ACLU of Hawaiʻi Board & Staff Retreat 2026

Reflecting and Reconnecting
At the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, our daily work moving civil liberties forward requires focus, persistence, and energy. To sustain this vital work, it is equally important to step back, evaluate our collective vision, and invest in the strength of our team.

Our board and staff recently gathered for a dedicated retreat designed to do exactly that. The day offered a vital opportunity for team members to step away from daily operational responsibilities and reconnect with the larger purpose of our advocacy.

Grounded in ʻĀina and Energy
We began our retreat by anchoring ourselves in the values and history of the islands we serve. We extend our aloha to Kahu Lāhela, who joined us to share vital cultural grounding and insight. Her presence and guidance helped set a meaningful intention for our collective work, reminding us of our deep responsibilities to our communities, our kupuna, and the land. Beginning our conversations from this place of centered connection fundamentally shaped our discussions throughout the rest of the week.

Building a Thriving Organization
A central focus of the retreat was strengthening our internal relationships and helping our understanding of our collective roles. Through guided learning, reflection, and community-building exercises, participants explored practices that support core value alignment and the high-performing teams model.

In the workplace, a culture of collaboration relies on strong trust. By creating intentional space for thoughtful, open conversations, both board and staff members were able to share perspectives on the future we are shaping together across the islands.

Collaborating for Greater Impact
True advocacy progress relies heavily on collective wisdom and intentional partnership. This year, we were thrilled to welcome colleagues from the ACLU Affiliate Support and National Initiatives (ASNI) team to our retreat.

The ASNI team brought national perspective, resources, and expertise that directly informed our strategic planning workshops. Through collaborative sessions, they challenged us to think critically about how we can enhance our advocacy, streamline our operations, and scale our local impact. This partnership is invaluable as we continuously strive to refine our skills, improve our strategies, and show up as a better, more effective affiliate for the people of Hawaiʻi.

Looking Ahead
We left the retreat with a renewed sense of purpose, clearer strategic alignment, and a stronger internal bond. Whether we are fighting for mass deportation resistance, indigenous data sovereignty, police accountability, or voting access, we are doing so with a unified team that is better equipped to handle the road ahead.

Mahalo nui to Kahu Lāhela for grounding us, to the ACLU ASNI team for pushing us to grow, and to our members and volunteers across the islands who power our fight for freedom every day. The work continues!