L&L: Linen Lavender Life.com (Venice, CA, USA)
l&l is a way of looking at and moving through life...sharing our love of home, nature and exploring the world. We have made it our mission to notice the beauty found in every day, to see the abundance available in every moment and to embrace the bliss in living a balanced life.
As seekers in our own lives, we discovered it brings us great joy to pass along our findings to others …inspiring ideas, philosophies, and creativity in all its many glorious forms around the globe.
We seek to bring meditation and connection to Source to the mainstream - helping create homes and a connection to nature that are the foundation for living these tenets. We seek to create a society whose children are raised with the concepts of turning in for guidance and connection to others -first and foremost to anything else they are taught. We celebrate unity and individuality vs. competition and conformity. A spiritual outlook that is inclusive not exclusive. It is our great desire that all human beings realize their connection to Source and Oneness with All.
Related Articles by LeAnn/linenandlavender.net: Magic and the Merlin Archetype -"Magic is just a matter of perspective." (children,potential) http://www.linenlavenderlife.com/magic-and-the-merlin-archetype/
The Heart Expansion Experiment -"Creativity carves a quick path to compassion." (oneness, heart-centered living) http://www.linenlavenderlife.com/the-heart-expansion-experiment/
Location: Venice, CA, USA
http://www.linenlavenderlife.com
Lacey South Sound Chamber (Lacey, WA, USA)
Established in 1961, the Lacey Chamber of Commerce is located in Lacey Washington and is a non profit organization that supports business through networking, events, advertising and community partnerships.
We are a direct link to the local business communities to include Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Dupont Washington. Strong partnerships are vital to our organization and include the City of Lacey, North Thurston Public Schools, Thurston Economic Development Council and our business members.
The Lacey Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing the leadership and resources to foster and promote economic success and opportunities for our members in the great Lacey region.
Location: Lacey, WA, USA
http://www.laceysschamber.com/
Lady Khama Charitable Trust (Gaborone, Botswana)
The Lady Khama Charitable Trust was founded in 2002 in Lady Ruth Khama’s honour by her son Seretse Khama Ian Khama. Through the Trust the legacy of Lady Khama’s community development work in Botswana, which mainly focused on children and women has continued.
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
http://www.lkct.org/
Laughter Lawyers (Killara, NSW, Australia)
Laughter Lawyers is an innovative concept, created by Jackie Curran, training Laughter Lawyers around the world.
Backed with scientific and medical research, Laughter Lawyers programs have developed into a fun, playful series of exercises with enormous benefits such as stress reduction, health improvements, emotional balance and social benefits all contributing to the amazing growth of this practice. There is now over 5,000 laughter clubs in over 50 countries around the world.
The practice is frequently used by businesses in Asia, America & now in Australia to increase productivity and team spirit.
Location: Killara, Australia
http://laughterlawyer.com.au/
Law Office of Mark Hefter, P.C. (Austin, TX, USA)
Austin Personal Injury Lawyer
Respect. Integrity. Excellence. Personal Service.
Mark Hefter is an accomplished and respected trial attorney who has been practicing law in Texas for 30 years. He has exclusively represented those seeking legal help and compensation for personal injuries, wrongful death, deceptive trade practices, financial losses, and other damages for more than 25 years.
Mark Hefter is board certified in three legal fields: personal injury law and consumer and commercial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocates. He is also AV®-rated under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system.
Before founding his law practice, Mr. Hefter began his legal career as a successful attorney for a prestigious Austin defense firm, handling a variety of personal injury, commercial litigation, and products liability claims. Later, he joined an Austin firm that exclusively represented plaintiffs. He fought for and successfully obtained justice for clients in numerous cases, including medical malpractice, nursing home cases, commercial trucking, natural gas explosions, electrocution and electrical fires, and many other wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Mr. Hefter is proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum whose membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members in this prestigious organization.
That success inspired his passion for helping others, and Mr. Hefter chose to open the Law Office of Mark Hefter, P.C., in 2007. He is equally dedicated to giving clients both the benefit of his experience and his personal attention and service. Mr. Hefter is married to Mindy Hefter, and they are the proud parents of fraternal twins — a son and a daughter.
Our Practice: Service with Compassion
Our clients are individuals who need help with personal injury cases that are often the result of traumatic or upsetting situations, such as vehicle accidents (car, truck, boating, motorcycle and bicycle), premises liability injuries, fires, explosions, wrongful death situations, civil rights cases, drunk driver liability, and professional and medical malpractice. Their lives have been shattered, and they are looking for answers.
Mark Hefter also serves the construction industry as a skilled litigator for breach of contract, defect and design, and construction accident cases, as well as commercial and business clients as a resource to fight fraud, deceptive trade practice, and real estate/property dispute cases. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Hefter worked as an architect. He is a registered architect in the State of Texas and thus he brings a unique skill set to construction litigation.
Your attorney should be your trusted advisor, and with more than 23 years of experience practicing law in Texas and acting as a passionate advocate for clients, Mark Hefter is skilled at helping clients right wrongs, solve problems, and succeed at realizing fair outcomes for their cases.
Dedicated to Personal Service
At Hefter Law, every single client is important, and we hold personal service and attention in high regard. When you choose Mark Hefter to represent your personal injury, construction, commercial or business case, you are working directly with Mark to resolve your case quickly, efficiently, and successfully.
Your case will not be handed off to an inexperienced associate or paralegal, and our clients will always have the opportunity to contact Mark – and have the assurance a timely response.
It’s that kind of personal attention that has been a hallmark of the Hefter Law firm since it was founded in 2007, and the same philosophy holds true today. Learn more about Mark Hefter, his successes, honors, and awards. Better yet, read what our valued clients have to say about us. We look forward to working with you.
Location: Austin, TX, USA
https://www.hefterlaw.com/
Leadership Matters (Decatur, GA, USA)
I am a Leadership Development Coach focused on helping clients merge their spirituality with their vocations.
Location: Decatur, GA, USA
http://www.coachiyabo.com/
Leadership-Next (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
Leadership-Next is about the future. It's about new ways for learning & development. Something different. It's about exploring with new methodologies to gain fresh insight. It's also about daring to make the future, consciously.
Leadership-Next ... is about inflexion points of maximum influence & impact.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
http://leadership-next.org/
https://www.facebook.com/Leadership-Next-649985498381866/?ref=hl
Leal Publisher (Miami, FL, USA
The Livraria Espírita Alvorada Editora, known by the acronym LEAL, reaches homes and Spiritist Institutions in Brazil and abroad through Spiritist books psychographed by Divaldo Franco so that everyone may have access to the liberating message of Spiritism.
After the release of the first book Messe de Amor (Harvest of Love) bythespirit author Joanna de Angelis, psychographed by the medium and Spiritist speaker Divaldo Franco in May 1964, the Spiritist Center Caminho da Redenção (Path of Redemption), through LEAL Publisher, began the uplifting mission of publishing Spiritist books. Nowadays, it has a staff that excels in serving the customer.
Leal Publisher is responsible for the publishing, marketing and distributing of its books, the magazine Presença Espírita (Spiritist Presence) and recordings (audio, video, CD and DVD), with copyrights ceded to the Path of Redemption Spiritist Center.
Location: Miami, FL, USA
https://www.ediceiofamerica.com/
Learning Minds Group (Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan)
Learning Minds Group offers a unique portfolio of products catering to organizations across the region.
Vision: It’s Simple. Promoting Learning No Matter What!
Accessing untapped human potential can offer far greater business benefit than any merger, process improvement, or restructuring activity. That’s how we help our clients. Learning Minds Group is one of the top organizational development and talent management consultancies in Pakistan.
We help companies transform the way they train, promote and develop their leaders and workforce. The outcome: People ready to instigate, understand and execute business strategy, take responsibility of personal development and address challenges head-on.
We love the trust of our clients. For us they are not just numbers, but separate entities in need of empowerment, learning and growth! We believe in an active learning culture; learning never stops at LMG!
Values: Our values define who we are, what we do, and how we do it. It is our framework and compass for all our actions!
1. Mutual learning and respect
2. Responsiveness and responsibility
3. Doing the right thing!
4. Enjoying what we do and doing what we enjoy!
Location: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
http://learningmindsgroup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/learningminds?fref=ts
Let's Talk Peace - Ballarat (Ballarat, Victoria, Australia)
We are a community of people and organisations from the Ballarat region collaborating to further the cause of peace. We welcome all who seek to promote attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies. (Positive Peace) We work closely with Compassionate Ballarat.
Location: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
https://www.compassionateballarat.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/LetsTalkPeaceBallarat/
Life Beyond Motherhood (Gurgaon, India)
Life Beyond Motherhood aims to awaken and galvanise the feminine spirit for a planetary transformation of consciousness. Any such change starts with compassion and our mission is to help women spark change by way of igniting their self-compassion.
Location: Gurgaon, India
http://lifebeyondmotherhood.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifebeyondmotherhood
Life Source (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
The LifeSource mission is to strengthen our community by providing customized assistance to families in need. Our approach is balanced and holistic — we offer food, clothing, adult education programs, after school and summer camp programs for children, counseling, Senior Saturday lunches, and community outreach meals. We maximize the impact of every donation, helping to strengthen families and build our community. We serve more than 55,000 individuals, children, and families in need every year. We want to say THANK YOU to everyone who supports us. We couldn’t help so many of our neighbors without your generosity.
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://lifesourceinternational.org/
https://www.facebook.com/LifeSourceINTL/
Life Story Library Foundation (Salt Lake City, UT, USA)
WHAT WE VALUE
We value life experience and the dignity of the individual.
We value open communication, honesty and listening to understand,
We value working as a team, accomplishing together what none of us can do alone.
We value courageous innovation.
WHY WE EXIST
We believe that every life story is important.
We believe that wisdom comes from our life experiences.
We believe that each person holds the power to change the world – for the better – by sharing those stories and that wisdom.
Vision: Contribute to a world-wide sea change in understanding by preserving stories, touching lives, and connecting humanity.
WHAT WE DO
We listen to you with care-full attention
We respectfully witness the significance of your life
We creatively capture your hard-won wisdom
Mission: Promote widespread awareness, build partnerships, encourage reflection, and provide accessible options for saving and sharing life stories.
HOW WE DO IT
We collect, preserve and share life stories
We produce, publish and broadcast life stories
We provide training and education about creating life story legacies
The Life Story Library Foundation is dedicated to preserving the stories of our times as valuable recorded history. We are multi-cultural and international in scope and local in practice. We are designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity and can accept your tax deductible donations.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
http://lifestorylibrary.org/
Light of Day Organic Teas (Traverse City, MI, USA)
Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop is a Northern Michigan company, located in gorgeous Leelanau County, just 8 miles West of historic downtown Traverse City. We are 8 miles from Lake Michigan, and are on the direct route (M-72 West) to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Our address is: 3502 E. Traverse Hwy. Traverse City, Michigan.
founding director
Our company was founded by a Traverse City Mom named Angela Macke in 2003. Her background in Holistic health, as both a Registered Nurse, Educator, and Horticulturalist, plus her own positive experience utilizing gentle, natural rhythms to restore balance in her own life as she successfully manages an auto-immune disease she was diagnosed with nearly 20 years ago, plays an integral role in the creation of each and every blend of Tea. Angela believes that a holistic approach is the most effective way to restore optimal health and a sense of well being. Helping her customers to create healthy lifestyle habits that support the prevention of illness, and to increase their overall vitality and passion for life is Angela’s intention as she continues to tend to her farm and her customers.
our farm and production
Our products are grown certified 100% organic and certified Demeter Biodynamic under the guidelines of the National Organic Program, and Demeter U.S. Our exceptionally high quality botanicals are hand-harvested, dried in our licensed commercial farm kitchen, and packaged with great care. With each step in the process, positive intention and prayer for your well being is offered up. We blend all of our private recipe teas in small batches to promote consistency, to maximize freshness and for optimal nutritive benefit.
certifications and process
We believe in honest tea and honest advertising here. This means supporting local and foreign farmers through certified (third-party verified, which includes annual audits) Fair Trade practices, growing and buying only 100% certified Organic (Stellar certification services and Demeter Biodynamic) and Fair trade certified (Transfair USA) agricultural commodities (the labor-intensive spices, seeds, rare barks, etc.- if we cannot grow them in Michigan, or need to supplement what we grow here at Light of Day Organic Farm).
conscientious packaging
We believe in presenting these products in their most natural, loose form. They have been packaged in lovely, domestically-manufactured, polished silver tins to protect them from the elements. We used a local designer, and local printer for soy-based ink labels and other packaging needs using sustainable materials. We blend, label and package our teas right here in our farm kitchen.
quality of product / quality of life
We wanted to make sure that taste wasn’t the only thing to feel good about. Ensuring the highest quality of tea for you and life for those who bring it to us is part of our mission. We honor all of those involved in bringing this extremely labor-intensive crop from the fields to our cup by paying everyone a proper living wage and encouraging the spiritual sacredness of the family unit and community with time off from work to recharge and to play in this beautiful area that we are blessed to call “home”.
It is Light of Day’s sincere intention that you may enjoy balance: with superb health, inner peace, and joyfulness, and remain on a path that will benefit the greater good with all that you do. We hope that you will discover, and hopefully learn to cherish, the ancient and life-giving ritual of having a “spot of tea.”
For all of us here at Light of Day, tea is more than an iced beverage to soothe your thirst in the Summertime, or to comfort your sore throat in the Wintertime...it is a representation of the conscious choice and intention to live simply, and to live each day with a wonder and reverence for every created thing.
Location: Traverse City, MI, USA
https://lightofdayorganics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lightofdayorganics
LIPS (London, England, United Kingdom)
LIPS are a collective of artists and performers dedicated to facilitating positive social change through the sharing of art and performance. Our aim is to create more cross-disciplinary connections within the creative and performing arts industries and give young artists a platform to show their work. The lips ball is about coming together and sharing with confidence.
The Lips Ball:
6th April 2019 at DIY Space for London, 96-108 Ormside Street, SE15 1TF London, United Kingdom
The Lips ball is an explosion of live performance, exhibition and open discussion; hosted by artists for artists.
The Lips Ball is aimed at promoting positive social change through the mixing of disciplines, sharing ideas confidently and creating new relationships. Our hope is to create a compassionate community of artists with the potential for future events and collaborations.
This event will be in aid of Compassionate London, a diverse community committed to compassionate action as a powerful tool for positive change.
Location: London, England, UK
https://www.facebook.com/LIPS-406350566805123/
Little Visioneers (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
The crisis, the catalyst, the path: soul-utions for spiritual changemakers
Little Visioneers consists of writing, interviews, books, projects & documentaries that highlight soul-utions for spiritual changemakers.
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
https://medium.com/little-visioneers
Living Insights (Saint Louis, MO, USA)
The Living Insights Center welcomes each individual as a sacred being. We honor each person’s right to see Reality in whatever way he or she chooses, and we hope to support each individual’s spiritual path in every way possible. We honor all religious traditions and modern spiritual systems, and we have sanctuaries presenting a comprehensive spectrum of those traditions. Many people find their spiritual family and home here, and feel it’s the safest place they’ve ever been. Many also say this is the most sacred place they’ve ever been.
Our Center points everyone to the one Source we all share, while also celebrating the diversity of humanity's spiritual experience. We believe spirituality should bring everyone together, rather than be a cause of disagreement. God can be visualized as a clear light, and when that light shines through the prism of human consciousness it spreads into all the colors of the rainbow. Each of us has our own unique color, each color is just as much a part of the rainbow as all the others, and all the colors ultimately will return into the clear light.
We aspire to present every possible way to experience transcendent states of being and connect with the Ultimate Reality, whether it be called God, Brahman, Jehovah, Adonai, Allah, the Creator, the Source, the Great Spirit, Father Sky and Mother Earth, the Goddess, nirvana, enlightenment, or something else. We have functioning sanctuaries devoted to a comprehensive spectrum of religious/spiritual traditions, and we also present nontraditional spiritual experiences (including many involving sacred sound).
We offer spiritual experiences, information, insights, and other forms of support, and we offer both personal attention and a thriving community atmosphere. Our Center combines aspects of a temple, a community center, a spiritual gift shop, and a library, but perhaps most of all it's a sanctuary and home. We welcome everyone to commune, meditate, pray, read, or shop with us.
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
http://www.livinginsights.com/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Insights-Center/614634115258599
Living the Dream (Rochester, NY, USA)
By Rachel Ortiz
“Living The Dream” Artwork For the Soul is what I do. Let me tell you why I started and what “Living The Dream” is.
