• Plan it ahead of time (some groups reserve their dates a year in advance)

• The most successful retreat generally has:

1. A retreat leader (i.e., a chairperson, minister or facilitator).
2. A group of people from the organizing community, congregation or sangha, that supports the leader by being in charge of particular activities/tasks.
3. A daily program, with the details of the activities to be carried out, along with their aims and times. We advice you to keep the program simple; at the same time allow for some flexibility.
4. Advertise your retreat within your community or Sangha, at least 3 months in advance.

• Take into account the special needs of the people that may attend your retreat (adults, children, families, elderly people, etc.), as well as their numbers.

• Establish the duration and the particular dates of your retreat. Consider the specific weather conditions of the time of the year when it will take place.

• Clarify your aims