WELCOME TO

Restoration. Reflection. Recognition.

In these extraordinary times, activists are all around us — putting energy, wisdom, heart and soul into changing the world. There are many themes in social justice today and the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) is dedicated to changing the way the world views aging. We know that activism can be exhausting, thankless, and deeply meaningful work. So we are delighted to announce our 2021 Activist in Residence (AIR) program.

The AIR program is meant to nurture, and to note, those who are in this conversation about aging with us, through dedication and service to their communities and beyond. By providing a healing environment to restore and reflect, and an opportunity to amplify their voices, projects, and organizations via our expansive network, the AIR program is designed to recognize these activists and to introduce their work and wisdom to the global MEA community. 

Restoration. Reflection. Recognition.

In these extraordinary times, activists are all around us. There are many themes in social justice today and the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) is dedicated to changing the way the world views aging. We are delighted to announce our 2021 Activist in Residence (AIR) program that will nurture, and note, activists who are in this conversation about aging with us. The AIR award is an all-inclusive 2-week stay at MEA, and the opportunity to amplify AIR recipients’ work to our global community.

Surviving + Thriving in the Time of COVID

MEA is the first-of-its-kind midlife wisdom school leading the conversation on transformative aging, intergenerational collaboration, and “long life learning.” Due to the pandemic, we had to postpone our weekly intensive academic programs and scholarships for the 2020-21 season. We are still providing meaningful MEA experiences with our Sabbatical Sessions, which allow us to continue serving our guests, our staff, and our local community. And our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion continues with AIR as we honor and support those who are doing the hard work of activism in their communities. So we are grateful to the Association for Growth and Education (AGE) for a generous grant that will fund the first year of the program. This grant empowers us to share MEA with eight activists during Sabbatical Sessions.

Surviving + Thriving in the Time of COVID

MEA is the first-of-its-kind midlife wisdom school leading the conversation on transformative aging, intergenerational collaboration, and “long life learning.” Due to the pandemic, we had to postpone our weekly intensive academic programs and scholarships for the 2020-21 season. We are still providing meaningful MEA experiences with our Sabbatical Sessions, which allow us to continue serving our guests, our staff, and our local community.

And our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion continues with AIR as we honor and support those who are doing the hard work of activism in their communities. So we are grateful to the Association for Growth and Education (AGE) for a generous grant that will fund the first year of the program. This grant empowers us to share MEA with eight activists during Sabbatical Sessions.

Surviving + Thriving in the Time of COVID

Located in Baja California Sur, Mexico, MEA is the first-of-its-kind midlife wisdom school. Due to the pandemic, we postponed our 2020-21 academic cohorts and scholarships. We’re now offering Sabbatical Sessions — a safe, open-air community experience with lighter educational programming — that allow us to continue to serve guests and keep our staff and their families thriving. We’re still committed to making MEA available to those who could not attend on their own. So, with a grant from the Association for Growth and Education (AGE), we are launching the AIR program, honoring eight activists during our 2021 Sabbatical Sessions.

NPS TICKER

Get it now

AIR Program Details

A typical week at
Sabbatical Sessions.

The Activist in Residence Program will provide eight recipients with an all-inclusive 2-week stay at MEA’s oceanfront campus in 2021. Learn more about eligibility, award details, candidate profiles, and the application process below.

The AIR program is for those who can demonstrate a commitment to community service and to challenging ageism and related social issues. Applicants should meet the following criteria.

1
Room & Board
21 or older
Speak English
Submit a personal statement
Meet financial status requirements
Provide (2) references related to activism
Currently engaged in activism toward social change
In good health and able to travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico
Willing to share social cause and activism with the MEA community
1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

The AIR program offers a respite for body, mind, and spirit with expanded awareness of your cause and your work. The award offers the benefits of an MEA Residency and Activism Platform.

1
Room & Board

MEA Residency: Two-week all-inclusive stay at MEA’s oceanfront campus

$1000 stipend (for airfare and other expenses)
Private ground transport from/to the Los Cabos airport
King suite room accommodation
All meals, snacks and beverages
Educational programming
Yoga, Meditation, Massage
1
Room & Board
1
Room & Board

MEA Platform: Activism amplified via our global community + networks

Private session with MEA co-founders
Wisdom Well guest blog post
Culture + Community Interview
Facebook Group/Facebook Live
Story shared on MEA website
1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

With their work focused on Ageism, AIR activists can be defined as artists, community organizers, volunteers, advocates, entrepreneurs, and educators committed to social change.

You need not be an academic, or formally attached to an organization. Starting grass roots projects, serving people hit hard by COVID and other disasters, or working with young people to help them understand the wisdom of older generations...it all counts. Successful applicants will demonstrate relevant community service, organizing, research, movement building, or related work experience, and an interest in responding to the needs of underserved communities, with ageism as a key focus (we understand that age and other social needs often go hand in hand).

1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

The AIR program will take place between May - November, 2021. Scroll down to apply or you can nominate an activist in your community.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by March 1, 2021.