It is about living clean and sober for 25 years while overcoming trauma and going from victim to survivor to warrior.
It is about learning to understand and see what life truly is, a journey to be traveled and my positive affirmation art takes you there!
Through my art, I look to create a better universe where we all can live!
This has been possible for me because I use the tools I have picked up on my journey and having the tools is not enough. It’s about knowing when to use the tools and then using them. My artwork reminds me of this every day!
I have started “Living The Dream” Artwork For the Soul to pass on the blessings. It is said that we should live life on life’s terms and I say to you live life on your terms. Create a new dream, your dream.
My artwork is about creating your own dream and living happy, joyous and free!
I bring to you 32 years of military experience where I became a Career/Life Counselor since 2006, Master Resiliency Trainer since 2014, received Suicide Prevention training in 2013, and Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) since April 2020
The best part is that I can share my experience, strength, and hope on how I have been living 25 years alcohol and drug-free!
The Universe works if you work it! Let my art remind you of that everyday!
Helping Hands
Living The Dream is more than coaching, speaking and Artwork, our ultimate goal is to have a not-for-profit community center to help feed, clothe, and provide services to help individuals get back on their feet. Portions of all our services and Art proceeds go to the funding of the community center and future operations. If you feel so inclined to lend a helping hand and donate to our community center click the link to the left. Thank you!
Location: Rochester, NY, USA
Website: https://www.livingthedreamcoach.com/
LKW Dance Center (Montoursville, PA, USA)
OUR STORY
With Energy & Spirit
Since establishing in 1982, LKW Dance Center continues to grow, with the distinctive energy and spirit of its dancers, teachers and staff. The school offers quality instruction in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop,and Tumbling, to all ages at levels from Mommy & Me through advanced. All classes are taught by professional faculty with a professional approach to helping each student reach their highest potential. Our state of the art facilities have spacious studios, dressing rooms, comfortable waiting rooms, closed circuit TV and ample parking.
Three Decades in Dance Education
For more than three decades our center has been a leader in dance education. We believe that our success comes as a result of providing solid training and quality service, along with an underlying belief in the strength of our organization. Our reputation for inspiring young people to be the best dancers they can be is one of the primary reasons for our success. When we say “the best dancers they can be,” we speak inclusively of every student, whether at the recreational or intensive level. We believe a teacher`s influence on the future of a student extends far beyond the classroom. Our teaching philosophy is centered on instilling a passion for dance while building self-esteem and confidence in every child. The students` well being is our priority; their capability is secondary.
Location: Montoursville, PA, USA
http://www.lkwdance.com/
Lloyd Field (Kitchener/Waterloo, ON, Canada)
Lloyd Field, PhD, is an executive coach, management consultant, facilitator, speaker, and author who has spent 30 years working with business leaders in North America and throughout Europe. Lloyd has a PhD in Human Resources, holds a Lifetime designation with the U.S. Society for Human Resource Management (SPHR), and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the U.K. (FCIPD).
EXECUTIVE COACHING
“Knowing oneself is the first step in leading others.”
Do you need to...?
Solve key people management problems?
Lead a group of managers who don’t understand the meaning of working as a team?
Accelerate the professional development of high-potential leaders?
Support teams and individuals through the effective implementation of organizational change?
Empower senior managers who are engaged in a wider professional effectiveness program, such as a 360-degree feedback process?
Enlist in some constructive criticism or find an independent sounding board for a senior leader...maybe for you?
If so, then you recognize that relationships are the key to thriving, growing, and creative performance. Lloyd is a one-on-one executive coach who understands the importance of internal and external relationships that are based on values-centred leadership.
SPEAKER/FACILITATOR
“Opening people's minds while moving their hearts.”
For more than 30 years, Lloyd has engaged audiences with his holistic perspective on corporate governance and leadership; he views these topics as being much more than just the financial bottom line. He is passionate about his subject matter, and he conveys that passion to his audience.
Lloyd has a unique talent for helping others think through important issues and take personal ownership for changes that need to occur. Lloyd helps people gain insight into their career, their family life, and their community involvement by showing how these parts make up the whole of an individual. In a recent speech he discussed,“…people as being whole and complex individuals who are connected with everyone else on this planet regardless of income level, faith traditions, social standing, gender, or geography.”
Lloyd does not make speeches as much as he holds discussions with his audiences, and it is this unique style that has allowed him to speak and present across Canada and in the United States, England, Holland, and Singapore.
AUTHOR
Lloyd has been writing about management practices and leadership behaviour for over 30 years. His works have been published in Canadian and international journals and magazines.
A number of his management articles are available on this site. Please print and circulate those that you find of interest. Lloyd knows you will acknowledge that all intellectual property comes with the author’s copyright. Lloyd has also published two books. Business and The Buddha: Doing Well by Doing Good© will be published in September 2007 by Wisdom Publications, Boston. His first book, Unions Are Not Inevitable! A Guide to Positive Employee Relations©, is in its fourth edition and has been a bestseller since the first edition was published in 1978. A fifth edition will be published by Brock Learning Resources in 2007 and will be co-authored with Pam McCartney, President, Performance House Ltd.
Location: Kitchner/Waterloo, ON, Canada
http://www.lloydfield.com/
Love and Light (Atlanta, GA, USA)
Jamie Butler's life has definitely been extra-ordinary. As far as she can remember she has always been able to see the lights surrounding people and inanimate objects (energy fields). Along with seeing energy, she sees spirits (clairvoyant) and she hears them (clairaudient). As a child she would play hide and go seek with her spirit friends, but now as an adult they give her great insight and guidance. Throughout the years of working with her guides she has learned how to channel spirit, which is when a spirit relays messages by borrowing her body and voice to communicate to others.
Between the ages of 6 to 17 she let go of her abilities at the request of her mother. At the age of 18 she reconnected with these abilities, and she then began giving readings publicly when she was 20.
She grew up in Central Florida, which is where she studied “Psychic Awareness” with Marguerite Romeis for eight years. Marguerite taught her how to control her abilities and encouraged her to study Reiki (an ancient Tibetan healing art). She received the status of Reiki Master four years later in 1996. After completion of a bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida she earned a Massage and Hydro-Therapy certification in 1998 from the Florida School of Massage. She then relocated to Atlanta where she lives today.
In 2000, she received a Master Hypnotherapist degree from The New York Institute. She extended this education with a one week intensive in past life regression with Dr. Brian Weiss, MD at the Omega Institute. Already working world wide with her readings, she decided to launch a company in 2001, Love and Light LLC, designed to support, create, and inspire spiritual growth through public channeling, guest lecturers, classes and private sessions for all ages. Throughout the years, she has been a guest speaker at the University of Florida, Gwinnett College and Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta, and a frequent presenter for groups and radio shows throughout the US.
In 2009 she decided to publish a book “With Love and Light: an uncommon story about an extraordinary gift,” which talks about her roots and abilities as she has grown into them. “With Love and Light” is written in three phases. First pertaining to the background of her life. Growing up a Medium is everything you’ve ever imagined and equally as confusing. Secondly, the book answers the questions you always wanted to ask a Medium but never had a chance. (Do spirits watch us during sex?) Lastly, the book houses a collection of readings written by people who have come to see her. Click here to listen to a two-part interview she did about her book with Brian Mercer of Author Magazine.
With Love and Light LLC growing she wanted to offer a space where everyone could feel comfortable coming to learn more about themselves. A psychomanteum, which is a type of sensory deprivation room, was included into the space and ended up being a perfect fit. This encouraged her to write and host a TV Pilot “Beyond Intuition,” around the idea and she was able to get Raymond Moody to come down and approve the room. “Beyond Intuition” gave her a platform to showcase an “out of the box” concept in a logical and common way. The show outlined the “how to’s” of a psychomanetum by using the insights of a lawyer, psychologist, scientist and a medium. The room is still in The Center today. You should come by and experience it.
Because teaching is a passion of hers, she also decided to design an all-encompassing chakra chart that she currently sells through her website. With this handy tool there is no need to carry around a book, since all you need to know is in one easy-to-read chart. She's also produced some very short videos on different topics that are available on YouTube. You can watch these by going to her YouTube Channel here.
In 2009, GBJ, Gary Bonnell Japan, offered her a chance to teach, lecture, and give private sessions at their home office in Tokyo. For three years she has traveled back and forth working with incredible people from all over Japan. Her current focus with GBJ is on private sessions through Skype.
In the summer of 2010, she had her first scheduled appointment with Elisa Medhus and met her son Erik. This one encounter grew into a magical relationship with the “Channeling Erik” community. Now, not only does she have the pleasure of channeling Erik for his mother’s blog www.channelingerik.com, but she also travels the states teaching weekend workshops, hosting conference calls, fielding radio interviews and work with the Channeling Erik You Tube Channel. This is just the beginning!
In 2012 Love and Light expanded and welcomed certified massage therapist Corey Dobyns of Core Balance and Wellness to The Center. Corey has been a huge asset to the center’s growth.
The Center for Love and Light continues to evolve and now hosts teachers, healers and lecturers from all over the globe. It is a wonderful place for me to call home. She finds it no coincidence that you are here to enjoy it with her.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
http://withloveandlight.com
https://www.facebook.com/JamieButlerMedium
Loving Unity (Tampa Bay, FL, USA)
About Loving Unity Wedding Officiants
Let us create a wedding ceremony that you will always remember. Long after the festivities are over, it will be the words that you shared, the atmosphere you created them in, and the love and joy you generated through all of those moments together, that you will truly cherish. Your wedding ceremony will form the foundation of your love and enhance your future as a couple. If you want your ceremony to truly memorable, then you will want to create one that truly reflects your own style and uniqueness.
Your wedding ceremony begins within your heart and springs forth from your own personal feelings, and will arouse feelings in your guests who witness it. It is truly a sacred commitment, to each other, made in the presence of family and friends. The ceremony you create not only recognizes that your wedding is a symbol of your love, but that it can also be a deeply moving experience for everyone involved, even yourself as you work with us to craft it.
If you want your ceremony to be unforgettable, you will want to fashion it in a way that will reflect the uniqueness of your relationship. Your wedding symbolizes and celebrates your emotional and spiritual bond, and that, is as special as both of you. We look forward to working with you to tailor a wedding ceremony that will express not only the quality of your love, but your wonderful quirks, your special attributes as individuals, and the feelings, wishes, and intentions you share as a couple.
As Interfaith Ministers and Wedding Officiants in Florida and New England, we are honored to fashion a ceremony for you. Your ceremony may be on a beach, on a golf course, at a lighthouse, in a park, garden, church, restaurant, gallery, winery, resort, in your home, a ballroom, or any location of your choice. Your ceremony, whether it is traditional, contemporary, ethnic, themed, religious, non religious, or nature inspired, will be created to express and honor your love, and respect your families in the best possible way. On occasion, we are available to travel to other locations outside of New England and Florida.
Types of Wedding Ceremonies
Interfaith/Interspiritual
We pride ourselves in creating a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that is warm, touching, spiritual, and honors all faith backgrounds. We combine many rituals and elements from your faith traditions to make this ceremony, truly unique to you and your love for each other. Your ceremony will honor the blending of your lives and your future.
Spiritual or Non-Religious
Your ceremony will fully honor your spiritual or non-religious background, and your uniqueness as a couple. It will inspire your guests as they witness the blending of elements that are inspiring and heartfelt. Your ceremony will be an example of your journey together and demonstrate the love that you have in your hearts as you make this life commitment.
Intercultural/Interracial
Ethnic weddings are beautiful. Your ceremony will be an opportunity to incorporate all of the meaningful elements from your culture or heritage and honor you as individuals. Your ceremony will incorporate music, ritual, or readings from your traditions. Your guests will witness the blending of your cultures and all that your love represents.
Themed or Contemporary
Did you meet playing tennis? Are you a football fan? Do you love the outdoors? Whatever you feel represents you as a couple, can be incorporated into a beautiful ceremony that is unique and fun! Starting with our first meeting, we will develop a ritual that will truly reflect your uniqueness and love for each other.
Same Sex Ceremonies
Your one of a kind ceremony will contain readings, poems, rituals, that represent you as individuals and you as a couple. You have finally found your soul mate and the words of your heart will be expressed in a ceremony that will honor the blending of your lives and your families. You have been on a spiritual journey that brought you to this place and time to celebrate. Let us, be there with you, and create the ceremony that will build bridges of understanding and the universal theme of peace and love.
Location
Loving Unity, Florida and New England, USA
Lucy Rose Designs (Minneapolis, MN, USA)
Lucy Rose Fischer is an award-winning Minnesota artist and author. Before launching her art career, she had a distinguished career as a researcher in aging. Her most recent books: The Journalist: Life and Loss in America’s Secret War (coming August 2020), Grow Old With Me (2019), and I’m New at Being Old (2010), which won an Independent Publishers Gold Award and a Midwest Book Award. She specializes in painting upside-down, inside-out and backwards on hand blown glass with whimsical and vibrantly colored designs.
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
https://lucyrosedesigns.com/
M2 Foundation (St. Paul, MN, USA)
M2 is dedicated to the work of supporting more peace, understanding and kindness in the world. We believe it is possible to more fully realize our potential as caring, loving beings and that there are things we can all do to that will make that more likely. We see mindfulness as an approach, a descriptor of the transformational power of simply being with. Living mindfully is living with compassion, in relationship to life as it arises in all of its beautiful complexity.
Location: St. Paul, MN, USA
http://m2foundation.org/
https://www.facebook.com/M2foundation/?ref=hl
Magical Moments Around the World (Israel)
Magical Moment Around the World is a global educational project dedicated to inspiring global coexistence, compassion, mutual care, understanding and a reverence of life, by fostering awareness that we are all connected by one human spirit.
Magical Moments Around the World is dedicated to showing that all humans share a unique spirit connecting us all. It is also dedicated to spreading light in others and ourselves. To raise awareness in our ability to summon up good feelings and a reverence of life.
Envision a world that is guided by compassion and respect. By reading other peoples magical moments we become aware that our happiness is connected to other peoples happiness.
Location: Israel
http://www.magicalmoment.net
Mahia Te Aroha / The Christchurch Invitation (Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand)
The Christchurch Invitation was born out of the extraordinary response of support, compassion and mutual respect that followed the terror in Ōtautahi Christchurch on March 15th 2019. Developed by members of the Christchurch Muslim community the Invitation is extended to all, seeking to celebrate the rich diversity of our shared humanity while confronting the causes of prejudice and hate.
This is an invitation to help grow a vibrant community based movement that promotes authentic belonging and respect towards others; regardless of race or belief.
The Christchurch Invitation Mahia te Aroha is inviting you to put compassion into action.
Join us to shape a world where we harness our differences for a stronger more compassionate society.
By taking action, however simple, we can be powerful enablers of positive change.
We invite you to be bold, be brave and be the change.
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
https://www.mahiatearoha.nz/
Maimonides Interfaith Foundation (London, United Kingdom)
The Maimonides Foundation is an interfaith charity that fosters understanding and co-operation between Jews, Christians, and Muslim through cultural and academic programmes. The Foundation is committed to creating opportunities where the three communities can meet and share their commonalities and discuss their differences. Since 1995 we have worked to enhance and create dialogue, as we believe dialogue is the only positive means of living in harmony in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society.
Based on a historical outlook of when Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived in harmony we aim at recreating this peace and cooperation to a level that will be emulated abroad. The Foundation involves prominent leaders and individual members of the three communities in the hope of furthering a peaceful and meaningful co-existence for the Children of Abraham.
The Maimonides Interfaith Foundation is a dynamic, influential international charity promoting understanding and respect between people from the three Abrahamic faiths through the power of creativity, intercultural dialogue and education. At a wider level, we also help drive discussions around key issues and challenges relating to the role of faith, religion and pluralism in the world today. We do this by creating art cultural events that connect people, organising significant debates and by developing exciting educational initiatives like Interfaith Explorers. Among our supporters are some of the world’s most highly respected religious leaders and other prominent figures.
Location: London, United Kingdom
http://www.maimonides-foundation.org
Malaysian Interfaith Network
The Malaysian Interfaith Network is structured like an umbrella that links and embraces all those institutions and individuals working to protect, promote and support interfaith dialogues and understanding and joint action. MIN working methods are guided by the following five principles: respecting the independence and autonomy of the participating groups and individuals; seeking to reinforce not replace existing formal and informal structures; fostering the development of a strong local state and national groups and networks; facilitating consultation and consensus in its work; and ensuring respect for “Unity in Diversity”.
http://www.malaysianinterfaithnetwork.net
Manaal Relief Foundation (Garowe, Nugaal, Somalia)
MRF is an independent women and youth-led non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, protection, education, and healthcare and community empowerment to Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Displaced people and underprivileged local Somali communities to achieve peace, security, equality, social justice and socio-economic development.
