During the 2014 RTR Suanne Carlson led two sessions for women only. Due to the popularity of these sessions they were continued during the next three RTRs but many women requested more time to connect and explore issues important to them so in 2018 the first WRTR was held for three days after the RTR. The format for the WRTR is slightly different from the RTR focusing on interaction and mentoring with breakout sessions after the seminars. Between 100 to 200 hundred women attended the WRTR and based on their feedback the 2019 WRTR was scheduled before the RTR so that new attendees could meet other women and then feel more comfortable attending the much larger RTR.
As news of the camaraderie, fun, and learning experiences women found at the 2018 WRTR spread across the nomadic community, the WRTR planning committee projected that between 800 and 1,000 women would attend the 2019 WRTR . . . and that became the reality! Each day, women pulled into the WRTR entrance glowing with achievement that they had overcome hurdles, obstacles, setbacks, fears and anxiety to travel, for some, thousands of miles alone for the first time in their lives. They were greeted at the entrance by other women who had volunteered to help set up the event, greet participants, manage the sound system, and provide information and assistance where it was needed. These volunteers arrived at the WRTR site three days early to receive training and do all the tasks involved in setting up the event. Thousands of people learned about the origin and mission of this newly formed nonprofit organization during the WRTR and RTR. Homes On Wheels Alliance Trustees and other dedicated volunteers manned the booth eight hours a day for two weeks to spread the word and take donations.
3 Comments
Bobbie Faulk · February 25, 2020 at 1:14 pm
I’m east coast, resident looking for women’s singles caravan group.
Can you help me fine a group.
Phyllis · March 14, 2020 at 6:00 am
The best way to find where the Women’s Caravans are located is to go to the Meetup app on your phone or laptop. Here is the link: https://www.meetup.com/Caravans/
Create a brief profile for yourself and check out the current caravans. They are only posted about 3 to 5 days in advance. Safe and Happy Travels!
Phyllis · March 14, 2020 at 6:06 am
The exact dates are not set this far in advance because it typically depends on the location availability.
That being said, it traditionally is held in January.
There has been many conversations about having multiple RTRs. You are correct in recognizing the enormous amount of planning and volunteer effort to put the event on. Perhaps multiple events will happen. It would be wonderful if they could be held in different regions of the country.
Hopefully, as we grow and have more resources, we will be able to do this.
Safe and Happy Travels,