CLICK HERE to submit your application. Application requires a $30 fee Opens: September 15th, 2024 Application Closes: November 30th, 2024 Acceptance Emails will be sent out on a rolling basis. You apply, we review and send you a response within 7 business days. Upon acceptance you will be required to make a $350 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.

APPLICATION The application fee is $30. Applications are due by November 30th, 2024 (11:59 PM EST). To apply CLICK HERE. ____________________ Application Costs: Deposit: $300 (to be paid upon acceptance, goes towards overall balance) Early Bird: $2500 (applicant must sign up for payment plan by December 31st, 2024) Late Bird: $3000 (Beginning January 1st, 2025) Payment Plans Available: The deposit confirms your spot. The deposit counts towards the overall tuition payment. Balance can be paid in one full payment, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payments. Upon acceptance participants will receive payment plan options via email. Any questions please email Mariela@dominicanwriters.com ____________________ PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR: Tuition payment Flights Participants are responsible for booking their flights as soon as possible for arrival to STI or POP Airports as they are the nearest to the lodging. ____________________ TUITION CANCELLATION POLICY: The $300 deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances. 100% Refund: If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a full refund of the tuition payment, excluding the non-refundable deposit. This allows the organization enough time to fill the spot and make adjustments. 50% Refund: If you cancel between 60 and 89 days prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a 50% refund of the tuition payment, excluding the non-refundable deposit. This partial refund reflects the increased difficulty in finding a replacement. No Refund: If you cancel 59 days or less prior to the start of the retreat, no refund will be provided. Exceptions: In the event of a medical emergency, a full refund will be issued if a doctor's note is provided. If the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, all participants will be issued a full refund. Please note: All cancellations must be made by email to mariela@dominicanwriters.com. Cancellations made by text or phone will not be accepted. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of the cancellation date.

We offer cultural representation, a holistic approach to writing, Diversity of Workshop Themes with instructors from the island and abroad, an emphasis on Healing and Community, and Commitment to Cultural Enrichment. The experience with El Retorno was created to give writers an experience in connecting with the land, people and culture in our homeland. Everything curated is meant to provide a refreshing perspective on your writing journey while being in community with writers you can identify with. We also offer a unique approach to the workshops that writers have been unable to express in words. #Youjusthadtobethere.

Writers of Dominican descent, organizers, activists, and movement workers who are interested in the intersection of writing and social justice organizing/movement building in Dominican Republic. We will be prioritizing people located in the Northeast, to facilitate local relationship building.

The Dominican diaspora encompasses a rich tapestry of diverse experiences and identities! During the retreat, we create inclusive spaces that honor and celebrate the various connections individuals have to their heritage. Through a range of activities, discussions, and classes, we embrace and accommodate the multifaceted ways people relate to their Dominican roots.

Writers who will be attending retreat will receive the full agenda... Daily writing workshops taught by faculty in English & Spanish Transnational conversations on the state of publishing in Dominican Republic Discussions on the past, present, and future of the interplay between arts and organizing Presentations of participant work, including an open mic, and a public reading by faculty Collaborative and solo writing sessions Free time and fun activities, including swimming, hiking, yoga, tours of local national monuments, live musical acts and more!

The retreat includes generative writing workshops and dedicated individual writing sessions. Additionally, the schedule reserves specific optional times designed intentionally for writing, beyond what you'll create during the workshops.

The classes and various writing activities are conducted in English, Spanish, and Spanglish. During our Summer 2023 retreat, individuals who didn't speak Spanish were still able to participate, engage in class and learn alongside fellow writers. Some basic Spanish skills will be helpful.

Dominican Writers Association, along with its staff, collaborators, faculty, and vendors, prioritize the safety of everyone involved. To ensure this, we strongly emphasize the importance of cooperation and adherence to guidelines and policies, especially when venturing outside the Villa. The selection of the Cabarete/Sosua area was deliberate due to its reputation for safety, and DWA takes extensive measures to maintain a secure environment. Our previous retreat in this location reported zero incidents. Moreover, the Villa is situated within a gated community, where residents and visitors alike adhere to additional security measures. While acknowledging the unpredictability of any location, we are committed to doing everything possible to safeguard everyone from potential harm.

In efforts to document the retreat and provide everyone with photos and videos we do heavily film and photograph activities. To ensure transparency, we provide a photo and media release to all participants. If you prefer not to be photographed, we're more than willing to accommodate your request, ensuring your comfort during the event.

Scholarships are available on a limited basis for those who demonstrate significant financial need. If you are passionate about attending the retreat but are facing financial difficulties, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. To be considered, please email mariela@dominicanwriters.com with a detailed description of your financial situation and your reasons for wanting to attend the retreat. The program committee will carefully review your request and consider your application. In addition to scholarships, we offer multiple payment plan options to accommodate different financial situations. These plans are designed to make it easier for approved applicants to manage the cost of attendance over time. If your application is approved, you will receive detailed information about the available payment plans and how to select the one that best suits your needs.

For more information email us at Mariela@dominicanwriters.com

TUITION CANCELLATION POLICY: The $300 deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances. 100% Refund: If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a full refund of the tuition payment, excluding the non-refundable deposit. This allows the organization enough time to fill the spot and make adjustments. 50% Refund: If you cancel between 60 and 89 days prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a 50% refund of the tuition payment, excluding the non-refundable deposit. This partial refund reflects the increased difficulty in finding a replacement. No Refund: If you cancel 59 days or less prior to the start of the retreat, no refund will be provided. Exceptions: In the event of a medical emergency, a full refund will be issued if a doctor's note is provided. If the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, all participants will be issued a full refund. Please note: All cancellations must be made by email to mariela@dominicanwriters.com. Cancellations made by text or phone will not be accepted. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of the cancellation date.