MRF was founded and registered In Somalia, 2008 and its main Office based in city of Garowe, Puntland State, Somalia with field and regional/state offices in Somalia.
Our Vision:
A world in which all people live in peace, equality, prosperity and have equal access to humanitarian assistance, protection, justice, power, resources necessary to achieve their human potential.
Our Mission:
MRF is committed to promote youth and women’s rights in peace, security, protection, social justice and sustainable development by empowering and capacity strengthening through advocacy, peace building, conflict prevention,early warning system, community empowerment, education, training, capacity building and socio-economic development.
MRF organization is actively involved in Women, Peace, Security, Humanitarian relief, Protection, Peace building, Conflict Prevention and Early warning, Social Justice and Reconciliation, Counter Violent Extremism,Gender-Based Violence, Human rights and advocacy, youth empowerment, Migration, Integration, Refugees, IDPs, Displaced Communities, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), HealthCare, WASH, Shelter, Food Security and Sustainable development in Somalia where affected by conflict, droughts, transition and closed political space.
Location: Garowe, Nugaal, Somalia
http://www.mrfsom.org/
Mandala Institute (Maryville, MO, USA)
Mandala Institute LLC is a private, non-partisan organization which engages in independent public policy research and publishing to influence policy for the greater societal well-being of all stakeholders, public and private. The primary focus of Mandala Institute’s independent research is in human rights and compassionate social policy, as well as public works and public transportation projects. Mandala Institute LLC prides itself on comprehensive application of research, policy analysis, strategic policy implementation planning, and behavioral economic analysis to offer policy recommendations and strategic plans that will offer the best opportunity for program success and long-term stability, while providing the greatest opportunity for benefit to society.
Location: Maryville, MO, USA
http://mandalainstitute.org
Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA, USA)
Mission
Our mission is to teach, encourage, inspire and support the development of everyone we touch as ambassadors of the Beloved World Community.
Chapel Vision
Our vision is that the Chapel will be a beacon for Morehouse College students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as others from around the world, who seek to experience a meaningful connection with Dr. King’s World House values of ethics, nonviolence, service and unity. Through our transformative ministry and programs, these seekers will be captivated by the possibility of the Beloved World Community as the ethical meaning of the Reign of God and, thus inspired, be compelled to go forth and create that experience for others. As a result of the collective work of this corps of ambassadors, we will one day realize Dr. King’s dream of a world in which all people embody their spiritual magnificence and live together in peace.
Description
The purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel is to teach excellence, ethics, equality and engagement. It is to demonstrate the interdisciplinary foundations of a learned ecumenical Christian ministry for the world; to create spiritual realization through value-and virtue-centered theologically based faith; and to inspire the communitarian development of servant scholars as visionary human rights revolutionists and social gospel activists coming from a place of Gandhian nonviolence and political personalism. This is Martin Luther King’s informed service-oriented way to dialectically grow, personally and globally, with Cosmic Companionship, into democracy’s dignity and destiny, ensuring that piety never will be divorced from intellect.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
http://www.morehouse.edu/mlkchapel
http://charterforcompassion.org/Martin%20Luther%20King%20Jr.%20International%20C...
Maslaha (London, United Kingdom)
Maslaha translates from Arabic as for the common good and is a web-based organization focusing on the following:
*Bringing together the insights and expertise from leading intellectuals, academics, religious advisers, young people and service providers, providing solutions on practical matters Muslims in Britain face in daily life.
*Providing greater understanding to healthcare workers about how Islam influences a Muslim patient’s life and how to use this knowledge to encourage patients to lead healthier lifestyles
*Producing bespoke curriculum resources and materials that empower teachers and parents to meet the needs of their Muslim students
*Promoting the diverse and rich heritage of Islam with partners such as the British Council
Location: London, United Kingdom
http://www.maslaha.org
MasterPeace (Cairo, Egypt)
MasterPeace is an international grassroots movement that inspires everyone around the world to use his or her talent and energy for building peace and togetherness.
Location: Cairo, Egypt
http://www.masterpeace.org/
https://www.facebook.com/MasterPeace2014
Matriz de Risco (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Matriz de Risco is a comedy podcast that includes values related to gender equality, religion and compassion in an original and fun way.
The podcast is conducted with humor and curiosity by the duo André Braun and André Warwar. There is no script in this podcast. All subjects arise spontaneously, generating a conversation that guarantees laughter and reflection.
Risk Matrix is available on all podcasting platforms. Just search for Risk Matrix on the streaming service you prefer.
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
https://matrizderisco.com.br/
https://www.facebook.com/matrizderisco
Mavenjoy Media (Blue Ridge, GA, USA)
Sustainable Live*Work*Play celebrates sustainable ways of living and doing business and the people and ideas making them happen. It's an online resource dedicated to the strategies, best practices and inspiring finds that grow individuals, communities and yes, even economies as we live, work and play.
Sustainable Live*Work*Play is published and operated by Mavenjoy Media.
Mavenjoy is committed to finding and sharing sustainable business and lifestyle information that benefits a greater good. Mavenjoy is creating a platform to better connect, inform and inspire those interested in learning more about sustainable choices, most especially from our independent and small businesses and organizations. Media with a mission, as we like to say!
Location Blue Ridge, GA, USA
http://www.sustainable-live-work-play.com/
May Peace Prevail on Earth International (Dumfries, Scotland, United Kingdom)
Allanton Peace Sanctuary, near Dumfries in South West Scotland, is the European home of May Peace Prevail On Earth International (formerly known as the World Peace Prayer Society). The Society was founded in 1955 by the Japanese teacher, philosopher and poet Masahisa Goi (1916-1980), who dedicated his life to peace and humanity.
Following the devastation of the Second World War, Mr Goi looked for a way to bring peace to all people, and the prayer and affirmation May Peace Prevail On Earth came to him in a moment of great inspiration. He realised that these words express the common wish of all humanity, transcending all boundaries of race, religion and politics. He envisioned that their gentle, yet powerful, effect would activate global peace consciousness.
MPPOE Int’s membership has spread worldwide, and includes people from many diverse backgrounds who all believe that inner and global peace are priorities of our times. Peace Representatives are active members around the world. They volunteer to promote the activities of the MPPOE Int’s in their local communities according to the customs and culture of the region.
As well as our beautiful Scottish location, there are international headquarters in Tokyo, upstate New York, San Francisco and Munich.
May Peace Prevail On Earth International is a grassroots, global movement to inspire, and re-awaken the inherent consciousness of love, peace and harmony which exists in every one of us.
The power of the affirmation May Peace Prevail On Earth lies in its capacity to bring together people of various cultures, faith traditions and political ideals as a united global heart and mind. The Message allows us to sincerely focus on our mutual desire to serve, create and manifest true peace on earth while transcending our differences and celebrating our common humanity.
In the original Japanese version of May Peace Prevail On Earth, the character for “Earth” includes not only humankind but “Life in all Realms of Creation”. When we speak the words, May Peace Prevail on Earth we can imagine that the frequency and energy field of Love, Peace and Harmony reaches the kingdom of plants animals and all of Creation including our solar system and the Universe at large.
Location: Dumfries, Scotland, United Kingdom
https://www.allantonpeacesanctuary.org/
McGregor Presbyterian Church (Columbia, SC, USA)
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:10-13)
Who We Are
McGregor Presbyterian Church seeks to be:
a growing family of worshipers, inclusive of all God’s children, that welcomes and challenges those who seek to worship and celebrate, learn and grow, question and contemplate, heal and nurture, serve and love.
a body of shared leadership that affirms the individual spiritual gifts and unique faith journeys of all and that encourages active discipleship.
a faith community deeply rooted in the reformed tradition and committed to developing the appropriate foundations for effective ministry, education, and stewardship.
a mission-oriented church that acts as a center for service and outreach to our members, to our neighbors, and to the extended community of God’s people around the world.
a community of faithful disciples seeking, through the Holy Spirit, to act with the mind and heart of Christ to discern and fulfill God’s will for the church today.
Location: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
http://www.mcgpres.org/
https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorpres
Meaning and Mindfulness (Durban, South Africa)
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Carol is a passionate and dedicated trainer, facilitator and lecturer, who works in corporate environments as well as in skills and University training. She has more than fifteen years of training experience in these varied contexts. Carol has trained meditation techniques and practiced meditation for around thirteen years. Life adventures have taken Carol on journeys to India, where she attended Buddhist teaching, and Thailand, where she had exposure to Vipassana meditation practices. She has had meditation training from various monks in contexts both abroad and in South Africa. In growing her passion to help and share with people and to act as a catalyst for positive change, she is venturing into the online training context.
The primary focus to start will be on Stress Reduction and Meaning and Mindfulness training. Carol has a Master’s degree in Education Cum Laude and formal training from the Zur Institute – Innovative Resources & Online Continuing Education - Certificate – Mindfulness and Meditation in Psychotherapeutic Practice, as well as an Introduction to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction from eMindful – Evidence based mind body wellness. She has also had introductory training in Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy from the University of South Africa – Centre for Applied Psychology. Carol would like to welcome you to join her on this journey.
Location: Durban, South Africa
http://www.meaningmindfulness.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MeaningandMindfulness
Meditate Your Action (Philadelphia, PA, USA)
Meditate Your Action will hold the space, so you can fill it with what you want to manifest in the world.
At MYA, we aim to clear a path through the mental fog to direct action. We seek to build a community of individuals of all backgrounds and lifestyles who value serving others. Through meditation, we will visualize how to be the change we want to see in the world while maintaining yogic principles of loving-kindness, compassion, and non-violence.
At MYA gatherings we discuss, meditate, and plan for action. MYA meetings are typically one hour long and consist of guided discussion and 20-30 minutes of meditation.
Whatever cause is powerful and meaningful to you, bring it! If you’re seeking a purpose and path to action, allow this group to inspire and motivate you. This space allows you to sit still and contemplate how to move forward, surrounded by those also seeking to serve others. All perspectives are welcomed, as is discussion of direct action in all forms that does not violate the rights and wellbeing of others.
Meditation sessions will be led by Emily Tara Sabalbaro, RYT200, and Katy Kopnitsky, RYT200, certified yoga instructors and regular meditators of mantra based, mindfulness, and contemplative styles. We will moderate discussions (but not censor them), so we can bring our focus to the barriers around and paths to direct action.
Your path to action is uniquely yours, and MYA hopes to help you clear it.
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
https://www.facebook.com/MeditateYourAction/
Meditation Awareness Peace research (Bergen, NH, Netherlands)
An independent, universal, interfaith and Buddhist-inspired group, a 'knot' in a network of cooperating groups. MAPr offers days with mindfulness, meditation, mind-training; courses, meetings and more. Various types of focus: meditations of the Heart - Loving kindness, Compassion, Empathy, Equanimity - leading to developing and deepening of inner peace; directly related to outer peace and requiring an inner (meditative) 'activism'. Expanding our circles of commitment.
Concentration-calm and insight practices. Also: the integral theme of growing up, waking up, cleaning up and showing up in the world - realising our full potential as a compassionate human and world-citizen.
Location: Bergen, NH, Netherlands
http://www.meditationapr.org
MEPEACE (Israel)
This network is designed to:
(1) Exemplify peace and realize peace online and on the ground,
(2) Empower people and orgs with interaction, information and inspiration, and
(3) Enable a movement for peace with internet and networking technologies.
http://mepeace.org/
Mercy and Mindfulness Support Fund "The Wey jf Heart" (Irkutsk, Russian Federation)
Консультирование кризисных беременных. Психологическая, юридическая, продуктовая, вещевая помощь. Просветительская деятельность в школа
We provide crisis counseling for pregnant women; psychological, legal, grocery, and material assistance; and educational activities in the school.
Location: Irkutsk, Russian Federation
https://www.facebook.com/sohranimdetei
Messiah Foundation International (London, United Kingdom)
Messiah Foundation International is a multi-faith spiritual organisation. We have one major goal: to bring about Spiritual Revolution on a global level with the Goharian Philosophy of Divine Love and Mysticism. We aim to raise awareness of the forgotten spiritual sciences, promulgate the advent of the Awaited Messiah, Imam Mehdi and Kalki Avatar, promote the Divine Signs and herald the Second Coming of Lord Jesus Christ.
It is our topmost priority to give humanity the message of hope. We raise awareness of the arrival of the Awaited One Lord Ra Riaz Gohar Shahi, the return of Lord Jesus Christ and the manifestation of the miraculous Divine Signs. Though Lord Jesus Christ is known to the world as the Christian Lord and Saviour, Messiah Foundation International draws attention to the universal role of Lord Jesus Christ in the future.
Furnished with the extraordinary spiritual doctrine of Lord Ra Riaz, we aim to elevate mankind beyond worldly differences and unite them with the power of divine love. Our goal is to bring about a worldwide spiritual revolution.
The Goharian Philosophy of Divine Love transcends all religious and cultural boundaries. It unites hearts. Lord Ra Riaz does not discriminate based on religion, race, nationality, caste or creed – and neither do we. Without exception, all those who want to acquire divine love are worthy of respect in our eyes.
Location: London, United Kingdom
http://www.theawaitedone.com
https://www.facebook.com/messiahfoundationinternational
Meta Peace Team (Lansing, MI, USA
MPT is a group of individuals creating a nonviolent alternative to militarism through empowered peacemaking. MPT understands that the primary violence in our world is structural and embedded in systems of oppression and domination. MPT seeks a just world grounded in nonviolence and respect for the sacred interconnectedness of all life. MPT trains individuals in nonviolence and places violence reduction peace teams (when invited) in war zones and places of conflict where there is a likelihood of violence. MPT has (and is recruiting for) teams internationally as well as domestic teams within the United States. Learn more! Visit www.metapeaceteam.org to donate to this work, schedule a nonviolence training or for more information.
Location: Lansing, MI, USA
Meta UK (Worcester, United Kingdom)
We are a business consultancy using the principles of the charter for compassion in Business. We are in business to change the world, admittedly we're doing it in an odd place, the workplace!
But we spend most of our time at work these days and so if we can change the world of business into a more enlightened place, then we really do change the world. We believe that there is a more evolved way of working, one that brings the humanity and common sense back into business without losing effectiveness or ability to deliver. It's time to change the way we work to one that is more sustainable and effective - we call it, working smarter - not harder.
We have worked with businesses from all sectors - non-profit/3rd, public and corporate, and have worked in partnership with businesses across the world. We are passionate about making a difference, and passionate about being a force for good in the world. We do what we do not because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes sounds business sense to use the approaches we advocate.
We've been in business for 35 years now, and we believe NOW is the time for change!
So if you're interested in a different approach to your business needs, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We love to meet new people, and where better than in a purposeful place like this!
For more info please do visit our website - www.meta-org.com or contact Jo our CEO - jo@metapositive.com
and we'd just like to say, that we applaud your membership of this charter for compassion. It's a wonderful thing, and you're wonderful for being a part of this positive movement for change!
Location: Worcester, United Kingdom
https://www.facebook.com/metapositive
Meta-Life Coaching (Pinetown, South Africa)
Meta-Life Coaching (Pty) Ltd; located in Pinetown, South Africa is a leading provider of Coaching and Mentoring Services in KZN. The company specializes in Personal Development Consultation and Business Mentoring. With more than 20 years of Counseling and Life-Coaching experience, we assist individuals and groups to overcome difficult areas in their lives and reach their dreams and objectives. We present Life-Enrichment and Personal Mastery Experiential Workshops and Metaphysical Training to empower individuals to live a more authentic and fulfilled life. We also Assist and Mentor Entrepreneurs with New Venture Creation, as well as Coach Seasonal Managers in Business Development and Transformational Leadership. Whatever we do will be governed by this vision – “how can we bring about transformation, and cause higher consciousness in the perception of people’s (our clients) orientation to life, and through that to cause a ripple effect in preparation of a better world for our children’s children.”
Introduction: Background to the Industry & Services offered.
Being involved with grassroots Community Development Projects in the past, has given us deeper insight towards the tremendous gap that exists in the impartation of mechanisms towards survival, and the constant dependency on Organisational input and Leadership motivation to implement skills imparted. It is almost as if you have to tell people what they are worth - giving them millions and then allow them to have a holiday while destroying the earth - they simply don’t grasp the purpose for living. We believe there are more ways to bring about effective change in society, on primary level as well as within corporate structures. We can create a better world for our children to live in and there is no need for South-Africa to remain entrenched in a social defragmented disorganisation of wealth and development. With daily contact with the key elements and role-players that can bring a turn-around to a corrupted and crime infested environment in society – it has encouraged us further to be that instrument of change. This may entail further impartation of specific skills and academic training to individuals to be more effective in the execution of their passion and mission in life, in order to bring about a transformation to our living environments. Transformative learning is more than a shift in one’s thought, it is a shift in consciousness itself, and that’s what we are passionate about in life.
