stone circles is a small organization working to bring big changes to the world.
our mission
Our mission is to sustain activists and strengthen the work for justice through strategic action, spiritual life, and a sustainable relationship between land and communities.
Founded in 1995, stone circles has been at the forefront of the national movement to transform social change work by creating strong and explicit links between individual and social transformation. Our work stems from the needs of individuals and organizations working for social, economic, and political equity. The work of activists can be difficult and progress slow. Individuals overextend themselves and are vulnerable to burnout. stone circles’ trainings, workshops and retreats offer transformational experiences that link a commitment to sustainability and practice with frameworks for strategic action. These practices combine body, heart and mind in a way that stills the mind and nurtures courage.
Most of our work is based at The Stone House, a center for spiritual life and strategic action on 70 acres in Mebane, NC. The Stone House is a place of sanctuary and training for agents of progressive social change, as well as those who seek to bring the fruits of spiritual practice out into the world. It is a place to gather strength, share stories, eat good food, develop strategies, engage in deep practice and learn from silence in order to build capacity for powerful change.
our vision
We believe in a world in which:
* activists and leaders achieve greater victories in the quest for justice and have access to the highest forms of internal freedom, health, and wisdom
* organizations, groups and other collectives have the tools and the will to integrate transformational practices into our daily lives, organizational forms, strategy and relationships
* strategies for organizing are rooted in true understanding and an ability to meet challenges with equanimity
* a broad range of people consider themselves spiritual activists — whether their primary effort is in their homes, their organizations, their communities, or their bodies and minds
This is what we’re about. This is why we’re here.
our work
Our mission comes alive through three intersecting areas of engagement:
spiritual life and transformative practice
Residential retreats provide activists and agents of progressive change with refuge from overextended and stressful work lives. These programs offer a supportive environment grounded in community and connection with the land, many using an explicit social justice framework. Some retreats are open-ended, and intended for self-renewal; others are rooted in yoga, meditation and other awareness practices.
strategic collaboration for social justice
We offer intensive training in leadership and support coalition-building across diverse stakeholders, and across divides of race, culture, and class, focusing on organizations in under-resourced communities, communities of color, and other marginalized groups.
sustainable relationship between land and community
The Stone House is becoming a living laboratory for sustainable food production and participatory educational experiences that increase public awareness and knowledge. We grow much of our own food and steward the land to benefit current and future generations.
