GBP
For people in countries with strong economies, larger organisations and well-paid professionals. Your registration will help support others to participate.

Mid-rate: £550 GBP
For people in countries with moderate economies, small organisations (fewer than 10 employees) and individuals.

Discounted rate: £425 GBP
For people in need of financial assistance to support their learning. Only a few discounted rate slots are available.

Refund Policy

• Up to 3 weeks prior to departure: No refund
• 3-6 weeks prior to departure: 50% refund (minus £25 admin charge to cancel)
• 6 weeks or more prior to departure: Full refund (minus £25 admin charge to cancel)

Please note there is a £25 admin fee to amend your booking.

This is a starting collaboration between Louise Armstrong, Anna Birney and the School of System Change network. We’ve both been writing increasingly over the last few years individually and collectively. We’d love for this to become a shared endeavour with other people wanting the space to write and wanting to create the spaces for others to do the same.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Anna at [email protected].

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Anna at [email protected].