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People of Color Sangha

As a central part of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, IMCW supports the formation and continued presence of affinity groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) Sangha and the People of Color (POC) Sangha. We affirm that a key responsibility of these affinity Sanghas is to determine their own internal organization, including the makeup of their membership. Currently these Sanghas have chosen to be designated as POC-only and LGBTQ-only. The purpose is to allow a circle of belonging that feels safe to its members and to create a refuge where they can relax into the intimacy of spiritual exploration. In the midst of a larger environment, wherein people who identify as POC and/or LGBTQ may experience a sense of being targeted — even by people with wholesome intentions — these Sanghas provide a harbor of mutual respect and understanding that is anchored in safety. 

Aspirations of the People of Color Sangha:

• To explore our identity as People of Color in the light of the dharma, across
multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to:
race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

• To provide a safe and intimate space where People of Color can deepen the
practice of meditation and mindful dialogue.

• To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful
discussions.

• To cultivate a sense of belonging and community both within the People of
Color sangha and the larger IMCW sangha

". . forgiving oneself, moving away from shame and internalized oppression, is the beginning of spiritual practice, the beginning of personal integration, the beginning of the opening of the heart . . . and such forgiveness is possible only through uncompromising honesty and self-examination, humility, and a willingness to let go of belief systems and constructed point-of-view . . . so that we finally open to the marvelous journey in celebration and gratitude . . ."

-Caitriona Reed
www.manzanitavillage.org

The IMCW POC Sangha meets monthly. View the POC sangha flyer.

2010 Meeting Dates: September 25, October 16, November 27, and December 18

Host: La Sarmiento   
Location:
Unity Woods Yoga Studio
2639 Connecticut Avenue, NW - Suite C-102
Washington, DC 20009 US
When: Saturday, September 25, 4pm - 6:30pm

Phone:

 

 202.997.1399

Please arrive by 3:45 pm so that we can begin promptly at 4:00 pm.

The studio is directly across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo subway stop on the Red Line. For info on public transporation: www.wmata.com. Parking is on the street, so please leave your self ample time to find a parking space.

I hope you can join us.

With metta and in sangha,

La

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The IMCW People of Color Sangha is now a Facebook Group! Join us at "IMCW People of Color Sangha". 

Read "The State of the IMCW POC & LGBTQ Sanghas", a summary of this past year and what's ahead in 2010.

Upcoming Events:

ON THE CUSHION:

"An opportunity to support daily practice by meeting o­n a regular basis for short, silent meditations where you work and live . . ."

WASHINGTON, DC (ADAMS MORGAN):

Time:  Mondays-Fridays from 8:00 - 8:30 am
Location:  Studio Serenity, 2469 18th Street, NW, WDC 20009
Contact:  La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792
Donations accepted in gratitude to Studio Serenity.
Silent sit Monday-Thursday. No guided meditation instructions provided. Fridays short guided meditation sits for newcomers.
Click here for flier

For more information about the IMCW POC group, please contact:

La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792

Please contact La to be added to our mailing list. Thank you.



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