Recipient Announcement

We will contact awardees via email and phone no later than April 1, 2021. Award recipients must respond and accept within one week of notification or the award will be offered to another applicant.

1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

Schedule

The AIR program is for those who can demonstrate a commitment to community service and to challenging ageism and related social issues. Applicants should meet the following criteria.

1
Room & Board
21 or older
Speak English
Submit a personal statement
Meet financial status requirements
Provide (2) references related to activism
Currently engaged in activism toward social change
In good health and able to travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico
Willing to share social cause and activism with the MEA community
1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

AIR offers a respite for body, mind, and spirit with expanded awareness of your cause and your work.

1
Room & Board

MEA Residency: Two-week all-inclusive stay at MEA’s oceanfront campus

$1000 stipend (for airfare and other expenses)
Private ground transport from/to the Los Cabos airport
King suite room accommodation
All meals, snacks and beverages
Educational programming
Yoga, Meditation, Massage
1
Room & Board
1
Room & Board

MEA Platform: Activism amplified via our global community + networks

Private session with MEA co-founders
Wisdom Well guest blog post
Culture + Community Interview
Facebook Group/Facebook Live
Story shared on MEA website
1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

With their work focused on Ageism, AIR activists can be defined as artists, community organizers, volunteers, advocates, entrepreneurs, and educators committed to social change.

You need not be an academic, or formally attached to an organization. Starting grass roots projects, serving people hit hard by COVID and other disasters, or working with young people to help them understand the wisdom of older generations...it all counts. Successful applicants will demonstrate relevant community service, organizing, research, movement building, or related work experience, and an interest in responding to the needs of underserved communities, with ageism as a key focus (we understand that age and other social needs often go hand in hand).

1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

1
Room & Board
Deluxe accommodation
3 gourmet meals per day, largely organic / locally sourced
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options
Self serve snacks / beverages, including Baja Beans coffee
Adult beverages at dinner
COVID enhanced in-room housekeeping 2x weekly
Access to free laundry facilities
2
Public Spaces*
2 pools, 2 hot tubs
Steam room, art studio, organic garden
Multiple fire pits, ample outdoor spaces
Beachfront silent contemplation park
French door flanked, well ventilated, multi purpose meeting room/yoga studio
MEA Resource library, curated by Chip with catalyzing questions
*constantly cleaned with COVID protocol enhanced procedures
3
Programming Options
Weekly Mastery Hours
6 hours weekly optional structured conversations
3 hours with various luminary guest faculty when in-house
Infrastructure
IT support
Wifi throughout campus
4
Activities
Guided hikes
In-house meditation
Trek mountain bikes
Suggested excursions
Community service opportunities
5
Available at extra cost*
MTB tours
Shamanic sessions/cleansing
Day and multi day nature excursions
Massage and Reiki in our enhanced COVID-cleaned massage studios
Lessons: surf, Spanish, yoga, pilates, cocktails, cooking, beach fit
Qualified network of therapists and counselors in immediate neighborhood
*with our network of vetted providers
This paragraph can be used as a brief blurb or can also be used to make note of extra, paid activities that guests can take advanateg of upon request.
This paragraph can be used as a brief blurb or can also be used to make note of extra, paid activities that guests can take advanateg of upon request.
Room & Board
Deluxe accommodation
3 gourmet meals per day,
largely organic / locally sourced
Veg, gluten-free, vegan options
Self serve snacks / beverages,
including Baja Beans coffee
Adult beverages at dinner
COVID enhanced in-room
housekeeping 2x weekly
Access to free laundry facilities
Public Spaces*
2 pools, 2 hot tubs, steam room
Art studio, organic garden
Fire pits, ample outdoor spaces
Beachfront silent park
Well ventilated, multi purpose meeting room/yoga studio
MEA library, curated by Chip
*constantly cleaned with COVID protocol enhanced procedures
Programming Options
Weekly Mastery Hours
6 hours weekly optional structured conversations
3 hours with various luminary guest faculty when in-house
Infrastructure
IT support
Wifi throughout campus
Infrastructure
IT support
Wifi throughout campus
Activities
Guided hikes
In-house meditation
Trek mountain bikes
Suggested excursions
Community service opportunities
Available at extra cost
MTB tours
Shamanic sessions/cleansing
Nature excursions
Massage and Reiki in COVID-cleaned massage studios
Lessons: surf, Spanish, yoga, pilates, cocktails, cooking, etc.
Qualified network of therapists and counselors
*you’ll have access to our network of trusted providers

The AIR program will take place between May - November, 2021. Scroll down to apply or you can nominate an activist in your community.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by Marc 1, 2021.

Recipient Announcement

We will contact awardees via email and phone no later than April 1, 2021. Award recipients must respond and accept within one week of notification or the award will be offered to another applicant.

1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

Being wise in a time of need.

MEA’s beachfront campus was designed by a team led by Oren Bronstein, founder Chip Conley’s longtime design collaborator. We have four guest areas with multiple kitchens, pools, spas, steam rooms, yoga and art studios, meditation park, organic garden, and lots of cozy seating nooks for personal or shared time.

