Join a cohort of Franciscan-hearted young adults from across the country
for a week-long intensive immersion experience in eco-justice and faithful reflection.
February 28 – March 7, 2026
Baltimore, Maryland
Program Description:
The Franciscan Action Network recognizes the need to train and equip young adults to play a central role in the Franciscan-hearted movements for justice, peace, and democracy. To complement our annual Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. each October, FAN is offering a March 2026 immersion experience in environmental justice to Baltimore, Maryland.
Baltimore was declared the “dirtiest city in America,” yet the city is innovating in areas of environmental restoration and justice, racial justice, violence interruption, and social service provision to migrants and the poor. Come and see! Reflect and learn! Take action for a better, more just world!
“Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters;
what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice
through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated.”
Pope Francis, Sixth World Day of the Poor, Nov 2022
Retreat House:
32 bunks!
Reflection time!
Timeline:
- December 2025: students apply to campus office (see sample application)
- January 2026: campus submits group registration and fee of $100/participant (students and staff)
- February 2026: National Zoom preparation sessions
- February 28 – March 7 2026: Eco-Justice Immersion Trip (transportation to and from Baltimore provided by campus)
- April & May 2026: National Zoom follow-up sessions
- September 2026 – May 2027: Implement Campus Action Plans & Zoom Sessions
- December 2026: Student applications to campus office for March 2027 Spring Break Trip
Campus Resources:
More Information:
Role of Sponsoring Campus Office
Franciscan Campus Ministries, Colleges, and Universities:
- identify student leaders and assist with campus applications
- provide transportation & small fee of $100/participant (student and/or faculty)
- support student leaders with developing and implementing campus action plans
Student Leaders:
- have fun and learn alot
- deepen your understanding and appreciation of Franciscan spirituality, integral ecology, and eno-justice
- form relationships nationally with other student leaders in your cohort
- return to campus informed, trained, and eager to act for justice
- implement your campus action plan and report learnings to your cohort and to FAN
- small grants will be provide to each campus to assist with implementation of campus action plans
Timeline
- December 2025: students apply to campus office (see sample application)
- January 2026: campus submits group registration and fee of $100/participant (faculty and staff)
- February 2026: National Zoom preparation sessions
- February 28 – March 7, 2026: Eco-Justice Immersion Trip
- April & May 2026: National Zoom follow-up sessions
- Sept. 2026 – May 2027: Implement Campus Action Plans & Zoom Sessions
- December 2026: Student applications to campus office for March 2027 Spring Break Trip
Cost
The Franciscan Action Network is delighted to heavily subsidize the cost of this experience for students and staff. The cost of participation is $100/per person which covers all lodging, meals, and local transportation in Baltimore. Please note that transportation to and from Baltimore will be the responsibility of the host college, university, or campus ministry.
Applications and Group Registration
Sample Schedule
Schedule will continue to evolve as FAN confirms with site partners through February 2026.
Winter: National Zoom Sessions to prepare for immersion trip
DAY 1 (Sun.): Arrival, Introductions, & Service
1pm: Arrival, Introductions, and Warm-Ups
Service: Franciscan Center
DAY 2 (Mon.): Planet & Integral Ecology (Day 1)
Site Visits: Filbert Garden, Little Portion Farm, Masonville Cove
Speakers: Environmental Justice
DAY 3 (Tues.): Planet & Integral Ecology (Day 2)
Site Visits: Filbert Garden, Little Portion Farm, Masonville Cove
Speakers: Zero Waste, South Baltimore Community Land Trust
DAY 4 (Wed.): Peace & Violence Interruption
Site Visits: Archdiocesan Grief Ministry, ROCA, and Safe Streets
Speaker: Nonviolence and the Christian tradition
DAY 5 (Thurs.): Global Migration
Site Visits: Esperanza and Immigration Outreach Service Center
Speakers: Immigration Lawyer (local); Franciscans Intl (global migration)
DAY 6 (Fri.): What’s next? & Campus Action Plans
Morning Nature Hike
Training: BUILD Training in Power
Site Visit: Annapolis, MD state capital, to conduct legislative visits
Group Planing: Campus Action Plans & Franciscan Justice Circles
DAY 7 (Sat.): Departure
Breakfast & Evaluations
10am: Closing Liturgy & Commissioning
Summer/ Fall 2026: National Zoom Sessions to continue to craft Campus Action Plans
Service and Immersion Sites
Service and immersion sites will continue to evolve as FAN confirms with partners through February 2026. Possible partners include:
- BUILD, community organizing and power (here)
- Catholic Relief Services, global climate migration (here)
- Esperanza, Catholic Charities, welcoming immigrants (here)
- Filbert Street Garden, urban gardening and education (here)
- Franciscan Center of Baltimore, economic justice (here)
- Grief Ministry, Archdiocese of Baltimore, violence and pastoral care (here)
- Little Portion Farm, sustainable farming, the environment and faith (here)
- Masonville Cove Partnership, urban environmental restoration (here)
- Mr. Trash Wheel (here)
- Safe Streets, Catholic Charities, violence interruption (here)
- South Baltimore Community Land Trust, community-led organization (here)
For questions, please contact Nora Collins (ncollins@franciscanaction.org).
Thank you to our generous sponsors.