Successful transformation requires knowledge of how individuals and groups respond to change. Our approach to Individual Coaching and Business Mentoring covers all the stages of change assessment, product or process design and evaluation, in order to deliver customised interventions that empower our clients to become more successful in their endeavours. Experience has proved that the inner orientation of the leader and the worker produce the results we attract to ourselves and the results they deliver as collective business. When we focus on the transformation of Consciousness, relationships, work and play take on a new dynamic. We believe that, regardless of what industry or enterprise you work in or what role you perform in your organization, you can use these arenas of expertise to drive beneficial change. They are the primary drivers for strategies centered on improvement as well as innovation. Working with individuals in personal development, we realise the tedious task of trying to cause change in the motivation of individuals to reach their full potential, one by one. Extraordinary results can be more expedient and effective in equipping and by facilitating positive change in the perspectives and orientation of, for example employers and leaders in influential positions. And then with them again to be that “cause of change” that triggers development in the lives of their employees and sub-ordinates. We believe that many of the solutions for challenges in our changing world lie within a person, organization or system. We use tried and tested methods, but are known to apply great sensitivity when adapting them to a specific client. This way, we are able to activate people’s potential and enable them to deal with their present and future reality. Therefore, when developing and delivering our services, we:
focus on developing a solution that fits our specific client instead of offering ready-made solutions
work with tried and tested methods, yet are not ‘married’ to a method – we find out what the client really needs and design coaching or mentoring interventions accordingly
focus on developing and strengthening the client’s autonomy and self-reliance: being on a par, and acting on equal terms are fundamental to our interaction with our clients.
Our Company Strategic Objectives.
When Entrepreneurs are currently in a disadvantaged position, but desire to grow, pursue their dreams and seek opportunities to influence the world – We can help. We Coach Entrepreneurs and Mentor Change Agents to use their passions and dreams to create a new and better world. We empower our clients to use those Dreams and Passions to again create career opportunities for others, to facilitate the birth of the New Earth that support an interdependent and united society where we each contribute to the success of another. “Those who are fired with an enthusiastic idea and who allow it to take hold and to dominate their thoughts, find that new worlds open for them. As long as enthusiasm holds out, so will new opportunities.” (Norman Vincent Peale). We therefore Infuse, Empower and Establish Young Entrepreneurial Leaders as Change Agents in a Social Artistry.
Our Company trains, coaches and mentors leadership and business development to create environments that enhance Consciousness. This involves communication and expression of trust, support, responsibility, accountability, respect, creativity, integrity, passion and commitment in a mutual beneficial way for the greater good of society. In so doing our clients experience a measurable increase in productivity and job satisfaction, while improving their relationship to work, business, themselves and their communities. Many companies have inspired their management and employees to attend the Personal Mastery Programmes offered and these organisations have profited from increased integrity in the workplace. The benefits experienced by participants and businesses who attend include:
Increased productivity and effective communication
Self motivation and job satisfaction
Improved inter office relationships and interaction
Lifestyle well-being, both at work and at home
The programmes and services offered by ‘Meta-Life Coaching’® are experiences that engage the individual on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Self Development also impacts the quality of individual lives by inspiring them to live with true integrity and responsibility which becomes evident in the workplace. The author Gary Zukav describes our condition very aptly: “Our species … We take from the earth and from each other. We destroy forests and oceans and atmosphere. We enslave each other, and torture and beat and humiliate and murder each other.” He goes on to suggest: “Your decision to evolve consciously through responsible choice contributes not only to your own evolution, but also to the evolution of all of those aspects of humanity in which you participate. It is not just you that is evolving through your decisions, but the entirety of humanity.” It is therefore our aim:
To raise a generation that can take care of themselves (Self-Sustainable Interdependence), to develop communities of human endeavour, rather than the pursuit of profit.
To raise a new generation (tribe), with a different orientation towards life as spirit beings, having a human experience – that understand the role of belief in their lives and relationships.
To be a healing presence in the world that counter-act the destructive mechanisms of greed and segregation.
Our Philosophy and Core Values.
We support a community that is willing to accept our help, through hard work from our side and by accepting our true and honest information and experience that can uplift their lives – we strengthen the community through “UBUNTU”, working together as one. We will guide impartially and impart life skills that will allow your business to grow from strength to strength to reduce poverty and improve equality - so that your community will benefit as well.
Why should you dream if your dreams wont come true? And why should you? No dream should ever go to waste. The greatest thing about a dream, is that it has the potential to come true … if you want it to, if you do something about it. So don’t just let the dream exist in a fairytale – create it. “Whatever you can do, or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” (Goethe).
Our products and services are made available specifically to service the needs of our clients (stakeholders). High priority is given to technology and quality of delivery, utilising updated research information, equipment and products that are ergonomically responsible.
Because our efficiency depends on high ethical values and concern for our clients, as well as our own personnel, business partners and contractors used - we encourage career growth as life-long learning, and skills-development in an effort to produce a higher quality of product and service towards customer satisfaction.
Location: Pinetown, South Africa
http://www.meta-lifecoaching.yolasite.com
Michigan Spirituality Center (Corunna, MI, USA)
Michigan Spirituality Center is a multicultural, community of Believers who wish to gather and worship the Christ together in the many paths and facets of being in our world today. We are a eclectic and ecumenical group open to everyone seeking closer walk with their Creator. We are inclusive of everyone despite past religious tradition or practice. We are a like minded group of individuals seeking to bring more love, compassion and peace into this world through living the Christ in our daily lives.
Location: Corunna, Michigan, USA
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1406585306243926/
Middle Circle (San Francisco, CA, USA)
Middle Circle helps the San Francisco Bay Area to strengthen local connections and make positive impact in our neighborhoods. We seek to develop communities centered around common values, meaning-making, belonging and openness through service opportunities, deep conversations, compassionate relationships, and fun activities.
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
http://middlecircle.org/
https://www.facebook.com/middlecircle
Millennium Freight Solutions (Mableton, GA, USA)
We are a 3PL asset and non-asset based transportation company headquartered in metro Atlanta and with offices nationwide. We are a small business yet very diverse ethnically, religiously, politically, and otherwise. We value personalized, quality relationships with our customers and community.
Location: Mableton, GA, USA
http://millenniumfreight.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MillenniumFreightSolutions/
Million Mamas Movement (Culver City, CA, USA)
In honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2014, the Million Mamas Movement is choreographing its inaugural flashmob, thapeacemob. thaPeaceMob, a call to all people and organizations to participate in a joyous, unified, interactive, global wave of dance for compassion and peace. This global transcen-dance is designated to be included in the Compassion Games initiative.
Location
Culver City, California, USA
Mindfulness Connected (Whitstable, United Kingdom)
Mindfulness and compassion are two sides of the same coin. At the heart of each of us, in our communities and at work, we seek friendship but social and economic conditions seem to feed self-interest and competition. Our approach places mindfulness in a social context in an organisation. Then it becomes mindfulness of experience in working relationships. In this context we naturally find that positive human qualities of kindness, understanding and patience feel better and understand how they enable us to work better together.
Location: Whitstable, KEN, United Kingdom
http://mindfulnessconnected.com/
Mindtraining (Barcelona, Spain)
Mindtraining consists of an interdisciplinary team of professionals specialized in personal and organizational development.
In Mindtraining we are convinced of the importance of the well-being of individuals and organizations and the importance of giving over to the maximum in a sustainable manner without implying a cost too burdensome for the person or organization.
Sustainable peak performance is possible if you know how to manage stress, motivation, the skills and the challenges which people and organizations face on a daily basis.
Location: Barcelona, Spain
http://www.mindtraining.es/
https://www.facebook.com/mindtrainings
Ministerial and Pastoral Care Services (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
Who We Are
You're welcome to join our non-denominational spiritual community at any time. Revs Ed and Dian Williams believes in creating a community that's as rooted in the divinity which exists in each and every one of us. Join us and see how our community comes together and honors our spiritual nature.
Our Philosophy
Faith is more than what happens on Sunday mornings. It's a part of who we are, inside and out. At Ministerial and Pastoral Care Services, we believe in sharing the joy of the gospels daily, and living a life that embodies the spirit of Christ.
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://www.mandpcs.org/
Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers (Edina, MN, USA)
The Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers (MAP) is a common server for social change activists in Minnesota. We pool our projects, actions and events for achieving common goals, gather allies and build issue based cooperative relationships with other organizations across the state and across state lines. We are part of a larger commons of 40 networks, (over 1600 organizations), the Peace, Justice and Environment Project (pjep), that serves all 50 states.
Our Mission:
"To strengthen the effectiveness of the peace and justice community in Minnesota by enabling member organizations to share their resources, insights and ideas and devise cooperative strategies to accomplish common goals."
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
http://www.mapm.org
Minnesota Peace Project (Minneapolis, MN, USA)
The Minnesota Peace Project (MPP) is a network of citizen activists working to build a more peaceful world by influencing US foreign policy through their Congressional Representatives. To get involved just send an e-mail to your Congressional District Coordinator using the form found on our website.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
http://www.minnesotapeaceproject.org
https://www.facebook.com/minnesotapeaceproject
Misfit Love Mafia (Decatur, GA, USA)
Misfit Love Mafia is a non-profit organization in the heart of Atlanta Georgia. Misfit Love Mafia’s mission is to restore dignity in the community while providing basic needs through humanitarian acts to those often unacknowledged.
We are the dreamers, the ones who still believe in magic. We see enchantment in each others eyes. We are the lovers of the broken pieces with their rugged edges and stained surfaces. In those pieces, we see our reflection beckoning us to acknowledge the beauty of imperfections. We are the weirdos, the ones who sit on the fringes and thrive on the edges. We are the collectors of the wounded hearts, discovering hope in each others healing scars. We are the ones who have never fit into the norm, taking pride in the company we keep. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are Misfit Love Mafia. – Dez Leuke
Location: Decatur, GA, USA
https://misfitlovemafia.org/
Misty Mountain Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (Hendersonville, NC, USA)
We are a welcoming congregation that supports and encourages a willingness to learn from many sources, including the teachings of the world’s great religions. Many of our members come from other faith traditions. The atmosphere of free thought and respect for the rights of individuals inspires personal spiritual growth.
Our Mission Statement
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, an inclusive community of faith for all ages, gathers in covenant to:
Celebrate life in all its joy and mystery.
Inspire journeys of truth and meaning
Engage in practice and service for love, justice and peace.
The Seven Principles
We, the Member Congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Covenant to Affirm and Promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Location: Hendersonville, NC, USA
http://uufhnc.org/
https://www.facebook.com/MMCUUPS/
Molly Gibbs and Associates (Olympia, WA, USA)
We specialize in Relational Coordination, bringing measurable improvements to both patient and employee satisfaction in healthcare systems!
Organization Development Consulting in HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
Molly Gibbs loves working as a consultant and coach in the healthcare industry. She specializes in addressing effectively high stress and conflict within work systems that are under pressure to serve more patients, with fewer resources. Her approach is rooted in two fields of study: Relational Coordination, and, understanding how family systems dynamics are often played out in the workplace. We specialize in issues regarding power, who has knowledge, who doesn't, which teams work well together but don't connect with other teams, and where systems fail to learn from mistakes. When we add shortage of funding, and more patients to that mix, the effects of conflict increase dramatically. Molly brings a respectful, clear, insightful perspective to stress and conflict in the workplace. Issues are clarified, communication skills increase, systems are streamlined, and problems are resolved without blaming. Assessment and visioning are essential tools to thorough work. We make sure the right people are in the room to tackle issues, that there is strong support for the program, and measurements are clearly defined. Molly brings 20 years of experience in creating:
effective systems
increased understanding and
communicating much more effectively
to those experiencing constant stress to do more--with less time, less money and fewer staff.
Her conflict resolution skills have helped teams, partners, interdepartmental staff, managers and staff to communicate clearly, with greater effectiveness, for all parties involved.
Molly designed and facilitated successful support groups to promote stress reduction at MultiCare Medical Center. She trained with Dr. Herbert Benson, at Harvard Medical School, in Boston. We integrated the work of many other leaders in the Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine fields: Carolyn Myss, Candace Pert, Phd (Molecules of Emotion), Dr. Bruce Lipton (Biology of Belief; Spontaneous Evolution) and Jon Kabat-Zinn. She also studied power within work systems, facilitated by Barry Oshry, author of Seeing Systems: Unlocking the mysteries of Organizational Life. Her studies with Oshry deepened her understanding of predictable stress and conflicts within hierarchical systems, where power and decisions are controlled top-down. Using "time out of time" in realistic work scenarios, groups could solve issues and try to shift the patterns that are often cemented in place. She also studied large system dynamics with Marvin Weisbord, creator of Future Search, which is a tool for addressing all forms of cultural diversity, and bringing all stakeholders together to create a preferred future.
Her work is influenced by master coach, Mary Beth O'Neill, who was a fearless champion of clear, honest communication within troubled work systems. She was an artist with getting those in charge to recognize their part in creating and maintaining workplace dynamics...and doing something differently to achieve healthier outcomes. Molly applied these lessons and others in healthcare. She co-authored a manual with colleague, Bill Braswell, Jr., who went on to direct Human Resources for Microsoft. Together, we trained 1,500 workers at NorthWest Hospital, leaving well-trained staff to continue the work that brought success to their Total Quality program. How? Because we addressed the interpersonal needs of every staff member we worked with. We discussed shared knowledge, shared goals, and mutual respect (specifically in giving clear, measurable feedback to co-workers). The question we always posed is: "What's my part in this?" We sought to create open systems, where everyone is safe and encouraged to give honest feedback, when things are working well and when they are not. Learning from experience is emphasized; not blaming others.
Some of the issues we addressed, out of our large group vision work, helped to fine tune how the work would be accomplished. We looked at: The six-box model, comprised of the following components:
Purposes: What 'businesses' are we in?
Structure: How do we divide up the work? And, significantly, how do we keep all players up to speed on patient's needs, progress and release dates?
Relationships: How do we manage conflict (coordinate) among people? With our technologies?
Rewards: Is there an incentive for doing all that needs doing?
Leadership: Is someone keeping the boxes in balance?
Helpful mechanisms: Have we adequate coordinating technologies? And significantly, how are we communicating within teams, between teams and beyond? What are our patient satisfaction results? Average number of days per hospital stay? Surgical recovery statistics? How well do our teams communicate with each other, and with our patients?
Addressed sexism, racism and cultural differences.
Molly is also interested in outcomes based learning. She is currently fascinated with Relational Coordination, the work of Jody Hoffer Gittell. See the study results, and find out how we use RC Analytics services to provide superior results. Her curiosity and desire for lasting change takes her into a newer field of study that examines collaborative, interactive action research, process consultation, time series design, natural experiment observational design, and randomized control field experiments; these approaches help us understand the process of change at the individual, group and organizational levels. We also look carefully at the relationships between teams, communication and understanding between all these groups, to see where communication needs improvement.
Essentially we want to encourage relationships based on shared work goals, mutual respect and shared knowledge. Timely, accurate communication and problem solving skills are essential. We define what they are and use the measurements to direct where we focus our efforts. Work stations can be designed to support shared relational goals, and we offer training to support improved communication skills. Performance outcomes are measured, with significant results.
Location: Olympia, WA, USA
http://MollyGibbsandAssociates.com
Molte Wellness and Adventure (Bozeman, MT, USA)
Why Molte?
Molte is the Norwegian word for cloudberries, brightly colored, delicate, yet hardy little berries that grow in the highland mountains of Norway. Paying homage to her Norwegian heritage and the land of fjords, waterfalls, and the midnight sun, Molte Yoga Retreat owner, Turi Hetherington, chose this to symbolize the abundance, beauty, and grace of nature. Just like the human spirit, these berries require the perfect balance of sun, mountain air, and inspirational surroundings in order to thrive.
Dreams do come true! As a little girl I didn’t dream about WHAT I wanted to be, but I did dream about WHERE I wanted to be and that was in the mountains surrounded by snow-capped peaks, crystal clear creeks and wildflower meadows with a wonderful family to share it with.
