On September 23–in two months exactly–I will arrive in Little Switzerland, North Carolina to join fellow storytellers of color selected by Roots. Wounds. Words. (RWW) for their semi-annual writing retreat. For one week, I will receive space to breath in the joys and challenges of writing, including instruction and fellowship with other writers of color. That is, if I can raise enough money to cover expenses.
Fulfilling a dream of curating my writing to share with the public unfortunately comes at many costs in this capitalistic system. Amidst a world on fire and many in need beyond measure, my ask for financial donations feels… selfish. I am reckoning with the challenges of pursing art in partnership with values-aligned resources, such as RWW. So I ask, if you have the means to do so, please consider joining my fundraiser: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/roots-wounds-words-inc/roots-wounds-words-2024-autumn-writers-retreat-for-storytellers-of-color/rajani-gudlavalleti-1
For years I have dreamt of having the space, energy, time, and honestly the confidence to apply to this fellowship — and here we are, so surreal. Attending the retreat will be deeply meaningful at this point in my life.
Earlier this year I left an organization that was often my everything – Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition. For the past seven years, it was the forum through which I worked towards liberation. When I was sitting in that dream, I was grateful but unfulfilled–and very tired.
Much of the work involved building a confident bravado to appeal to funders and politicians. It became inauthentic. As is the story for social justice leadership, the demands of the work burned me until it no longer felt liberatory.
At this juncture in my life, I want my role in movements to be artistic and more detached from a reliance on capitalist labor. I want to be part of a process towards liberation that is not fueled by anxious urgency but joyful resistance.
This retreat would offer an opportunity to build long-lasting connections with other Brown and Black people who create political literary art. Fellow storytellers who are able and willing to name and hold the vulnerable parts of themselves, particularly with a sense of humility and humor. I hope you can support me in attaining this dream. Thank you.
rajani gudlavalleti 