Schedule

The AIR program is for those who can demonstrate a commitment to community service and to challenging ageism and related social issues. Applicants should meet the following criteria.

1
Room & Board
21 or older
Speak English
Submit a
personal statement
Meet financial
status requirements
Provide (2) references
related to activism
1
Room & Board
Currently engaged in
activism toward social change
In good health and able to travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico
Willing to share social cause and activism with the MEA community
1
Room & Board
1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

AIR offers a respite for body, mind, and spirit with expanded awareness of your cause and your work. The award offers the benefits of an MEA Residency and Activism Platform.

1
Room & Board

MEA Residency: Two-week all-inclusive stay at MEA’s oceanfront campus

$1000 stipend (for airfare and other expenses)
Private ground transport from/to the Los Cabos airport
King suite room accommodation
All meals, snacks,
and beverages
Educational programming
Yoga, Meditation, Massage
1
Room & Board
1
Room & Board

MEA Platform: Activism amplified via our global community + networks

Private session with MEA co-founders
Wisdom Well guest
blog post
Culture + Community Interview
Facebook Group/Facebook Live
Story shared on MEA website
Yoga, Meditation, Massage
1
Room & Board

Being wise in a time of need.

With their work focused on Ageism, AIR activists can be defined as artists, community organizers, volunteers, advocates, entrepreneurs, and educators committed to social change.

You need not officially work for an organization to apply. Activism in a formal group, grass roots project or individual volunteerism...it all counts. Successful applicants will demonstrate relevant community service, organizing, research, movement building, or related work experience, and an interest in responding to the needs of underserved communities, with ageism as a key focus (we understand that age and other social needs often go hand in hand).

The AIR program will take place between May - November, 2021. Scroll down to apply or you can nominate an activist in your community.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by March 1, 2021.

Recipient Announcement

We will contact awardees via email and phone no later than April 1, 2021. Award recipients must respond and accept within one week of notification or the award will be offered to another applicant.

1
Room & Board

Calling All Activists

Devoted to fighting ageism in these extraordinary times? You deserve a break. And a spotlight on your hard work. We invite you to apply for an AIR residency at our campus. To restore. To reflect. And to be recognized for your service. Apply yourself or nominate someone. Application deadline is March 1, 2021.

2021 Applications Closed
2021 Applications ClosedApply

NPS TICKER

Get it now

Questions?

See our Activist in Residence program FAQ below. For questions related to MEA’s Sabbatical Sessions, COVID precautions, and booking/travel, please click here.
See our Activist in Residence program FAQ below. For questions related to MEA’s Sabbatical Sessions,
COVID precautions, and booking/travel, please click here.
See our Activist in Residence program FAQ below. For questions related to MEA’s Sabbatical Sessions,
COVID precautions, and booking/travel, please click here.

Being wise in a time of need.

What is the AIR award?

$1000 travel stipend, 2-week all inclusive stay at MEA’s campus, and amplification of activism work. Click here for complete AIR program details.

What is the activism focus?

Ageism and related social issues. We understand that age and other causes often go hand in hand. Click here for complete AIR program details.

May I apply as a previous MEA scholarship recipient?

All may apply. First consideration will be given to applicants who have not received MEA scholarships.

May I nominate someone else?

Yes, please! We want to hear about activists far and wide. Click here to nominate someone.

How is AIR funded?

The program is made possible by a generous grant from the Association for Growth and Education (AGE). Click here to learn more about AGE.

Being wise in a time of need.

How many AIR awards will be granted?

Eight people will receive AIR awards in 2021.

When does the AIR program take place?

Between May - November 2021

What is the deadline to apply?

Monday, March 1, 2021

When and how will you notify AIR recipients?

We will contact awardees via email and phone no later than April 1, 2021. Award recipients must respond and accept within one week of notification or the award will be offered to another applicant.

Being wise in a time of need.

What is the AIR award?

$1000 travel stipend, 2-week all inclusive stay at MEA’s campus, and amplification of activism work. Click here for complete AIR program details.

What is the activism focus?

Ageism and related social issues. We understand that age and other causes often go hand in hand. Click here for complete AIR program details.

May I apply as a previous MEA scholarship recipient?

All may apply. First consideration will be given to applicants who have not received MEA scholarships.

May I nominate someone else?

Yes, please! We want to hear about activists far and wide. Click here to nominate someone.

How is AIR funded?

The program is made possible by a generous grant from the Association for Growth and Education (AGE). Click here to learn more about AGE.

How many AIR awards will be granted?

Eight people will receive AIR awards in 2021.

When does the AIR program take place?

Between May - November 2021

What is the deadline to apply?

Sunday, January 31, 2021

When and how will you notify AIR recipients?

We will contact awardees via email and phone no later than February 28, 2021. Award recipients must respond and accept within one week of notification or the award will be offered to another applicant.

Being wise in a time of need.