Being a flatland Minnesota girl I knew making this dream come true would mean moving at some point. So after earning a college degree with honors from UW-Madison, I packed my bags and moved to Montana. I didn’t know a soul, but it didn’t matter; I was going to the mountains! And like most ski-town 20-year olds with college degrees, I began holding down 2-3 seasonal jobs at a time, living and loving mountain life! Twenty years, and an assortment of jobs later (hiking guide, ski instructor, waitress, graphic designer, newspaper production manager, hotelier, event coordinator, marketing director, non-profit executive, yoga instructor and holistic health practitioner) – I’m still living and loving mountain life!
I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to share this passion for the mountains with locals and visitors alike through the years. In 2012 I decided to take it a step further and embrace the sticky note on my monitor telling me to “Be the change you want to see in the world” and I created Molte Wellness and Adventure. My goal: To support others in reaching their goals to live a full life while sharing the bounty of the mountains!
I hope you will join me for a workshop, retreat or personal coaching session! I love being a cheerleader for others. What are you waiting for? Contact me and let’s get started.
Turi Hetherington, MWA Founder
Molte Wellness and Adventure - finding energy and balance through nature
Location: Bozeman, MT, USA
http://www.molteyogaretreats.com/
https://www.facebook.com/molteYOGAretreats
Money-Mindfulness (Decatur, GA, USA)
Money is often a taboo subject in our society, yet our relationship with money impacts every aspect of our lives. Money Mindfulness is your opportunity to untangle the emotional and spiritual money-knots that may be blocking you from a balanced personal and financial life. By working with a trained guide in a deep and nonjudgmental process, you can explore your past experiences, your emotional tendencies around money and your unconscious money-related patterns. Focusing on your strengths and gifts, and learning practices that can move you in a healthier direction, you can find your path toward a healthier state of mind and financial future.
Money Mindfulness was developed by Maggie Kulyk of Decatur, GA, who uses her experience in financial services and her background in religious studies to help people explore their relationship with money and how it intersects with their emotional and spiritual lives.
We invite you to find out more about Who We Are and What We Do and contact us for more information.
Location: Decatur, GA, USA
http://www.money-mindfulness.org
http://www.facebook.com/moneymindfulnessservices
Monkfish Book Publishing (Rhinebeck, NY, USA)
Monkfish is an independent press publishing spiritual and literary books from a diverse range of perspectives. Genres include memoirs, wisdom literature, fiction, and scholarly works of thought. Monkfish books appeal to the seasoned or novice seeker as well as to the general public looking for reliable sources on spirituality. The readers we had in mind when we began Monkfish in 2002 were devoted spiritual seekers, the type whose passion for the spiritual quest would lead them to read across a dazzling array of traditions: Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Islam, Pagan, and more. It has always been our intent to publish works of spiritual authenticity for the general public as well as the specialist and scholar.
Monkfish books are available in bookstores, libraries, universities, and online. Monkfish books are distributed to the trade by Consortium Book Sales and Distribution in the US, by Publishers Group Canada in Canada, and by Macmillan Distribution internationally. Contributors and authors of Monkfish include Rupert Sheldrake, Terence McKenna, Brad Warner, Jacob Needleman, Huston Smith, Elizabeth Cunningham, John Daido Loori, Ralph Abraham, Mirabai Starr and Colin Wilson. Monkfish’s Provenance Editions are reprints of older, and sometimes nearly lost works by distinguished thinkers such as Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Zen Buddhist East/West pioneer D.T. Suzuki, the 1950’s spiritual icon Gerald Heard and H.G Wells.
Monkfish’s eclectic mixture of spirituality books, while dealing with timeless subjects, nearly always shed light on topical concerns, and have been widely discussed and reviewed in newspapers such as The New York Times, Washington Post, Kansas City Star, and Atlanta-Journal Constitution; in the publishing trade such as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist and Kirkus; and in the spirituality media such as Yoga Journal, Spirituality and Health and Beliefnet.
Location: Rhinebeck, NY, USA
http://www.monkfishpublishing.com/
https://www.facebook.com/monkfishpublishing
Monroe County Religious Leaders (Bloomington, IN, USA)
© Connie Larsen | Dreamstime.com
advocating for the religious principles of mercy, peace, social and economic justice and stewardship of the earth.
Four Primary Areas of Concern
Health Care Reform
Care for the Earth
Homelessness
Criminal Justice
Over the years there have been repeated attempts to form and sustain an association of inter-faith clergy in the Bloomington area, with mixed results. In 2004, after a breakfast meeting hosted by some members of Congregation Beth Shalom to explore ways for local congregations to work together in addressing mounting social concerns, this inter-faith group reconstituted itself and decided to meet at Monroe County United Ministries on a monthly basis. This would serve a dual purpose of boosting congregational support of MCUM while providing a “neutral” and somewhat more permanent space for the struggling inter-faith organization to take root and blossom. Under this new rubric, meetings started taking place at the MCUM facility in early 2005. In 2006, MCRL adopted its current mission
MCRL has grown into a vital community of faith leaders that meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, after which many stay for lunch and further conversation. Increasingly, MCRL devotes each meeting to topics of vital national, world and community interest such as health care reform, environmental issues, shelter for the homeless, war, American imperialism and correctional justice. We share knowledge and information on these issues, advocate in the political arena, and implement specific courses of action.
Revised from a statement prepared by John VanderZee in 2008.
Since 2006, MCRL has undertaken numerous actions including:
Testifying before the Indiana Budget Committee to oppose cuts to Medicare
Generating 350 postcards from faith communities supporting the deployment of peacekeeping troops to protect the people of Darfur in Sudan and raising awareness
Meeting with congressional candidates to discuss issues of concern including health care, the environment, the war, and civil liberties,
Persuading the Democratic and Republican candidates for the 2006 congressional race (joined by the Libertarian candidate) to sign a clean campaign pledge and holding them to this pledge
Convening a successful “town meeting” on universal health care at the Monroe County Library
Addressing Islamophobia through newspaper articles and a series of events with the Islamic Center and community at large
Sponsoring and organizing the Spring 2007 interfaith dinner, “Building Bridges: A Celebration of Divine Messages”
Holding our congressional candidate to his word that he would vote for the S-CHIP children’s health insurance bill
Sending letters and testifying to the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission against the proposed new $2 billion coal plant in Edwardsport
Raising awareness and funds for the new endowment for Volunteers in Medicine through an interfaith fund drive during Thanksgiving week 2007
Meeting with the sheriff to assure that clergy of all faiths have access to meet with prisoners
Meeting with both local school superintendents to discuss issues of bullying and expressions of religion in the schools.
Representing an interfaith solidarity in response to hate crimes
Had published in 2009 in the Bloomington Herald-Times its “Statement on Health Care Reform”
Meeting with members of the Latina/o community to hear their concerns about immigration issues and the presence of undocumented immigrants in our community
Meeting with representatives of Transition to learn more about how to work together in addressing issues of sustainability in community
Meeting with U.S. regional census coordinator John Keays to hear about ways to support the success of the 2010 census, e.g., by including information in bulletins and newsletters
Meeting with Steve Ivy, Senior Vice President for Values, Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Pastoral Services for Clarian Health to learn about implications of Bloomington Hospital’s forthcoming merger for delivery of health care services locally
Supporting the work of the Interfaith Winter Shelter and of EarthCare
Meeting with Congressman Baron Hill in his Bloomington office to communicate our concerns regarding health care access, environmental issues, and issues of economic hardship in the face of the Great Recession
Location: Bloomington, IN, USA
http://mcreligiousleaders.org
Montgomery & Associates (Portland, OR, USA)
Founder Glenn Montgomery is a seasoned consultant, trusted adviser, dynamic facilitator, and licensed work performance coach. He draws from three decades of experience and his own journey of discovery and reinvention to help people successfully navigate transitions of their own and connect more deeply to their vital purpose.
Like a character actor, Glenn has excelled in many roles – sometimes as lead, other times supporting. From software developer at multi-national corporations like Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) Willamette Industries (now Weyerhauser), and International Business Systems, to sustainability adviser at the State of Oregon, to executive director, co-founder, and board member of several non-profit organizations, Glenn has honed his ability to adapt and thrive in new and changing environments. He applies his unique knowledge and practical experience to support each client engagement, asking pivotal questions and sharing lessons learned in ways that help people chart a fresh course and embark on their own journey with a greater degree of confidence and success.
Glenn strives to embody his core values of kindness, compassion, integrity, humility, service, generosity, humor, and authenticity in both work and play. He also aims to bring his whole person to each encounter believing that life is just too short to hide parts of ourselves in the shadows.
Location: Portland, OR, USA
http://www.glenn-montgomery.com
MOON Organics (Powder Springs, GA, USA)
MOON means Made Out Of Nature. Founded by a nurse and cancer survivor, MOON Organics offer high quality skincare and personal care products for your healthy lifestyle. All ingredients are hand selected for organic and fair trade components, and only the purest essential oils are used. Final products are never animal tested.
All products are the unique creations of MOON Organics owner, Susan Gonzalez and are tested for safety and efficacy. Susan gives back to the community constantly by donating time, products, and money to cancer outreach organizations and fundraisers. Giving back to the community is part of MOON Organics' mission statement.
Location: Powder Springs, GA, USA
http://www.moon-organics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MOONorganics/
Morning Star Zen Center (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
The Morning Star Zen Center was founded in 1986 by Jim Jackson, who at the time of his death in 2007 was a Senior Dharma Teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen, and his wife, Barbara Taylor, who is also a Senior Dharma Teacher. Dharma Teacher John Kling joined the center in 2008 when he moved to Northwest Arkansas. He was previously with the Indianapolis Zen Center.
Zen Master Seung Sahn
The founding teacher of our School is Zen Master Seung Sahn, the 78th Patriarch in his line of transmission in the Chogye order of Korean Buddhism. In 1972, he came to the United States and started the Providence Zen Center, the first center in what is now the Kwan Um School. He and his students have founded over a hundred temples, centers, and groups around the world. His books include Ten Gates, The Compass of Zen, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, Only Don’t Know, and The Whole World is a Single Flower–365 Kong-ans for Everyday Life.
Zen Master Seung Sahn
Zen Master Seung Sahn Died on November 30, 2004, at Hwa Gye Sah temple in Seoul, Korea. He died peacefully, surrounded by his students. He was 77.
In June 2004, he had received the title of “Great Master” from the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in appreciation for his lifetime of teaching. This is the highest honor the order confers.
Zen Master Soeng Hyang
Zen Master Soeng Hyang (Barbara Rhodes) is the School Zen Master and Guiding Dharma Teacher of the Kwan Um School of Zen. She received dharma transmission from Zen Master Seung Sahn on October 10, 1992. She was one of Zen Master Seung Sahn’s first American students and studied with him since 1972. She was given inka in 1977. A registered nurse since 1969, she works for Hospice Care of Rhode Island. She helped found Providence Zen Center, and lived there for seventeen years, serving a number of administrative capacities. Zen Master Soeng Hyang has a daugher and lives with her partner, Mary, in Massachusetts.
Zen Master Hae Kwang
Zen Master Hae Kwang (Stanley Lombardo) received inka from Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1992 and transmission as a Zen Master in 1998. He is editor and co-editor of three of Zen Master Seung Sahn’s books (Bone of Space, Only Don’t Know, and Ten Gates). He is a Classics professor at the University of Kansas and has published translations of Greek poetry and philosophy, including translations of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. He has also co-authored a translation of the Tao Te Ching. He is the Morning Star Zen Center’s Guiding Teacher.
“To study the way of the Buddha is to study oneself. To study oneself is to forget oneself. To forget oneself is to be enlightened by everything.”
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://www.morningstarzencenter.org/
Mothers Trust Ashram Lakeshore Interfaith Community (Gangnes, MI, USA)
In each religion you will find women and men thirsty for a dream from above. At the Lakeshore Interfaith Institute people come yearning for a vision, fellowship, compassion and understanding. We study, dialogue, listen, and practice, we open our hearts and learn from each other. We pray for peace, justice and unconditional love. We explore other's paths and discover the spirit water deep in us all. We quench ourselves and call it by various names. We explore sacred ways of the world's great wisdom's traditions. We seek to understand through interfaith study and dialogue. We meditate to take responsibility, in a world of diversity to educate our minds and honor the Spirit in all. In so doing- We pray in our own ways for Peace, Justice, Sustainability, Compassion and Global Understanding.
Location: Ganges, Michigan, USA
http://www.motherstrust.org
Moving on UP (Bloemfontein, South Africa)
Laughter and UPliftment coaching to facilitate well being, health, and happiness. Clients are military, universities, prisons and psychiatric and state and private hospital groups. The prison system is my main focus. I have extensive hospital experience and have just studied Care Clowns with an outreach to private and state hospitals. The university outreach was due to major violence and fighting at the end of this year. I was then asked to consult and assist with rebalancing and bringing in unity.
Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa
https://www.facebook.com/groups/203566499974803/?fref=nf
MPACT Financial Group (Dallas, TX, USA)
MPACT Financial Group focuses on wealth management and comprehensive planning for select individuals.
MPACT pursues the highest level of quality in all we do. As a result, we implement strategies that pay special attention to the important details in our clients’ lives. We believe true excellence is best accomplished through a team approach with the collaboration of experts. Our partners specialize in business, retirement, tax, estate and charitable planning. The experience offered by our founding members combined with the longevity of our younger partners creates assurance of a seamless engagement now and in the future.
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
http://www.mpactfinancial.com/
Multi-Languages Corporation (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Multi-Languages Corporation is a high quality language translation service company which was founded in 1997 with the vision to provide superior translation and interpretation services and improve the industry standards. We are located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
We offer a wide range of language services including translation, interpreting, revision, editing, proofreading and localization. Even though most of the work we do is English into French translation, we translate on a daily basis into several other languages.
Mission
To connect and unite cultures through outstanding translation and interpreting services, while contributing to the growth and enrichment of the industry and to be recognized as the industry leader.
Vision
A world connected through language where cultural barriers are minimized.
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
http://www.multi-languages.com/
Multicultural Families Organisation (Southport, Queensland, Australia)
MFO, Multicultural Families Organisation Inc., provides services for newly arrived migrants and their families, including refugees, humanitarian entrants, and new family stream migrants, during the first five years from their arrival in Australia. These services are funded by the Australian Department of Social Services (DSS).
MFO was founded in 1996 and is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation and registered as a Public Benevolent Institution.
In 2017 MFO was granted funding from the Queensland Government to establish a new Domestic and Family Violence Centre on the Gold Coast, to meet the increasing need of support for women and children, from a CALD background, experiencing family violence. Specially trained individuals, within the MFO team, have provided this support on a voluntary basis for years. SARA DFV Centre, has experienced staff with multicultural background and expertise.
The MFO team believes that
migrating to a new country offers opportunities and challenges to the migrants and the host country
migration forced by war or conflict often causes added stress and hardship
The MFO team is dedicated to offer a safe and nurturing place where
the Past is valued
the Present, with all its challenges, is dealt with realistically
the Future is embraced with courage and hope
The MFO team is convinced that
multiculturalism makes a rich contribution to the Australian society, and will continue to do so
by educating and supporting individuals and families from a CALD background we are assisting them to become self-reliant, integrated and achieve a healthy and fulfilling life
MFO is committed to
initiate and work for change of abusive behaviour and offensive attitudes
promote and encourage appreciation and inclusion of diversity
work to influence respectful interactions becoming the norm
demonstrate Leadership for Positive Change
Location: Southport, Queensland, Australia
https://www.mfo.org.au/
Multifaith Association of South Australia (Adelaide, Australia)
Welcome
The Multifaith Association of South Australia seeks a real meeting of hearts and minds among members of different spiritual beliefs and cultures.
The Multifaith Association of South Australia Inc strives to forge, through the activities of the Association, a sensitivity to the spiritual beliefs and cultures of others, so as to establish among them a recognition of a firm purpose to protect their rights with regards to the celebration of their rituals and customs insofar as these do not impinge on the freedom of other faiths and cultures, and to promote harmony and unity through:
The sharing of common views
Growth in knowledge and understanding of one another
The seeking and giving of constant support to one another
Building to greater overall interconnectedness of the one with the other
About Us
The Multifaith Association of South Australia (MFA) was established in 1988. We strive to enhance knowledge, understanding and tolerance of all faiths, amongst the members of all faiths.
The Association is strictly apolitical and may not be used for proselytising. Its management is in the hands of a committee composed of members of different faiths. General membership of the MFA is warmly invited from all members of the South Australian community who shares its ideals.
WHY JOIN?
