This year the annual Centers’ Gathering 3-6 May, 2021 takes place once more under unique circumstances. Not only are we online rather than in person, we are also re-emerging from over a year of a grave pandemic which has deeply affected the whole world. And of course, it has had a profound effect on the activities of our centers. Some have closed temporarily, some have shifted online, others are uncertain how to proceed. In all cases, we face unique opportunities in considering how we can emerge in a way that speaks to the profound challenges of our times and build resilience personally and collectively.
As always, the Gathering brings together centers that can broadly be described as holistic in that they support the progressive unfolding of a more holistic, ecological and spiritually conscious society. The emphasis continues to be meeting each other in a spirit of warmth, openness, candor and conviviality, and sharing the knowledge and wisdom, best practices and creative solutions that we have learned, and continue to refine, especially over the last year.
This year we build upon the strength of the network and reach out beyond. We have invited three guest speakers to offer their perspectives on our global predicament and address how centers such as ours can be most relevant, effective and impactful in their work ahead. We will be joined by anthropologist, writer and visionary, Wade Davis, law professor and author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice, Rhonda Magee, and climate activist and leading environmental thinker, Bill McKibben. This amazing trio will help deepen the conversation between us over the four days and identify the most significant issues our centers can address, sewing seeds for our ongoing work throughout the year.
Throughout the Gathering we’ll hear from friends and colleagues within the network with a myriad of opportunities for interaction. Begin each day with a wisdom practice offered by one of the Spiritual Lineage Centers. Enjoy an interactive session morning and afternoon. These will also be recorded for access afterwards. Close each day with Heart and Soul Happy Hour.
Day One – Focus on Connecting
Building Community, Sharing Successes and Challenges
Day Two – Focus on Expanding
Diving into Justice and Inclusion, Exploring Programming and Innovation
Day Three – Focus on Grounding
Navigating the Business of Impact, Discovering Analytics and Trends
Day Four – Focus on Leading
Demonstrating Leadership and Culture, Integrating VG Learnings
Please join us for this unique Gathering that has continued now for 35 years and provides an invaluable opportunity for centers to meet as peers in a friendly and supportive environment. Our time will be spent in discussions, talks and breakout groups on the topics that are most significant to us at this unique moment. Enjoy meditations, personal sharings and practical discussions. Last but not least, relax into the evening Happy Hour and enjoy meeting each other in the open-hearted ambience intricately woven into the spirit of collaboration.
Registration is now open with the full schedule of sessions available to view. Please save the dates and share with your teams. Your colleagues, leadership and Board members are welcome to join the various sessions. Share news of the Virtual Gathering with peers in other centers and together we strengthen the network and our collective work.
Roger Doudna says
Gathering looks good, albeit virtual. Latter makes it possible for me to attend.
Survival seems to be the bottom line issue. Let’s we ‘adjust’ accordingly, and can make ‘virtual’ replace flying hither and thither.