A day to reset, connect, and strengthen our work together.

SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, November 13, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Columbia, MO

The Advocates’ Retreat is back—and we’re inviting advocates across Missouri to come together for a full day of connection, learning, and skill-building.

This year’s gathering will bring together changemakers from all corners of the state to:

• Swap tools, stories, and strategies that strengthen our work.
• Build trust and momentum across issue areas.
• Reflect on what it means to advocate for health and justice today—and where we go from here.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or have been at it for decades, this day is for you.

Save the date and make plans to join us in Columbia.

We understand that there can be barriers to attending in-person events. Limited travel assistance is available for attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you need assistance, please indicate this when filling out the registration form. We are hoping to receive all assistance requests no later than Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

More details—including the agenda, speakers, and breakout sessions—will be shared as the event gets closer.

Have questions? Contact us at advocacy@mffh.org, a shared mailbox monitored by Health Advocacy Strategists Rachel Rimmerman and Chase Shiftlet.

Past year’s retreat agendas
2024 retreat program
2023 retreat program
2022 retreat program

About the Retreat:
The Advocates’ Retreat, launched in 2003, is an annual gathering designed to strengthen Missouri’s health advocacy community. Its core purpose has remained steady over the years: to build a more connected, skilled, and informed network of health advocates across the state. The retreat offers time and space for advocates to share experiences, build relationships, and collaborate on pressing health policy issues. Over time, it has expanded to include educational sessions, hands-on skill-building workshops, restorative offerings, and expert-led discussions—all aimed at increasing the impact of advocacy efforts in a rapidly shifting landscape. Participants leave with stronger connections they can call on for support and collaboration, new knowledge to better serve their communities, and practical tools to enhance their advocacy strategies. The long-term goal is to grow and sustain a resilient, statewide network of advocates—one that evolves as new leaders emerge and seasoned advocates step back, but remains grounded in collective action and shared purpose.