To celebrate similarities and differences of each faith
To learn to meet in fellowship with people from a wide range of faith traditions
To foster harmony and understanding
To learn what all the world religions have in common
To deepen within and grow in each of our own faiths
To generate community
Location: Adelaide, Australia
http://multifaithsa.org.au/
MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio (Toledo, OH, USA)
The MultiFaith Council brings together the diverse, local faith groups in fellowship, education and community service to encourage all to live peaceably together.
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA
http://www.multifaithcouncil.org
Multnomah Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Portland, OR, USA)
Multnomah Friends Meeting, a Quaker spiritual community, welcomes all.
Like all Quakers, we call ourselves “Friends”; we are formally known as the “Religious Society of Friends.”
We value our “radical diversity.” Our core belief is that the Divine Spirit is accessible to all. Most Friends are Christians, but many are not. We come to Friends from many faith traditions. Most of us began our spiritual journeys in some other tradition or no tradition at all.
We call our gathering place a Meetinghouse. Striving for simplicity, our place of worship is plain. We sit together in a circle or rectangle. Recognizing that the Divine Spirit is accessible to all, we gather without reliance on formal creeds, sacraments or clergy. Our worship is grounded in silence. All present are free to speak “out of the silence” if they are genuinely moved to do so. Spoken ministry should be for the others gathered as well as for the speaker.
The community gathers in a monthly Meeting for Worship for Business to consider together what actions we might take. We do this recognizing that the Divine Spirit is present to guide us to decisions which are appropriate for this community at this time.
Individually we each strive to live in the “Light of the Spirit” which leads us to lives based in simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. These are our testimonies and we find that in trying to live up to them, our lives are changed.
Location: Portland, OR, USA
http://www.multnomahfriends.org/
https://www.facebook.com/MultnomahFriendsMeeting/
Muslim Americans for Compassion (Louisville, KY, USA)
Muslim Americans for Compassion is an organization built to engage the community through interfaith, environmental, and philanthropic outreach initiatives and to promote educational activities and events, whether hosted by MAC or another organization, focused on interfaith dialogue. MAC hopes to provide a platform by which Muslim Americans are able to engage their fellow citizens in such a way as to increase mutual understanding and respect through service and compassion for all.
INTERFAITH
We work with Interfaith partners to develop programming that brings people of various backgrounds together, fostering interaction that is positive and meaningful.
SOCIAL/CIVIC
We address social and civic concerns in communities that are under-served, trying to utilize our resources efficiently to achieve what we believe is the most positive effect.
ENVIRONMENTAL
We work to protect and improve the environment so that future generations may have more of an opportunity to further the messages of love and compassion.
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
http://macus.org/
Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee (New York, NY, USA)
The Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee is a grassroots organization guided by Muslim and Jewish values of peace שָׁלוֹם سلام, learning علم יֶדַע, and charity زكاة צדקה. They build meaningful relationships among all faiths to stand against hate through shared values and social action.
Location: New York City, New York, USA
www.muslimjewishsolidarity.org
Mystic Indian Sage (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
Welcome!
Let’s explore your spiritual zone.
Achieving the desired results in our lives depends on a lot of factors that are interconnected. Our thoughts, actions, resources, knowledge, wisdom, planetary positions, our Lords’ grace & so many more dimensions work like a circuit interconnected. The collective harmonies between them deliver our results.
We offer:
Appointment session - 45 mins
OR
Consultations on e-mail / video call
In the areas of:
Palmistry (personal visit or imaages of palm on whatsapp)
Astrology (web-based analysis along with wisdom talk)
Mentorship for Business
Wisdom Talk on Relationships
Wisdom Talk on Spiritual Path
Wisdom Talk on Mental Stress
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
https://mysticindiansage.com/
Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living (Napa, CA, USA)
About our Beliefs
The Science of Mind is a spiritual philosophy for today. It is a correlation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy and revelations of religion, applied to human needs and the aspirations of every person.
What We Believe
We believe in God, the Living Spirit Almighty; one, indestructible, absolute, and self-existent Cause. This One manifests itself in and through all creation but is not absorbed by its creation. The manifest universe is the body of God; it is the logical and necessary outcome of the infinite self-knowingness of God.
We believe in the incarnation of the Spirit in man and that all people are incarnations of the One Spirit. We believe in the eternality, the immortality, and the continuity of the individual soul, forever and ever expanding.
We believe that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us and that we experience this Kingdom to the degree that we become conscious of it.
We believe the ultimate goal of life to be a complete emancipation from all discord of every nature, and that this goal is sure to be attained by all.
We believe in the unity of all life, and that the highest God and the innermost God is one God.
We believe that God is personal to all who feel this indwelling Presence.
We believe in the direct revelation of Truth through the intuitive and spiritual nature of the individual, and that any person may become a revealer of Truth who lives in close contact with the indwelling God.
We believe that the Universal Spirit, which is God, operates through a Universal Mind, which is the Law of God; and that we are surrounded by this Creative Mind which receives the direct impress of our thought and acts upon it.
We believe in the healing of the sick through the power of this Mind.
We believe in the eternal Goodness, the eternal Loving-kindness, and the eternal Givingness of Life to all.
We believe in our own soul, our own spirit, and our own destiny; for we understand that the life of all is God.
Location: Napa, California, USA
http://nvcsl.org/
http://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyCenterForSpiritualLiving
National Council of Churches USA (New York City, NY, USA)
Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States. The NCC's member faith groups, from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches, include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
Location: New York City, New York, USA
http://www.ncccusa.org
http://www.facebook.com/nationalcouncilofchurches
National Peace Academy (Royal Oak, MI, USA)
The purpose of the National Peace Academy is to support, advance and nurture cultures of peace by conducting research and facilitating learning toward the development of peace systems – local to global – and the development of the full spectrum of the peacebuilder – inner and outer, personal and professional. In fulfilling this purpose, the National Peace Academy embodies and reflects the principles and processes of peace.
In the United States, we are experiencing a period of change of historic magnitude. We are troubled with a trillion dollar war, collapsing housing and financial markets, soaring energy prices, a homicide rate ten times that of other leading industrial nations, and a prison population that includes 1 in every 100 citizens. The nation is seeking solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable, and address root causes rather than merely symptoms.
Change of this magnitude requires learning, commitment, and action of equal magnitude, both personal and collective. There is a pressing need for structures and institutions to facilitate that learning, nurture that commitment, and make possible that action. The National Peace Academy is one of those institutions.
Programs & Projects
The National Peace Academy offers a variety of programs supporting the full development of the peacebuilder – inner and outer, personal and professional.
National Peacebuilding Peacelearning Certificate Program (NCP)
The National Peacebuilding Peacelearning Certificate Program (NCP) provides opportunities for gaining breadth & depth in peacebuilding and peace education or for just testing the waters. Students can take one course, sample a few, or pursue a personalized learning journey toward earning a certificate in Peacebuilding and Peacelearning. Certificate Program courses are available online or as short, in-person intensives and are conducted in partnership with leading educators, universities, and peacebuilding organizations around the country.
Peacebuilding Peacelearning Intensive (PPI)
The Peacebuilding Peacelearning Intensive (PPI) is a weeklong summer program that provides a holistic introduction to peacebuilding in theory and practice. The PPI also supports participants in the preparation of a peacebuilding project to take back to their home, workplace or community. Be sure to checkout the peacebuilding stories of PPI alumni.
Peacebuilder Teleconference Dialogues
Peacebuilder Teleconference Dialogues brings distinguished peacebuilders and peace educators into dialogue with the NPA community. Each 60-90 minute teleconference introduces important and emergent issues and invites guests to engage with speakers through moderated dialogue and Q&A. Free, advanced registration is required.
Peacebuilding Peacelearning Conference
The Peacebuilding Peacelearning Conference is a special 2-day event dedicated to bringing together peacebuilders from around the world to share their experiences and practical wisdom. The conference is also an opportunity to engage deeply into one of the 5 spheres of peace of the NPA program framework.
International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE)
The International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) is an annual program that brings together peace educators from around the world to network, build community, learn with and from each other, and to exchange best practices around a particular theme. The IIPE was founded in 1982 by Dr. Betty A. Reardon, well known as one of the founders of the field of peace education. The week-long residential program is held in a different country each year.
Global Campaign for Peace Education
The Global Campaign for Peace Education is an informal network comprised of formal and non-formal educators and organizations from around the world, is also coordinated by the NPA. The Campaign helps to facilitate the exchange of ideas, strategies and best practices through a monthly email-based newsletter.
Nedeerland Community Presbyterian (Nederland, CO, USA)
Caring Friends and Neighbors
The Nederland Community Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We appreciate diversity, and we treasure openness to new ideas of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ in our time. For us, a fellowship is alive where people are free to live in genuine openness to God and to each other.
Following the example of our Lord, as his disciples, we strive to be an inclusive congregation. We celebrate our common faith and welcome people of every race, color, gender, age and life situation. Our emphasis is on caring, accepting and tolerance, not judging. We speak of our church as a ‘family’ and believe that before anything else that may seek to divide us, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
Location: Nederland, Colorado, USA
http://nederlandcpc.org
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nederland-Community-Presbyterian-Church/146372875...
Neo-Spektrum (Cape Town, South Africa)
Our Mission
Here we recognize the power within us knowing that the power is not of us
Here we meet a God who is love and life
Here we have a credible voice
Here we treat all people humanely
Here there is room for dissidents
Here there is a wisdom circle where each has a voice
Here there is no removal or condemnation
"Neo" is a new ecumenical gathering place where open discussion is guaranteed."Spektrum" (Spectrum) is an embracing circle whose perimeter allows for total inclusive.Neo-Spectrum recognizes, respects and appreciates a Christian tradition.
Inside we want to explore a view of God without form, dimension or definition. Our relationship with God must be relevant and meaningful for the time in which we live. Our experience should be meaningful, dynamic, relevant, and flexible.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
http://www.neo-spektrum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neo-Spektrum/278715195501651
Neshama Interfaith Center (Atlanta, GA, USA)
Our Story
The seeds were planted
The Neshama Interfaith Center story began years ago. In the fall of 2003 Cathy Crosby and Marian Monahan attended a Call to Action (CTA) conference in Milwaukee. They attended a prayer experience facilitated by Brother Joseph Kilikevice, OP, founder of the Shem Center for Interfaith in Chicago. He led them in the Dances for Universal Peace, a simple yet profound experience of the oneness of God and humanity. This touched them so significantly that the seeds of Neshama were planted that day.
Neshama Interfaith Center is a place for exploration, spiritual growth and healing.
Neshama offers diverse classes and services designed to nurture the whole person in a setting where all faith expressions are valued, building bridges of peace by building community.
They sought the Spirit
On their return to Atlanta they contacted Brother Joseph to see if he might help get them started with a similar center in Atlanta. He encouraged them to seek the Spirit and so they gathered a small group to pray and discern the call that they heard: a place in Atlanta dedicated to respectful dialogue, shared prayer and understanding across religious traditons to foster peace. They met with this group for months until they felt the "Yes, but not yet."
They waited for the Spirit
During the interim, while life happened and they waited, the dream and the call never faded. In March of 2009 they attended the Interfaith Immersion Experience here in Atlanta sponsored by Interfaith Community Initiatives (ICI). It was on this seminal weekend that they met one of the presenters, Rabbi Mitch Cohen. They subsequently became involved in the monthly contemplative interfaith meetings and found themselves meeting with him, and others of diverse religions, in a setting which included silence and spiritual sharing.
They shared the Spirit
As they became more involved in ICI, they shared their dream with leaders in the interfaith community, including Ben Johnson and Jan Swanson, who were encouraging and excited for their hope for a center. But it was when they shared deeply with Mitch over lunch one day in the spring of 2012 and found that he also had a similar dream growing in him, they believed the time had come.
Will you share the Spirit with them?
They are committed to holding the vision at Neshama Interfaith Center that they have held in their mind and hearts for over a decade and thus their mission has evolved. They seek to be a place for exploration, spiritual growth and healing. They offer diverse classes and services designed to nurture the whole person in a setting where all faith expressions are valued, building bridges of peace.
One river, many streams
Cathy Crosby, Marian Monahan and Rabbi Mitch Cohen hope that the Neshama Interfaith Center will feed and nourish your dreams for our world.
Location: Alpharetta, Georgia USA
http://www.neshamainterfaithcenter.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TheNeshamaInterfaithCenter
New Beginning Oneness Center (Tarpon Spring, FL, USA)
Our Mission
New Beginning Oneness Center is a global community dedicated to honoring and nurturing the divine essence of wholeness within each person. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for planetary awakening...based on the understanding of our divine self and also of our inter-connectiveness with all life.
We embrace the transformation taking place in our world (and our lives) through the evolutionary impulse of the planet at this moment. Through commitment to spiritual practice, unconditional love, and sacred service we believe we are here as agents of transformation!!
“New Beginning Oneness is a trans-denominational community which believes in the underlying perfection and harmony of the Universe and the divine, infinite potential of all mankind!!”
Our Purpose
New Beginning Oneness Center is a spiritual community dedicated to honoring and nurturing the spirit of wholeness within each person. We practice radical love, sacred service, and the realization that we are inter-connected with each other and all life.
We are committed to providing an environment of unconditional love, support, and tools which can empower our community to grow individually, together, and have a greater impact on our world.
We not only teach Universal principles, but commit ourselves to the conscious practice of them in our everyday lives. Each of us are committed to individual transformation realizing that as we transform and become a peaceful, loving presence in our world, we become the change we’ve been looking for!
Simply stated:
We are here with Divine Purpose!!
About MaryLou Houllis
Spiritual Leader, Author and Speaker
MaryLou Houllis is blazing a new path as a modern-day spiritual messenger – and pioneer of an emerging new humanity. She says: “We are here to live a happy, abundant and empowered life! It’s time we wake up out of the illusions which have kept us from fully creating these lives and come together to co-create a world of peace & harmony for all mankind!”
MaryLou’s words continue to help shift others out of old paradigms and teachings of separation. Her revelatory perspectives on a variety of subjects has brought inspiration and empowerment into the lives of her listeners and awakened them to the possibility of living from the infinite goodness, power, and Oneness of Divine Source.
MaryLou leads a spiritual community in the city of Tarpon Springs on Florida’s west coast. The center is.named New Beginning Oneness Center and it’s where she teaches and inspires remembrance of the collective memory found in the inner consciousness of each human being.
NBOCenter has many ongoing classes, programs, and events...offering tools which enable people to shift their consciousness and empower their lives!
Through an intense quest to know God, MaryLou has dedicated her life to an inner journey of evolving consciousness and study. She believes there is a divine thread which is the core of all spiritual paths teaching the same Universal truth principle. Very early on she was interested in religion and has studied in depth the Bible, world religions, “ancient wisdom” traditions, Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, science and quantum physics. She has traveled to many sacred sites throughout the world to further her spiritual quest.
During the years 2001 until 2006, MaryLou hosted a televised program called “In His Image.” She has been a sought-after speaker in churches and at women’s groups, and led a prison ministry for six years. She writes for magazines and on the web and is currently writing a book.
MaryLou created the annual World Peace Day Celebration which in 2009 drew more than 1,800 attendees representing 17 faiths.
“The heart of MaryLou’s message is a future filled with immeasurable possibilities! In the midst of a world which seems to be getting darker and darker, mankind is actually on the verge of moving forward into its greatest age of enlightenment—one in which human beings are going from unconsciousness to becoming conscious of the Divine Spark within themselves! The Best is yet to come and man is awakening to his power to co-create a world of peace and love!”
Together with her husband Michael, MaryLou shares her life with their three children – Haven, Brooke and Anthony and five beautiful grandchildren – Christian, Michael, George, Giana Bella and the newest addition Harlow Houllis, who is now expecting a little brother to join her shortly.
Location: Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA
http://newbeginningoneness.org/
New Jonang Buddhist Community (Dallas, TX, USA)
The New Jonang Community is a western branch of Great Middle Way Buddhism. It arose, as with all Buddhist communities, from the teachings, example, and blessings of Buddha Shakyamuni. These were then transmitted through a lineage of realized Buddhist Masters, including the Protector Maitreya, the Superior Nagarjuna, the Holy Brothers Asanga and Vasubandhu, the Omniscient Dolpopa, and the Noble Taranatha.
We use the term New Jonang to give the revitalized teachings of the Great Middle Way a distinct identity within the wider Buddhist world. By using this term, we make clear that practitioners of this community are following the teachings and example of the unbroken lineage.
The word New is used not to imply that it is re-created or recently re-interpreted, but rather that it is a presentation of the Dharma in a form that is appropriate to the needs and conditions of the contemporary world. By using the term Jonang, we encourage all to follow the perfect example of simplicity and purity of practice shown by the Great Middle Way Masters throughout history.
