The Garrison Institute's Initiatives are built on the premise that contemplative practices are not just passive or theoretical, but active and practical, and when skillfully applied can be pivotal agents of social transformation. We identify some of our society's most intractable problems with the greatest need for contemplative practices leading to transformative solutions. Through our initiatives, the Garrison Institute acts to stimulate and extend research and practical applications of contemplative methods in specific fields of service that benefit society and the environment. Each is led by experts in their fields, collaborating with practitioners, educators, social service providers, policy makers, activists, scientists and scholars to explore the intersection of contemplative methods and engaged action in the world.

Our current Initiatives are Transforming Trauma, Transformational Ecology and Contemplation and Education. Each is staffed by qualified professionals and works with researchers, professionals and other practitioners in these fields. Each initiative is designed to:

• Explore key social and environmental issues in depth and gain insights into what contemplative-based approaches can contribute
• Design and pilot practical methodologies based on these insights, rigorously evaluating results
• Seek new collaborations, partnerships and networking efforts among leaders and practitioners in relevant fields
• Work with partners to achieve scale and track real-world impacts

Integrating contemplative wisdom with evidence-based methodologies for leveraging change in key areas, the Garrison Institute's Program Initiatives aim to contribute in tangible ways to a more just, resilient and compassionate future.