What to Expect: As always, there will be a mixture of Dharma Talks, Meditations, Daily Yoga/Movements, Small group discussions/breakout rooms, evening activities, and creative exercises.

NOTE: All times subject to change. A finalized schedule will be shared as the event gets closer.
All times in Central Time.

Thursday July 10 – Welcoming Wise Friends

4:30pm: Registration Begins 
For in person attendees, this will be a time to meet new sangha members, connect with friends, and get acquainted with the venue. There will be an art table to create and decorate your name tag for the weekend.

Online Attendees – Zoom room will open 6pm.

6:30pm: Opening/Evening Activities- STREAMED FOR ONLINE

-Intention Setting, Connection, and Meditation

-State of the State – Board Member Presentation
Our welcome session will include an overview of the Summit, an intention setting, and meditation. The RDG Board of Directors will introduce themselves and speak about the organization

8:30pm-9:30pm: Mindful Movement – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
End your day by attending a restorative yoga session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.

Friday, July 11 – The Buddha (Inspiration Day)
7:45am – 8:45am: Mindful Movement (optional) – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
Start your day with a mindful movement/yoga session, a walk, or a run. Yoga attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.

9:00am – 10:00am: Opening/Morning Meditation – STREAMED FOR ONLINE
We will begin our programming with opening announcements and a meditation to settle us into the space and prepare for our day.

10am – 12:00pm: Morning Session

• Speaker – DS:  Intro to the Three Jewels – STREAMED FOR ONLINE
• Icebreakers (Talk with neighbors, introduce self) – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
• Panel & Group Discussion: Why Buddhist recovery? –SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM

12:00pm – 2:00pm:  Lunch Break
2:00pm – 5:00pm: Afternoon Session

• Song Circle with Davin Young – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
• Creative Activities – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
• Speaker- Chicago Anna: Neuroscience and the Potential to Change, Heal, and Awaken –STREAMED FOR ONLINE

5:00pm – 7:00pm: Dinner Break

7:00pm – 8:30pm: Recovery Dharma Meeting with Sound Bowl Meditation –SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
Attend a Recovery Dharma meeting and meet up with new friends! At the end, we will enjoy a soundbath to close our evening together

8:30pm – 9:30pm: Mindful Movement – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
End your day by attending a restorative yoga session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.

Saturday July 12 – The Dharma (Teaching Day)
7:45am – 8:45am: Mindful Movement (optional) – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
Start your day with a mindful movement/yoga session, a walk, or a run. Yoga attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.

9:00am – 12:00pm: Opening Statements/Morning Programming – STREAMED FOR ONLINE

• Meditation
• Key Note Speaker -Barbara Newell: Broad Intro to the Dharma, Four Foundations of Mindfulness
  Barbara Newell trained and taught for twelve years as a nun in Plum Village and around the world with Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2016 she returned to lay life in the United States wanting to share all that she had absorbed with a broader range of people. Barbara has found great joy in helping thousands of people learn how applied mindfulness practices can improve any and every situation.

12:00pm – 2:00pm: Lunch Break

2:00pm – 5:00pm: Afternoon Session

• Afternoon Track Programming #1
  • Option 1: Presentation/Panel – Wise Boundaries in Renunciation/What does harm reduction mean in a renunciation-based program?  – STREAMED FOR ONLINE
    Panelists will discuss challenges faced in recovery and how to apply the heart practices, as well as tips and examples of how to adapt Buddhism to diverse modern-day experiences.
  • Option 2: Deeper Dive into the 5 Precepts
• Afternoon Track Programming #2
  • Option 1: Speaker – Betty Crawford: Heart Practices (A Personal Perspective)
    Learn more about the four heart practices and learn how to apply them in our everyday recovery. – STREAMED FOR ONLINE
  • Option 2: Workshop – “Many Paths, One Dharma: Intersections of Identity in Buddhist Recovery” More info
  • Option 3: Group discussion -“Connecting with Karuna: Zen practice for sharing suffering and cultivating compassion”

5:00pm – 7:00pm: Dinner Break

7:00pm – 8:30pm: Saturday Night Activities – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
In person attendees will participate in a talent show – Share your talents with the rest of the Sangha! Write a poem, share a song, do a dance, tell a joke! Let’s have fun!