May the sun that illumines the Mountain Dharma of Kunchen Dolpopa’s Great Middle Way, having risen in Tibet, now shine over the West.
By the merit accrued through the pure thoughts, words, and deeds of the Jonangpas, may the teachings, example, and blessings of Buddha Shakyamuni and the Buddha from Dolpo remain and flourish for the greater good and happiness of all beings.
om ah guru vajradhara
sribhadra vidyadvaja
sarva siddhi hum hum
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
http://greatmiddleway.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tashi.nyima.7
New Road Consultancy (Brighton, ESX, United Kingdom)
A fact of being human is that life contains uncertainties and difficulties. We are unable to get everything we want, we lose loved ones, we get ill, and we face various mental and physical struggles from time to time. This is true for everyone.
All of us need help in different ways, and seeing someone who is trained in the workings of the mind can be of great benefit and support. The role of the psychotherapist is neither to tell you how to live your life, nor to dispense advice. He or she is there to assist you in finding your own way to live, and to facilitate a deeper understanding of yourself.
Psychotherapy can also be used for specific difficulties, such as the loss of a loved one, a particular fear, a difficult relationship, or an episode of depression. Or it may be used as a space for stopping in our busy lives to reflect, and connect, with our world. Sometimes just the act of talking with someone can offer relief.
It is important to find a psychotherapist you feel comfortable with. Each one of us is unique; this applies as much to the psychotherapist as to the client. Not all psychotherapists suit all people - if there isn't a good enough working relationship between you it is important to feel able to end it and find someone else.
New Road Consultancy places a particularly high regard on three aspects of counselling & psychotherapy.
1. The psychotherapist's and counsellors are commited to ongoing professional and personal development. Both theoretical understanding and experiental understanding is essential to 'be with' and support a client.
2. The psychotherapist's and counsellors understand a good therapeutic relationship is vital to fruitful work being done within the therapeutic space.
3. The psychotherapist's and counsellors all work to a pescribed code of ethics. Very simply it is the practice of not doing or saying anything that leads to the harm of self or other.
We will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, political beliefs, marital status or disability.
Location: Brighton, UK
http://www.newroadconsultancy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Road-Consultancy/160979497287058
Newtown Helps Rwanda (Sandy Hook, CT, USA)
In 1994 over 1,000,000 Rwandan Tutsis were killed by their neighboring Hutus within 100 days. Over 1,000,000 children were orphaned in one of the world's worst tragedies in history.
In December of 2012 JT Lewis lost his little brother, Jesse Lewis in the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre. Reeling from this personal tragedy he had the opportunity to Skype with orphan genocide survivors who had heard about the shooting and wanted to reach out to JT. During the Skype call they told him that they were so sorry about what had happened to his brother and they shared their personal experiences of heartbreak where they watched many of their family members die. They told JT that through gratitude, forgiveness and compassion they have healed and are now leading lives filled with hope and joy. This started JT on his own healing journey and inspired him to give back to the people from around the globe that had reached out to him in love.
Knowing that these now young adults had no hope of going to college, JT set out to raise money to make their dreams come true. Several months after he began fundraising he was able to Skype back to the same group and announce that he had raised enough money to send one of them to college for a year. He has made the personal commitment to send this person to college for the remaining 3 years and hopes to do more.
JT Lewis is is inspired by genocide survivors in Rwanda but also by someone a lot closer to home, his mother, Scarlett Lewis. Scarlett Lewis, author of Nuturing, Healing Love and Rose's Foal, is the Founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation. The foundation collaborates with professional educators to bring lasting meaning to Jesse’s murder by developing school-based educational programs to change our current culture of violence to one of safety, peace and love for everyone in our world.
JT is also working with Jane Ekayu, Executive Director of Children Of War - Uganda, helping to raise money to build self sustaining fish ponds for former children soldiers. These young girls and boys have been forcefully taken from their parents, brutalized, forced to be soldiers and sex slaves and are now home, sometimes with children of their own, trying to establish lives. These fish ponds will enable them to not only feed themselves but will provide fertilizer for crops, industry and hope. JT is working with a well established company already building ponds in Uganda and other war torn areas.
Location
Sandy Hook, CT, USA
http://www.newtownhelpsrwanda.org/
Niagara Alliance for Restorative Practices (Lockport, NY, USA)
The Niagara Alliance for Restorative Practices (NARP) was founded in 2018.
Our mission/vision is to provide Restorative Practices to Niagara County/WNY.
We are members of the Compassionate Niagara community. Currently we provide Circles, to build relationships and repair harm when it occurs, for organizations, schools and community members. We hope to impact the school to prison pipeline in our community and we have worked with the local Juvenile Justice Task Force to explore ways to assist juveniles (both in schools and in the community). We want to allow community members to develop a common restorative vocabulary so that we can all work together and communicate to help and support others as well as more effectively communicate (for example, when harms occur).
Location: Lockport, NY, USA
Nightbird Books (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
Nightbird Books is located in downtown Fayetteville, at 205 W Dickson St.
We are a locally owned, independent bookstore, featuring a wide variety of hand-selected new books for adults and children and a cafe with locally sourced coffee, baked goods, and beer.
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://www.nightbirdbooks.com/
Niles Discovery Church (Fremont, CA, USA)
Niles Discovery Church is a progressive, open and affirming church that serves the Bay Area Community, uniting in God’s love for all people regardless of race, age, nationality, physical ability, marital status, family configuration, mental ability, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, religion, faith, or creed, encouraging them on the adventure we call the faith journey.
Location: Fremont, California, USA
http://nilesdiscoverychurch.org
http://www.facebook.com/NilesDiscoveryChurch
No Asylum (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Anne Frank’s father, Otto, shows his enduring love for his daughter by desperately trying to obtain visas to save his family from the Holocaust.
No Asylum, the Paradise Filmworks International feature length documentary, brings Otto’s voice to light through his recently discovered letters, which reveal for the first time, the emotional tale of how the world turned its back on the Frank family.
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
http://noasylumfilm.com/
North American Interfaith Network (Wichita, KS, USA)
The main focus of NAIN is to support the growth of interfaith understanding by supporting the work of member organizations. NAIN chooses the term "network" to describe its work rather than institution, organization or association.
NAIN was envisioned by a group of leaders from existing interfaith organizations in the US and Canada from 1985 to 1987. In 1988, a North American Assisi, hosted by one of the oldest interfaith councils in the US, Interfaith Ministries of Wichita, Kansas, came together as the birth of NAIN and the first NAIN conference. In 1990, at the second conference in Seattle Washington, a constitution for NAIN was approved. NAIN was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in the State of New York.
NAIN has continued to sponsor conferences, now familiarly called "Connects", held at first every two years and now annually. In between Connects, NAIN networks member interfaith organizations via an online public website at www.nain.org, an internet members worksite, and an online newsletter.
Location: Wichita, Kansas, USA
http://www.nain.org
http://www.facebook.com/NAINConnect
Northwest Arkansas Prison Story Project (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
The Prison Story Project Is:
Kathy McGregor, Storyteller and Project Director
Katie Nichol – Creative Writing Director, with Jane Blunschi
Jonny Schremmer, Theatre Director, with Kholoud Sawaf
Suzanne Stoner, Cheryl Sharman, and Pamela Bramsfield, Circle Keepers
Shannon Wurst – Singer Songwriter
Addison Staples, University of Arkansas Intern
Andrew Kilgore – Project Photographer
The very first NWA Prison Story Project was presented on Thursday, October 4, 2012. An INSIDE performance was presented to the inmates at a women’s correction center in Northwest Arkansas and later that evening an OUTSIDE performance was presented at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. This was a first for the prison and for the community.
For four months 12 incarcerated women met twice a week to explore the art of storytelling. They listened to each other, to guest artists, and to their own hearts. They told their stories through writing, reading, poetry, mask making, song writing, and life mapping. Their stories were collected, edited, and put together in a staged reading performed for them, their sister inmates, and prison staff at an INSIDE the prison performance and then on the OUTSIDE for the Northwest Arkansas community. Later, in December of 2012, The NWA Prison Story Project found blessed sanctuary in ongoing support from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The second Prison Story Project, began on January 14, 2013 and ended mid-April, 2013. Eleven women inmates met twice a week with storyteller Kathy McGregor, actress Erika Wilhite, and poet Katie Nichol, and once again began exploring the art of personal storytelling.
Their stories were performed in a staged reading INSIDE the prison on April 18, 2013, and OUTSIDE the prison on April 19, 2013, titled “Stories From the Inside Out”
The NWA Prison Story Project held it’s next classes as follows:
Prison Stories III July – November, 2013
Prison Stories IV January – April, 2014
Prison Stories V completed Spring of 2015
These classes and performances were funded, in part, by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, with matching support from the Artist’s Laboratory Theatre and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
As we have grown, so have our audiences. Prison Stories III, IV, and V were performed to standing room only audiences (the Parish Hall at St. Paul’s has about 220 seats) and that tells us that the community the women will be returning to want to know more about them. Understand them. Learn how to welcome them. In a new and healing way for everyone.
Everyone who participates as a guest artist with Prison Stories volunteers their time to this important work. It costs approximately $2,500 for each 4 month session. When we are extra special blessed we receive enough donations at the staged reading, or in grant funding, or in-kind donations (printing, notepads, pens, books, etc) to pay stipends to the artists and actresses who bring the sacred stories of the incarcerated women we serve to life.
If you would like to participate in upcoming sessions with either your time, talent or financial contribution, please contact us!
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://www.nwaprisonstories.com/
Northwest Arkansas Transgender (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
Our desire is to give Trans* people a place to meet other Trans* people and receive the support that they are looking for. We also hope to offer a social environment so that those comfortable enough to get out in public don't have to go alone. For those of you that live in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area, The NWA Center for Equality has a Transgender Peer Support group on the first Sunday of each month. Visit the Center's website for specifics.
Our specific coverage area encompasses the north western corner of Arkansas and surrounding area. This basically means southwest Missouri,north eastern and eastern Oklahoma, extreme south east Kansas and most of Arkansas north of the Arkansas River and West of Us 65. This does not mean that we will refuse anyone due to their location. We are still willing to lend whatever support we can to you.
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://nwatrans.org/
Oakhurst Baptist Church (Decatur, GA, USA)
We are a Baptist congregation with a rich and unique evolution. Throughout our history, Oakhurst has wrestled with and reaffirmed a particular commitment to authentic Christian living. We have sought to follow Christ in facing issues of racial integration, women’s rights, homelessness, poverty, 12-step recovery, LGBTQ and marriage-equality rights, peace and non-violent action, disability rights, church hierarchy and other issues of justice. There exists now a firmly rooted culture of expectation that we will model among Baptists and other Christians a radical form of integrity to our own tradition, coupled with openness and relevance to a multi-cultural, inter-faith world.
Baptist Affiliations
When organized in 1913, Oakhurst affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Atlanta Baptist Association, the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Baptist World Alliance. Not all of these ties continue.
In 1987 Oakhurst became the first church to affiliate with the newly formed Alliance of Baptists, a group of dissident moderates within the SBC who felt basic Baptist freedoms were being lost to fundamentalists. Sadly, the Alliance attracted only about 120 churches. Then in 1991, a more representative group (about 1,500 churches) of moderate Southern Baptists formed the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) and directed its energies to missions. Oakhurst members were part of the founding of this organization, and the church has supported the CBF, though to a lesser degree than the Alliance.
The church also participates in the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta. In 1992 the church adopted a new relationship with the American Baptist Churches in the USA, helping reconcile a split that began over slavery before the Civil War, thus becoming active in American Baptist Churches of the South Area III.
We also affiliate with a number of Baptists groups that are not denominations, including The Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, which works for issues of peace and justice, and the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, which works to include LGBTQ people in the full life of the church and the body of Christ.
During the fall of 1999, differences between the Southern Baptist Convention and Oakhurst led to our disfellowship from the Georgia Baptist Convention. This action was followed in the summer of 2000 with a letter from the Southern Baptist Convention that we were no longer considered a cooperating member of the SBC. The latest chapter on affiliations closed in the fall of 2001 as these differences found their way to the local Atlanta Baptist Association. After months of dialog and discussion, and threats of being de-funded by the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board, the Executive Committee of the ABA voted to remove Oakhurst from its rolls as of the first of November, 2001.
Baptist churches share a strong belief in the freedom of the individual to read and interpret the Scriptures, the freedom of the local church to shape its own life, and the freedom to cooperate with other groups as the church desires. Baptist heritage affirms the need for church and state to exist free from the restraints of the other.
Location: Decatur, GA, USA
http://www.oakhurstbaptist.org
Odd Fellows (Emmeloord, Netherlands)
We, Odd Fellows, men and women who are interested in the world around us. We feel in our thinking and acting co-responsible for what is happening in society. Ethical behavior is essential. Most of Odd Fellows are active in civic matters, individually or together with other members. Our activities are primarily focused on the immediate environment. The ultimate goal is harmony among people.
Odd Fellows encourage and inspire each other during the meetings that take place regularly.The exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of openness contributes to self-development and leads to new insights.We are literally hand of our membership.Origin, education, intelligence or social position we find it not so important;it is more about a lifestyle that contributes to positive thinking and action in everyday life.
Location: Emmeloord, Netherlands
http://www.oddfellows.nl/home
Odyssey Networks (New York City, NY, USA)
Odyssey Networks is the nation's largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to producing and distributing media that promotes peace and tolerance and addresses issues of social justice. For over two decades, our organization has created and produced thousands of hours of the most inspiring, highly rated programs on television.
Odyssey Networks produces programs with a distinct purpose. Through our work, we seek not only to promote mutual understanding but to bring people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints together to solve the critical issues of our time.
Location: New York City, New York, USA
http://www.odysseynetworks.org
Olivia McIvor Consulting (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Olivia McIvor is a leading business leadership expert, senior HR specialist, community leader and author. She consults and advises admired companies internationally, teaches university leadership, conducts leading edge research on workplace values, generational trends, and has spoken to audiences around the globe.
A best-selling author of two books and numerous learning tools, including The Business of Kindness and Four Generations, One Workplace, where McIvor shows business how to create a workplace environment that creates true employee engagement , wins the hearts of their people and fosters employee commitment and engagement. Her third and upcoming book offers inspiration and practical advice on how we all can take responsibility to make a difference in the world, at work, in our families and in our communities.Turning Compassion Into Action: A Movement Towards Responsibility will be released April 2013.
When companies and leaders want to know how to create inspiring, powerful cultures they work with Olivia McIvor.
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.oliviamcivor.com
OME Espais / Coaching, PNL & Mindfulness (Martorall, Spain)
Nuestra Visión:
Acompañar a las personas a tomar conciencia de sus potenciales para mostrar lo mejor de uno mismo, y descubrir aquello que quiere ser y pueda ser.
Nuestra Misión:
Hacer realidad nuestra visión mediante el Coaching, PNL, Mindfulness, Terapia y otras herramientas que faciliten el desarrollo personal y profesional, de manera que aumente el bienestar de las personas en los diferentes ámbitos de su vida.
Our Vision:
To accompany people to become aware of potential to show the best of yourself, and discover what it wants to be and can be.
Our Mission:
To achieve our vision by Coaching, NLP, Mindfulness, Therapy and other tools facilitate personal and professional development so that increase the welfare of people in different areas of his life.
Location: Martorell, Spain
http://omecoaching.es/
Omnes (San Francisco, CA, USA)
Join people from around the world to share the power of human connectedness. Experience Moments in real-time with family, friends, and the Omnes community.
Omnes - Moments for the soul.
Find. Browse our library of real-time Moments to find exactly what interests you.
Join. Participate in an upcoming Moment with Omnes members from around the world.
Message. Discuss or bond over the Moments you experienced together.
Host. Invite your friends, family, or others in the Omnes community to connect.
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
https://omnes.io/
One Billion Acts of Peace (Seattle, WA, USA)
One Billion Acts of PeaceOne Billion Acts of Peace
Charter Partner Nominated for the Noble Peace Prize
We’d like to introduce you to one of our exciting Charter Partners, One Billion Acts of Peace (1baop) who will lead our March 10th Maestro Call. 1baop started out as a simple idea:
Everyone matters.
Everyone can make a difference.
And together, we are unstoppable.
Many organizations have joined 1baop to create a global citizens’ movement to tackle the most important problems facing our planet. With 13 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates helping to lead the campaign 1baop is hoping to inspire 1 billion acts of peace by 2019.
