a Self-Care Retreat nterlude : I

What often comes into mind when one thinks of women? Hard-working? Doting? Maybe this reminds you of your own mother that gets a little too involved with your personal life, despite being cooped up in her job? Well, one thing’s for sure, and it’s that the women of Parks 7 certainly fit that description. During a Focus Group Discussion with their community, it was stressed that over the pandemic, these women had to take multiple jobs to make ends meet, while also needing to be a present mother and/or wife in their respective families. This only suggests the very concept of “time poverty”, which often leads to one’s overexertion and almost endless pursuit of labor. Neglecting one’s health and personal life, all for the sake of proper pay should not be encouraged, for such a practice will cause one nothing but harm. With the precious time that the women in our lives pour into fulfilling all these roles all at once, perhaps it would be about time we return the favor.

Thus, 12-Goldstein introduces Interlude: A Self-Care Retreat, a 3-hour program that aims to improve the selfcare habits of the community of women in Park 7 and remind them of the importance of taking breaks and recharging after a day’s worth of hustle. The event will essentially serve as a “day off” from their daily responsibilities as busy working mothers, while also being a means of recognition for their hard work and help to their community and respective families. Included in the schedule are a mix of their interests and self-care beneficial activities to specifically cater to both their wants and needs. Interlude will offer the participants a glimpse into what it would be like to dedicate a day to self-care. They will experience a well-needed break from their work and other responsibilities, which is the main purpose of implementing the said project. It is a means of giving the participants ideas of what they can do for the betterment of their wellbeing. Moreover, it should inspire the participants to maintain self-care in the long run, possibly planning their own self-care days.

Alleviate Time Poverty. Through Interlude, the organizers aim to emphasize the importance of rest and self-care by providing the women of Park 7 with the means to do so. Due to the time poverty they experience from being busy and filled with responsibilities in their daily life, the members aim to maximize the “free time” available to these busy working mothers, making a meaningful, memorable, and educational experience for them.

Shed light on issues. Apart from giving them a moment to relax and enjoy the activities planned throughout the day, the organizers also aim to educate the sector on the subject of gender roles and time poverty, as well as the importance of rest, showing them why this project was created in the first place. Reciprocate the love and care. This project also intends to give back to the women; reciprocating the love and care they give to others. This objective is evident not only in the time we allot and activities we do with them, but it is also apparent in what we provide them after the program (i.e., the self-care package). Provide fruitful lessons and experiences. Since Interlude consists of a series of activities, this can also be a way to introduce them to new hobbies and interests that they can take up to make their experience from Interlude more long-term with the help of the package to inspire the participants to maintain self-care in the long run, possibly planning their own self-care days.

Logistics

They are responsible for the organization of the program. This entails creating a schedule, handling activities, reserving materials from the school, managing the ongoing event itself, tracking materials and progress, as well as delegating tasks. In short, it is their job to ensure that the program flows smoothly.

HumanResources

This committee is tasked to seek out speakers for the plenary talks, as well as internally sourced roles such as hosts and the like. They are also the members who communicate with the participants in case of any queries or concerns regarding the event.