Online attendees will be streaming the movie Mission Joy

8:30pm-9:30pm: Mindful Movement –SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
End your day by attending a restorative yoga session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.

Sunday July 13 – Sangha (Community Day)
7:45am – 8:45am: Mindful Movement (optional) – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM
Start your day with a mindful movement/yoga session, a walk, or a run. Yoga attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.

9:00am – 9:30am: Opening Statements/Morning Meditation – STREAMED FOR ONLINE
We will begin our programming with opening announcements and a meditation to settle us into the space and prepare for our day.

9:30am-12:00pm: Morning Session, Track Programming #3

• Speaker – Jackson Longan: Sangha in Recovery – STREAMED FOR ONLINE
• Track Programming #3 (1hr 25min) – SEPARATE ONLINE OPTION/PROGRAM

• • Option 1: Group discussion – Getting Involved with RDG and Growing our Global Community (Structure/Regions)
  • Option 2: Group discussion – Starting and Building a Meeting/Health and Finance of Sanghas

Online attendees – during this time online attendees will be offered a session on IFS.

12:00pm – 2:00pm: Lunch Break

2:00pm-5:00pm: Tracking Programming #4, Closing Programming

• Tracking Programming #4
• Option 1: Group discussion- Cultivating Stronger Sanghas – Creating safe spaces, building community inside & outside the meeting STREAMED FOR ONLINE
• Option 2: Group discussion – Wise Friends, Mentors, Inquiry

• Closing Ceremony: Meditation/Soundbath, Closing Reflection, Cord Cutting SEPARATE ONLINE SOUNDBATH, THE REST STREAMED
  We will end our time together with a closing ceremony and cord-cutting circle.

General Information

What is the Recovery Dharma Sangha Summit?
Since the beginning, Recovery Dharma has held an annual Sangha Summit over the summer. While we offer online events throughout the year, this is the one time of year we are able to gather as a Global community, share our experiences, hear each others stories, and deepend our recovery. It is a weekend full of bringing together members, facilitators, teachers, mentors, and friends from all walks of life to share int he joy that is recovery.

Who can attend the summit?
The summit is open to all members of the Recovery Dharma community, regardless of sobriety length. This is for those we are well-acquainted with our program, as well as those who are curious about our program or new to Buddhism/Recovery. Whether you’re new to the practice or have been involved for years, you are welcome!

Registration & Costs

What is included in the cost?
The above price is the cost to attend in person. This includes access to all weekend programming as well as light refreshments throughout the weekend. This does not include food or lodging.

Are there scholarships available?
Yes. However, please be away that the application deadline has passed.  All the scholarships have been awarded.

Travel

What airport should I fly into?
Chicago has two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Both offer convenient transportation options to the city.

Will there be transportation provided to and from the venue?
While transportation is not typically provided, we will share information on public transit, rideshares, and carpooling options.

Lodging

Where should I stay in Chicago?
Please see above information for lodging options. For those that are looking for additional accommodations not listed, we encourage you to research nearby Hostels, Airbnb stays, etc. While these are not options we have contracts with, members in the past have used these options as an affordable way to travel.

I want to stay in a hotel. Do you have a hotel block?
Yes! We have a hotel block at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC for $200/night. See above for booking information.
(Note: Dorm lodging is full please look hotel or make other accommodations elsewhere)

Conference Schedule & Activities

What can I expect at the conference?
 The weekend will include guided meditations, Dharma talks, breakout workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with the global Recovery Dharma community. There will be ample time for self and group reflection, bonding, and sharing space with one another. We also will have fun and entertaining evening activities at night, as well as RD meetings throughout the weekend.

Will there be any virtual options?
We understand not everyone can attend in person, and will announce ways to participate virtually as the Summit approaches.

What should I bring to the conference?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, a journal, a refillable water bottle, and anything you need for meditation (like a cushion or small blanket). We also will be providing daily yoga/movement, so a yoga mat is encouraged, but not necessary (there will be ones to use if you don’t feel like traveling with one).

Please also keep in mind that attendees are responsible for their own food options. Please plan accordingly.

Most importantly, bring an open heart and a willingness to connect!

Accessibility

Will the venue be accessible?
Yes! We are committed to choosing an accessible venue. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know when registering.

~*This is a working section of the website and is subject to updates as questions arise and information changes. If you have additional questions please email info@recoverydharma.org.~*