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
http://www.1billionacts.org/
One Billion Rising (West Hollywood, CA, USA)
On February 14 women will gather in communities all over the planet to rise up to tell their stories, raise their voices to be heard, and to dance. One way to bring attention to the problem is to organize an event or flash mob. Call the media and film your event. Toolkits and information are available at www.onebillionrising.org
This event was held at the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Appleton, Wisconsin- a Compassionate Congregation and member of the International Charter for Compassion. Film courtesy of Ron Haese, A.V. guru filmmaker and activist with final production by Walking Moon Studio, International.
One Billion Rising organization is a Charter Partner with the International Charter for Compassion another global movement toward compassion for self, others and the planet. Charter Partners include more than 250 compassionate communities and 700 partners worldwide. www.charterforcompassion.org
The film is a collaborative initiative of organizations, of "Words and Violence" online project in its 4th edition hosted at Voices Education, pedagogical institute and educational arm of the Charter for Compassion.
The charter sectors meet and work toward resolution of the global challenges facing modern society. Sectors include: Education; Environment; Science & Research; Communities; Healthcare; Business; The Arts; Restorative Justice; Peace & Non-Violence; Religion, Spirituality & interfaith.
Alone it is daunting and overwhelming to try to make a difference in the world. Together, in solidarity, change is inevitable and we make the world a better place.. Come and lend your voice, your talent, your gifts, your hands or just bring your willingness to make a difference.
One Humanity Institute (Auschwitz-Oswiecim, Poland)
One Humanity Institute, to be located in Auschwitz-Oswiecim, Poland, encompasses the vision of building a “City of Hope,” a destination where long or short-term visitors can experience the stark realities of the past alongside opportunities and models of transformation for a culture of sustainable peace and the uniting of humanity.
Visiting One Humanity Institute will be a great reminder of a promise “Never Again”, so fully experienced at the Auschwitz Museum, to seeing themselves as part of the solutions needed for fostering a better world for all.
Our Institute will be a place for peace education in an environment where the more than 2 million visitors each year will have the potential access to come to imagine a new future together, where one could leave empowered to be the change they want to see in the world and to spread the message of HOPE.
Location: Auschwitz-Oswiecim, Poland
https://onehumanity.institute/
One Man Inspiring Hope (Spokane, WA, USA)
by Harbin Institute of Technology
We talk about global warming, the rise of sea levels, air pollution, drought, floods, deforestation and more. Yes, it is true that the climate has changed in the past few decades. The climate is changing now, and may still continue to change in the future. However, there are things we can do to adapt, to slow down, to stop, or to even reverse any negative impacts.
One man has worked for nine years and invested over 700,000 Chinese renminbi (RMB), or approximately US$100,000, to restore a large area of semi-arid land in the Khorchin district of northeastern China. And to do so, he chose to live in this harsh climate, where the annual temperature varies from between -36 to 45 degrees Celsius. This hero’s name is Wan Ping.
From Grassland to Grassless
Khorchin spans the Chinese provinces of Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Heilongjiang, covering 50,600 sq. km. In China, Khorchin is historically famous not only for its beautiful grassland landscapes but for its beautiful young ladies, including one of the empresses of the Qing Dynasty.
However, today the grassless areas are expanding quickly and becoming the biggest sandy area in China. A sandy (semi-arid) area is different from a desert because it is able to hold some underground water. However, here moving sand dunes are like monsters that can easily devour vegetation on the ground and even houses. Average annual wind speeds can reach 3.5 miles per second and the highest wind speed can reach more than 21.7 miles per second.
Khorchin experiences a wind of level of 8 on China’s wind measurement scale (1 being a breeze and 12 being a tornado), for 45 days annually. In fact, most of the country’s sandstorms have begun in this area in recent years.
People in Khorchin — who rely on food crops such as corn to sustain their livelihoods — face problems brought on by the severe environmental conditions, such as lack of water, insufficient farmland and transportation difficulties.
This unfavorable natural environment leads to low incomes and pressure on children to drop out of school at a very young age, even as young as 10. These children follow in their parents’ footsteps, exploiting as much virgin land as possible, raising more livestock and wishing for a better life. However, as a result, they see more land become grassless, more sand storms, and a degraded environment.
Further, unlike in China’s urban areas, local people tend to have more than one child per family, which places more pressure on the ecosystem. Of course this means they will be fined because of China’s “family planning” law that limits the number of children per family, and this will further aggravate their economic condition.
Within Khorchin’s vicious cycle, their life has not yet changed, and neither has their children’s.
One Man Wan
However, on 16 June 2000, this area might have experienced a turning point. That day, former thermo-dynamics engineer Wan founded an ecological demonstration area near Xinhe village in Jilin Province. Wan’s project aims to restore the environment in Khorchin, and at the same time improve local people’s living standards.
In 1999, Wan was at the peak of his career when he realized the crisis of climate change in Khorchin. Ten times on foot, he explored the 2,500 sq. km of sandy area located near the border of Inner Mongolia and Jilin provinces to examine the degradation of the grasslands and the local weather conditions. After that, he quit his job in the city of Changchun determined to try and make a difference.
Wan started to plant trees in the demonstration area as the first step of his project because re-vegetation is the key part of land restoration.
The baby trees must be watered frequently or they will die because moisture evaporates quickly in such an arid environment and there is not enough underground water to support them. In the heat of summer, people can get sunstroke, especially when doing hard labor. Wan fainted several times when he did his outdoor work.
But no difficulties — such as local people’s misunderstanding, the cold shoulder of the government and even the lack of support from his family in the first few years — have stopped him from carrying out his passion. He was even attacked by local hunters who were against his plans to save the native wildlife (like foxes and rabbits) in the demonstration area.
He may hesitate, he may wander, he may evaluate in his heart what he is doing, but he does not retreat from his mission. Because of his dedication, there is a luscious windbreak today, the moving dunes have been fixed, there is a 95% green coverage rate in the demonstration area and there is more precipitation.
The Grapes of Khorchin
For projects like this to succeed, the local economy should also develop. In 2004, experts found that the local soil and weather conditions are suitable for growing grapes and that the income from growing one acre of grapes is equal to the income of growing 30 acres of food crops such as corn.
Wan began leading local farmers to plant grapes in the restored area, and in 2007, a local wine brewing corporation was launched. According to Wan, the grape planting did not go smoothly in the beginning, because those grapes did not sell well due to the lack of both growing experience and transportation problems. Actually, they were losing money, but in order to encourage villagers to continue growing grapes, Wan compensated them for their early economic loss.
Now grapes have become the main source of income for some local people and by 2007, the annual per capita income of local farmers was RMB 2,000 (US$300) more than surrounding regions. This shows that development and environmental protection do not conflict with each other, but rather can be mutually beneficial.
Volunteers
In China, my generation (born after 1980) is called “the 80th”. We are blamed by the generations of our parents, grandparents or even great grandparents for our idleness, our unbridled character, our lack of handwork, our selfishness, etc. We have not argued with that and we have believed that we really are. However, things are changing and now people have begun to call us the “eco-generation”. We are realizing that we are promising and that the world needs us.
I went to Khorchin as a volunteer during the winter holidays in 2006. It happened to be the coldest days of the year, reaching -36 degrees Celsius at night. I lived in Wan’s house, the only building in the ecological demonstration area, and we ate mostly foods made from local pumpkins and potatoes.
My job was to help Wan do home visits on foot to consult with local families about their children’s education. Wan knows that this recovery work cannot be done by one generation alone. So, in order to “plant trees in children’s hearts”, he became a volunteer teacher at the local primary school and since then, the drop out rate has decreased and no local children have quit school before the age of 13.
We did this because there is no other outdoor work we can do during the winter. Between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily we were able to visit only three children’s homes before we started to walk back, because there is no transportation in the sandy area.
According to Wan’s records, a large number of people have come to help him over the nine years: from the first local people who came to share the labor, to 1,198 students from different Chinese universities, to international volunteers, including even an elderly couple from Japan.
I am hoping that more and more people can join us, join the team of volunteers, not only in Khorchin but also in other areas where the environment needs us.
Source: Our World
One Peace - Many Paths (Spokane, WA, USA)
One Peace, Many Paths is a diverse, spiritually-oriented peace group in Spokane, Washington. We began at Unity Church in 2008. Participants in One Peace, Many Paths are united in the understanding that we are all One, and passionate about working for greater peace in our lives and in the world. We honor and encourage all paths to peace.
Throughout the year, One Peace, Many Paths sponsors a variety of peace-related activities. One of the highlights is a series of events called Pathways to Peace, beginning with September 11, the Day of Remembrance and ending with September 21, the International Day of Peace.
Location: Spokane, Washington, USA
http://www.onepeacemanypaths.org/
One Spirit Learning Alliance (New York, NY, USA)
Vision
As sacred consciousness evolves in a diverse yet increasingly interconnected world, One Spirit inspires passionate, caring individuals and communities to live engaged lives of authenticity, celebration, compassionate service, and integrity.
Mission
One Spirit is an interspiritual institute that offers in-depth experiential education and professional training to:
Teach & Explore the common core of ancient and emerging human wisdom
Train and Ordain interfaith/interspiritual ministers
Prepare spiritual leaders, counselors and clergy to serve diverse communities; and
Support and Nurture individuals’ on-going spiritual development, growth and service to the world
One Spirit in Action (OSIA)
As the sacred activism initiative of One Spirit Learning Alliance, OSIA aims to bring desperately-needed attention, resources and love to underserved communities in New York City and around the globe and to experience sacred service as a vehicle for understanding ourselves, our world, and our spiritual traditions.
Location: New York, NY, USA
http://onespiritinterfaith.org/
One World Spiritual Center (Marietta, GA, USA)
At One World Spiritual Center, we celebrate the many paths to God as taught by the world's major faith traditions, and honor your personal journey. In addition to our dynamic Sunday Celebrations, we offer classes and workshops open to all, and a Wellness Center dedicated to healing and wholeness.
Location: Marietta, Georgia, USA
http://www.oneworldspiritualcenter.net
https://www.facebook.com/OneWorldSpiritualCenter
OneJax (Jacksonville, FL, USA)
It is the intention of OneJax to serve as an ethical center among all people to assure that everyone in Northeast Florida is treated with respect and dignity. We want to be the catalyst that will help transform our community into one of peace and understanding...to be truly, Different Together. We can't do it alone—it will take all of us working together.
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
http://www.onejax.org/
Oneness Through Art (Northfolk, VA, USA)
The Mission is to engage folks of all ages through the arts, to help children and adults alike see the world with an open and accepting heart, removing social barriers, building friendships recognizing we are all connected.
The Purpose of the Oneness through Art Movement is about raising awareness through various art and film mediums intertwined with uplifting thought provoking messages. We will create humanizing experiences through the global language of the arts to shift reaction of mind towards compassionate acceptance through open hearts.
Location
Norfolk, VA, USA
http://OnenessThroughArt.com
Optimise IT (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Information Technology and Communications Provider - encompassing all aspects of ICT, from systems acquisitions and installations for home and business to the support for business and home for increased communication and systems lifespan by providing Systems Maintenance and Training. Seeing the life-cycle through by ensuring environmentally conscious Electronic Disposal and re-acquisition of evolutionally superior home and business technology. This life-cycle has been developed to ensure the end-user maximum life and operability within all disciplines, aimed at bridging technology and communication gaps and completing the information technology experience.
Our Mission
To deliver ICT services to home and business tailored around the clients needs. Demystifying the ICT profession and delivering products and services built around growth and development of our clients. ICT should deliver affordable communication, enable business to work smarter and faster and provide home users with a virtual universe at their doorsteps.
Optimise IT Profile
Optimise IT was setup in 2007 after a void was seen in the African market in delivering cost effective and strategically planned home and business systems. With so much technology at our disposal, it came about that a need arose to knowingly place ingeniously designed systems offering end users a complete audio and visual experience, optimised for business, lifestyle and entertainment. This need should be realistically balanced against the end users specific outputs and a life-cycle plan developed to ensure the user optimum life and efficiency. It was with this intrinsic drive and focus that Optimise IT came about with the sole intent to Optimise Information Technology for you.
Optimise IT supports black business within our African context moving toward an electronically aware and conscious African continent. Our company's involvement to our country's' development is as strong as it is to our clients and we believe the two are not mutually exclusive. We are proudly South African and believe that Information Technology from an African perspective has an astounding amount to contribute to the world as a whole.
Our clients business and home needs with always drive our enthusiasm to move towards affordable and evolved technology for all. To bridge the gap between the end user and brilliant synthetic intelligence.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Optimist Theatre (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
We believe that the theatrical arts broaden and enrich those parts of our minds and spirits that are most essentially human. Optimist Theatre is driven to reach artists and audiences across the economic, ethnic, and experiential landscape. We educate, entertain, and inspire through creative works of artistic integrity.
Location: Milwaukee, WI, USA
https://www.optimisttheatre.org/
https://www.facebook.com/ShaxParkMKE/
OPTYVA (Redmond, WA, USA)
Distinctive business management and strategy consulting firm offering more than 25 years of combined experience across the software, technology and global online arenas.
Optyva strives to better position our clients to compete successfully within the online marketplace by providing value-added expertise and solutions across our business services.
Collaborative
Perceptive to the unique needs of each client.
Foster an environment of trust, transparency and open communication. Offer a globally-inclusive, yet balanced approach.
Determined
Exhibit the leadership and initiative to transform your business aspirations into valued results.
Visionary
Blend unrivaled experience with ingenuity to deliver strategy-focused, innovative solutions.
Location: Redmond, WA, USA
http://www.optyva.com/
Order of Christ Sophia/ Center of Light (Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
The Ann Arbor Center of Light is a spiritual school and non-denominational, mystical Christian church located at 200 Huronview Blvd Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. We offer daily meditation and communion services, as well as an Introduction to Christian Mysticism and Meditation class on Sunday afternoons that is open to everyone. Coming to a Sunday Service, staying for for brunch and attending our Intro to Mysticism and Meditation class afterwards is a great way to get familiar with what we do. For those who complete our introductory course, there are free weekly spiritual classes including Bible Contemplation – an interactive meditation where deeper truths and personal messages from the gospel come alive, and a Tree of Life class, in which the timeless teachings of the mystery schools are given. If you have been looking for a spiritual teacher in Ann Arbor, meditation class, or a spiritual community that can help to support your desire to grow in consciousness, we encourage you to check us out.
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
http://centersoflight.org/annarbor/
Orquesta de Cateura (Asuncion, Paraguay)
La Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados de Cateura dirigida por Favio Chávez está conformada por niños, niñas, adolescentes y jóvenes de escasos recursos que viven en la comunidad del Bañado Sur ubicada alrededor del vertedero Cateura de Asunción, Paraguay. La característica distintiva del grupo es la interpretación de obras musicales con instrumentos reciclados elaborados a partir de basura rescatada del vertedero.
Los instrumentos de la Orquesta imitan violines, violas, cellos, contrabajos, guitarras, flautas, saxofones, trompetas e instrumentos de percusión. Entre su repertorio ejecutan música clásica, música folklórica, música paraguaya, música latinoamericana, música de los Beatles, de Frank Sinatra, música de películas, metal sinfónico entre otros. La Orquesta tiene por objetivo desarrollar un proceso de formación dirigida a niños y jóvenes que viven en condiciones precarias y en estado de vulnerabilidad, a través de la música como elemento motivador y de promoción para los niños y jóvenes de modo que estos vivan experiencias que les ayuden a aprender, a permanecer en la escuela, desarrollar su creatividad y a tener acceso a oportunidades para mejorar su futuro.
Location: Ascuncion, Paraguay, South America
http://www.recycledorchestracateura.com/
OweYaa (New York, NY, USA)
OweYaa is an HR tech platform that is helping employers create compassionate and inclusive workplaces.
Location: New York, NY, USA
http://www.oweyaa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Oweyaa/
Oxherds Interfaith Contemplative Prayer Group (Boulder, CO, USA)
We are a group of contemplative practitioners interested in exploring the spirituality of a variety of traditions through a combination of silent meditation, readings and responses adapted for lay contemplatives from long established monastic practice.
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
https://oxherds.wordpress.com/
Ozark Natural Foods (Fayetteville, AR, USA)
Ozark Natural Foods is a cooperative grocery store in Fayetteville, AR.
We are a full service grocery store that sells organic and all-natural products. We also have a Deli that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering. We are a locally-owned cooperative. That means that anyone that shops at ONF can also become an owner of the store! You don't have to be an owner to shop - anyone is welcome!
Location: Fayetteville, AR, USA
http://onf.coop/
