Weav Newsletter (7/29/2025)

Written By Mel Peterson

Hello dear ones!

We hope you and your loved ones are finding moments of joy and taking good care of one another amidst all that’s unfolding in our world.

We're excited to share the first edition of our tri-annual newsletter (that’s three times a year!). In each issue, we’ll highlight professional development opportunities, share updates and reflections from Weav Studio, and occasionally spotlight the incredible work of our clients and collaborators.

In this inaugural issue, we’re offering just a few updates and an opportunity we hope you’ll help us spread far and wide.

With love and gratitude,
Mel & Erika

Low Bono Retreat Opportunity

Weav Studio is offering a low bono retreat design and facilitation opportunity for one nonprofit navigating challenges due to loss of federal funding. For only the cost of travel (facilitator transportation and lodging) the selected organization will receive a one or two-day in person retreat.

Applications due August 25, 2025

WHY WE ARE DOING THIS

Nonprofit organizations are navigating deep uncertainty, burnout, and the threat of funding loss under a violent and aggressive political climate. This administration is actively dismantling what little social safety net remains in the United States, targeting groups that support immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, Indigenous communities, and communities of color. 

In the midst of this turmoil, many organizations are struggling to find clarity and alignment on who they are, what they’re working toward, and how to maintain the trust and collaboration needed to make bold, strategic decisions. They're asking:

  • Should we stay the course or pivot?

  • Are our relationships strong enough to carry us through this?

  • What happens if our funding disappears overnight?

These are enormous questions. And in these times, marked by unpredictability, fear, and constant urgency, it can feel impossible to pause, reconnect, and plan. But if we don’t, we risk burning out ourselves and our movements.

We want to help create space for reflection, connection, and strategy because now more than ever, it matters.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Staff size: 4 - 20

  • Annual budget: $2 million or less

  • Facing or anticipating funding instability

  • Based in the U.S.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We’re prioritizing groups being targeted by the administration, especially queer, immigrant, or BIPOC-led, grassroots, and justice-oriented organizations.

  • Severity of federal funding loss

  • Collaboration and relationships with impacted communities

  • Organizational capacity to participate in the retreat design process

  • Ability for the group to cooperate in a retreat space

HOW TO APPLY

To read through the full opportunity details and application instructions, please navigate to our website here.

Weav Studio Updates

OUR NEW WEBSITE

After seven years of Weav Studio, we’ve finally refreshed our brand! A big thank you to everyone who shared feedback and offered testimonials—we’re deeply grateful for the relationships we've built and the incredible organizations we've had the privilege to work with over the years.

Our collaborations have shaped and sharpened our own identity, values, and the ways we show up to support our clients. As we continue this work together, we look forward to growing and evolving alongside you.

PERSONAL UPDATES

Some of you may have heard Erika mention their not-so-secret life as a latin-pop musician. Their band Katiria & The Villanas recently released a new music video which Mel described as, “It makes Erika look way more cool than they actually are.” Their band will be performing throughout the summer bringing much needed reggaeton, merengue, and latin pop joy to the world.

It finally happened. Mel has shed their Brooklyn identity for the New Jersey suburban lifestyle. Erika has described this decision as “It makes Mel seem way less cool than they actually are.” Mel has leaned into their nerd persona, having joined a dungeons and dragons campaign at the local comic book shop. Mel’s kiddo, River, turned two in May (can you believe it?) and is living her best life wreaking havoc and bringing joy wherever she goes.

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COACHING

In 2024, Erika became a certified coach specializing in healing justice and liberation. Since then, they have expanded their individual coaching practice. While some of you may have partnered with Erika for support in facilitative leadership, equitable management, or general professional development, they are now also working with coaching partners seeking deeper alignment between their purpose, values, and aspirations both in their work and personal relationships. Erika is also offering more focused support for team members working through conflict together in both individual and group sessions. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching, feel free to sign up for a free consultation with Erika here.

Mel Peterson