NOTE: Registration is a two-step process for those that want a private room. First, select your event ticket (commuter, residential, or camping) and the program fee will be added. If you’d like upgraded lodging (a private room instead of the dorm or cabin included with the basic on-site event price), you will then be directed to our Cloudbeds to complete your accommodation selection. All rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have mobility concerns and need assistance finding an accessible room, please contact our front desk.
camping: $430.00 Commuting: $385.00 Residential: $580.00
cancellation policy
With one week or more notice of cancellation, we can refund any payments made less a $50 cancellation fee.
With less than one week‘s notice of cancellation, we can refund any payments made less a $150 cancellation fee.
With less than 24 hours’ notice of cancellation or non-attendance, we can refund any payments made less $250 or the Conference Admission Fee, whichever is greater.
POZitive Impact
A Retreat for Men Living with or Deeply Affected by HIV
May 22-25, 2025
ABOUT THE RETREAT
In 1985, as the HIV/AIDS crisis was terrorizing gay communities across the nation, The Rowe Center took the bold step of opening its doors and creating a public weekend for men who love men. Nearly four decades later, a great deal has changed. HIV, for many men, is no longer a death sentence but a manageable, chronic condition.
Nonetheless, these past four decades have been brutal for many long-term survivors of HIV and their loved ones. Some, regardless of status, lost lovers, close friends, or entire circles. Some feared impending death and mourned a future that might never come to pass. Some went back into the closet, sexually or otherwise.
For as much as the disease has changed, many of the issues men struggle with have not: issues of disclosure, medical care, and fears both well-founded and imaginary. These issues seem to have equal impact on men regardless of the date of their seroconversion.
Like soldiers returning from war, many tried to wipe these things from memory, to simply “move on”, to try to get past the past. But the scars of battle do not pass so easily.
So with the support of the Rowe Center, we return four decades later to offer, a weekend for those impacted by HIV which we hope will be transformative, encouraging, and healing.
What You’ll Explore
Participants will be able to explore many of the common experiences survivors share, including:
Why me? How did I let this happen?
Addressing issues of guilt, blame, and shame.Why not me?
Exploring “survivor’s guilt”.Complex issues around disclosure, dating, serodiscordant relationships
Medical and practical issues for long-term survivors
Including the effects of medications and other health concerns.Questions of meaning-making, faith, and fate
Addressing betrayal and abandonment.
Why did this happen? Where is God/higher power/natural order?Opportunities to build community
Through small and large group discussion, topical workshops, movement, and ritual.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
We strive to create an environment where men make authentic connections, with each other and with themselves. We ask folks to refrain from using drugs recreationally. However, if you do use a substance medically to allow you to be more fully functional, please do so mindfully for yourself and privately for your brothers who may be in recovery.
Enrollment will be limited to 45, with explicit agreements for confidentiality and safety of participants.
Support the PoZitive Impact Financial Assistance Fund
Help make this retreat accessible to those who may not have the means to attend. Your donation will enable men living with or deeply affected by HIV to participate in this important weekend.
Tour UU Rowe Camp & Conference Center
mEET YOUR co-dIRECTORS!
Bill Chisholm has been teaching yoga and stress management for 30 years. He is certified in Kripalu Yoga and completed Herbert Benson’s Mind/Medicine course through Harvard. He has also done extensive study and practice in vinyasa, Iyengar, and PNF yoga. He is the former founder of Cape Ann Yoga Center and has taught stress management and yoga at the Marino Health Center in Cambridge and several other medical facilities in the Boston Area. He is a fine art oil painter exhibiting throughout New England and a passionate student of both cello and duduk.
JIM PETOSA (co-facilitator) is Professor Emeritus at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, where he directed the School of Theatre (2002-2019) and taught through 2023. He served as artistic director of New Repertory Theatre (2012-2018), Boston Center for American Performance (2009-2019), and Olney Theatre Center in the DC area. He is co-artistic director of Potomac Theatre Project/PTP/NYC (1987-present).
A member of Actor’s Equity and the Society of Directors and Choreographers, Petosa is a current board member and past president of Becket Arts Center, chair of Quincy’s LGBTQ+ Commission, and has served on the Board of Governors at United First Parish Church in Quincy, MA.