the rigmor gathering
In May, 2003 we gathered twenty allies in this growing field at "Rigmor," a retreat center outside of Durham. Mostly young activists, the group represented eight different spiritual traditions and was comprised of individual practitioners (coaches, consultants, researchers) and representatives from five organizations: urban PEACE, Movement Strategy Center, No Ordinary Time, Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, and stone circles.
On all levels a declaration was made to join a larger shift that is occurring for humanity, for this particular group, and in the world... to build relationships in a thoughtful and conscious way and it is much bigger then that too. I think it is about a deep knowing that practices manifesting spirit guide, renew, and create new ways to move humanity forward. — Raquel Gutiérrez, leadership coach
Participants in the Rigmor Gathering
Back row: Stanley Richards, Maura Wolf, Taj James, Claudia Horwitz, George Lakey, Angel Kyodo Williams, Matt Guynn, Gita Gulati-Partee, Lisa Charley
Front row: Chantelle Borne, Kaliya Young, Jesse Maceo Vega-Frey, Diane Johnson, Raquel Gutiérrez, Marian Urquilla, David Sawyer, Diane Gregorio
what came out of the gathering
If I were to boil it down, it felt like a council of elders or of the clans, people who were coming together to begin to harvest the best they know about social change and spirituality in order to begin to intentionally support the further evolution of the human race. But in a very grounded way that connects with the lives of activists and people who want to stand up for themselves more effectively. — Matt Guynn, On Earth Peace, Church of the Brethren, Richmond IN
Facilitated by Marian Urquilla and George Lakey, we waded into some challenging territory and found places of both affinity and difference. Deep discussion about the role of leadership in the field, through work group planning, spiritual practice and ritual, through cooking and eating together, through music, song, and movement.
Vital questions emerged from individual reflections, small group conversations and work group activity: How do we stay authentic in the face of resistance? How do we stay grounded in our spiritual practice and health to be presence for the depth of the work? Who is teaching and mentoring us? How do we sustain ourselves financially in this work? How do we compassionately hold one another accountable? And, how do we receive the blessings of many traditions and acknowledge the dangers of cultural and spiritual appropriation?
Dynamic tensions also emerged between: Disciplined practice in one tradition and need for universal language Solo practitioners and organizations Left brain and right brain methodologies Spiritually-based activism and activism with spiritual communities Spiritual teachers and healers and trainers Spirit time and "clock" time
Moving forward: We also began discerning phases for advancing the field of spiritual activism, with a focus on building and resourcing a national network. In addition, a case study of a powerful social change network from the 1970's and 80's, Movement for a New Society, and its lessons for those interested in network-building.