Last month, FUSE gathered the Spring 2024 cohorts in Los Angeles for an energizing and impactful Mid-Year Retreat. Fellows from both Year 1 and Year 2 programs came together to reflect on their journeys, share insights, and prepare for the road ahead.
Highlights from the two-day event included:
Ignite Presentations: Fellows showcased their project highlights, challenges, and community impact through dynamic ignite-style presentations. This allowed peers to learn from each other’s experiences and gain new perspectives on tackling complex civic issues.
Skill-Building Workshops: The retreat featured targeted sessions on crucial skills like grant writing and measuring impact. Alumni-led workshops, such as “FUSE-ing it Together: Translating Project Wins to Career Highlights,” provided practical tools for fellows to leverage their FUSE experience.
Peer-to-Peer Learning: The “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” workshop facilitated deep connections between fellows, allowing them to workshop challenges and share solutions collaboratively.
Alumni Engagement: FUSE alumni played a key role throughout the retreat, leading sessions and participating in panels on topics like “Life After the Fellowship” and “Remember Your Why.” Their insights provided valuable perspectives for current fellows.
Focus on Impact: Sessions like “Measuring Impact” and “FUSE it All Together: Sustaining Your Impact” emphasized FUSE’s commitment to creating lasting change in partner communities.
Team Building: Fun activities like the “Amazing Race FUSE Style” and “Rock-Paper-Scissors Championship” fostered camaraderie among the cohorts.
Executive Coaching: Fellows received guidance on leveraging FUSE’s executive coaching program to maximize their personal and professional growth.
The retreat exemplified FUSE’s mission of bringing private-sector talent to bear on public-sector challenges. By fostering a supportive community of change-makers and providing targeted professional development, FUSE continues to empower its fellows to drive meaningful impact in cities and counties across the nation.
As the Spring 2024 cohorts enter the second half of their fellowship year, they leave the Mid-Year Retreat energized, connected, and equipped with new tools to accelerate their transformative work in local government.
