Conscious Change Collective: Conversations of Meaning Virtual Forum
September 25 & 26
The Garrison Institute’s Spirituality & Social Change program is helping to build a generative field at the intersection of contemplative practice, spirituality, and social change. We are convening a growing network of organizations rooted in the belief that inner work fuels more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable action in the world.
Field Co-Creators and Senior Advisors of the program have collaborated to design a social systems map—a living resource that brings visibility and connection to this diverse field. Together, this community and map form the Conscious Change Collective.
Conversations of Meaning
On September 25 and 26, we are offering a series of curated online gatherings to explore the wisdom emerging from this map. Each session will:
- center on a core inquiry
- draw from the growing Collective dataset
- gather practitioners from across the field
- engage a contemplative process of shared sense-making
These conversations are designed to surface patterns, highlight shared values, and identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration.
Our purpose is simple: to create a container for learning, connection, and collective insight—so that together, we can amplify the impact of contemplative practice in advancing social change.
In January, we will convene at the Garrison Institute to share what emerges from these dialogues, weaving together the voices, insights, and commitments of the field.
Participation in the virtual sessions is free of charge.
For questions, contact: SpiritualitySocialChange@garrisoninstitute.org
Please browse the sessions below to learn more and register to receive preparation materials and Zoom access.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Session 1: What Values, Aims, and Assumptions are at the Heart of the Systems We Inhabit?
10:00-11:45 am ET
Hosts: Matt Hawkins and Eddie Harris, Co-Founders, commonplace
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Session 2: What Common Language Do Faith-Based and Spirituality-Grounded Organizations Use to Drive a Sense of Belonging and a Common Social-Purpose Mission?
1:30-3:00pm ET
Hosts: Rabbi Nate DeGroot, Director, The Shalom Center and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Executive Director, Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice
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Session 3: How Are Logics of Oppression in the Way of Our Personal and Collective Belonging and How Do We Move Towards Healing Together?
2:00-4:00pm ET
Hosts: Ames Paulson, Co-Founder & CEO, Healing Together and Kerri Kelly, Founder, CTZNWELL
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Session 4: Drawing from New And Ancient Wisdom: What Is Indigenous Mindfulness and Neurodecolonization and How Might It Contribute to Social Change?
4:30-6:00pm ET
Hosts: Mac Hall, Founder Project Venture and Michael Yellow Bird, Professor at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Session 5: Practicing New Worlds: How Do We Get to Action?
11:00am – 12:30pm ET
Hosts: Kerri Kelly, Founder, CTZNWELL, Rabbi Nate DeGroot, Director, The Shalom Center, and Eddie Harris, Co-Founder, commonplace
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Session 6: What Can We Learn from Inner Work as Collective Work?
12:30-2:00pm ET
Hosts: Stas Schmiedt & Leander Roth, Co-Founders, Spring Up and Radha Ruparell, Head of Global Leadership Accelerator, Teach for All
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Session 7: In What Ways do Breath-Centered Practices Contribute to Social Change?
2:30-4:00pm ET
Hosts: Jessica Dibb, Spiritual Director and Founder, Inspiration Community and Gretchen Steidle, Director, Garrison Institute’s Spirituality & Social Change Program
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Session 8: What Unique Wisdom Emerges When Organizations Center Embodied Practice as a Driver of Social Transformation?
4:30-6:00pm ET
Host: Nichol Chase, Contemplative-Based Resilience Initiative and Garrison Institute Fellowship
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