As days get shorter and a bit colder, we’re searching for that little bit of light as we look to the end of the year. For us, that means returning to a key part of the work that gave us hope this year, our Summer Leadership Institute (SLI).
SLI is more than a program. It is a living promise and belief that young people can build the culture we are all fighting for. It is a space where young women and gender-expansive youth from across California gather to imagine something better and practice what it feels like to build toward that possibility.
This past summer, we saw that promise renewed again. As 25 brilliant young feminists came together in Sonoma for three days of visioning, organizing, and deep collective care, they participated in workshops on storytelling, leadership, and community organizing. Our summer intern, Amie, wrote an essay, My Summer with WFC and the Transformative Beauty of SLI, reflecting on the discovery that leadership is not about perfection or expertise. Learning that connection, courage, and collective care makes leadership not just possible, but sustainable.
As we approach the end of the year, it is easy to focus only on the distance left to travel, how far away our feminist future may seem. But when we look at the SLI fellows who spent the summer weaving their hopes, dreams, and futures together, we are reminded that our dream isn’t a far-off goal, you can see it happening in the little moments.
A van ride filled with laughter.
A journaling session, where everyone feels free to share their dreams.
A mentor saying, you belong here.
If you believe in nurturing that kind of future, one rooted in imagination, justice, and joy, we invite you to support SLI. Your gift ensures that these young leaders not only dream of change, but also are equipped with the tools, mentorship, and community to create it.
Thank you for investing in the future we are building together.