The theme for this year's retreat was: A Call to Act - Service: Personal, Political and Social Justice.
After checking in, the retreat started with a gathering in the dinning room, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, for cocktail hour and reception; lots of lively conversation as everyone caught up with old friends.
Following dinner, the group met at the Josephine House, which was a new location for the retreat sessions. It was a smaller, more intimate space which suited this year's smaller group of 18 Amigos very well. After a short welcome and orientation by the Villa Maria host, everyone briefly introduced themselves and told about a challenge or blessing they experienced during the past year.
An introduction to the theme: "A Call to Act" and an overview of the retreat activities was given by cohosts Jack and Donna Walton, Mike and Lupe Miller, and Setsuko Amann.
This was followed by a video, "Where is Social Justice?"
The first evening ending with the semi-annual Amigos Board Meeting.
For the early risers, Tuesday began with mediation lead by George and Gayle Mills, who created a peaceful, quiet space for center one's thoughts.
The first session of the day was: "My Actions - Called to Be of Personal Service to Family, Friends and Community." Jack and Donna introduced the topic and then asked everyone to break into small groups to share experiences and examples of something they did during the past year to serve others - family, friends or community; and to share how they experienced the "call" to act. The group reassembled and shared the highlights from each of the smaller group discussions.
After a group photo session and a short break, the group gathered for the second session of the morning which was: "Civic Awareness, Responsibility and Action." Mike Miller presented the first of two themes which focused on gun violence and controls, and articles calling for repeal of the 2nd Amendment. Setsuko presented the second topic focusing on the importance of voter registration. A breakout session allowed for 2 smaller groups to discuss their topic of choice. A very lively discussion around both topics followed, with commitments on follow up actions by many participants.
The afternoon session, entitled "If You Want Peace, Work for Justice", was introduced by Setsuko, and lead by guest presenter, Lorin Peters of Pax Christi. Lorin served several years in the Peace Corp and has an extensive background in the peace movement covering many years, many groups and several continents. He is a longtime student of Gandhi, was raised in the Mennonite tradition and was, until recently, a teacher of physics and religious studies at O'Dowd High School.
Lorin used the "Socratic" method for the two hour session, asking many penetrating questions. Much of the questioning and discussion was directed to a better understanding of the current threat from nuclear weapons and their proliferation.
At the end of the session, participants made commitments to take follow up actions when returning home. Many thanks to Setsuko for arranging Lorin's visit and presentation - it was one of the highlights of this year's retreat.
After a two hour break for personal time, visiting and reflection, and following dinner, the evening session got started with "Bringing Back 'The Rant' ". This is based on a scene from the 1976 movie, "Network", in which news anchor Howard Beale (Peter Finch) launches into an angry televised rant ["I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore"].
The rant was first introduced to the Amigos' retreat several years ago by Mike Monley and Jim Stack. It was brought back by popular demand. This year's rants covered a wide range of humorous and serious subjects. Thanks to all who shared their frustrations and deep feelings.
Wednesday morning started, again for the early risers, with meditation. Some use the time to walk on the beach or just sleep in. The last session of the retreat, following breakfast, was "Putting Our Ideas into Practice". This was lead by Jack
and, again, individual participants expressed their commitments to follow up on several of the topics discussed over the two days.
The retreat ended with Mass, at which the group remembered Amigos who died during the past year.
For a more personal view of the Amigos' Santa Cruz retreat, check out Shirley Serena Lewis' article from the 2016 retreat.
Also, under the "Gatherings" page, there are articles about the 2015 and 2014 retreats - with photos.