Harnessing Wisdom Traditions and Science for Social Change

Hosted by the Garrison Institute Fellowship Program, Contemplative Wisdom, Transformative Action is a three-day virtual gathering that brings together contemplative practitioners, social change leaders, scholars, and visionaries. Together, we will explore how awareness-based practices can catalyze personal resilience, systemic healing, and collective regeneration.

Anchored in the Fellowship’s four core pillars – contemplative wisdom, the science of interconnection, generative action, and collective healing – this convening is a space to deepen understanding, share field-leading innovations, and cultivate new possibilities for social transformation.

Drawing inspiration from the Garrison Institute’s Spirituality & Social Change Initiative, the conference will highlight an evolving map of organizations integrating contemplative practice into their social impact work. This initiative illuminates a growing ecosystem of changemakers who lead from depth, relationship, and reciprocity.

Participants will hear from renowned guest experts, engage in guided contemplative practices, and connect with Fellows and peers through storytelling, field-mapping, and experiential sessions. Together, we will explore how contemplative values—such as stillness, compassion, and interdependence—can guide regenerative leadership and support lasting social transformation.

Core Question:How can contemplative wisdom nourish bold, transformative action in times of planetary urgency?

This gathering is a field-building moment for those cultivating justice, compassion, and planetary well-being from the inside out.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is designed for:

• Contemplative practitioners seeking to deepen their engagement with social change.

• Educators, nonprofit leaders, and organizational changemakers integrating contemplative practices into their work.

• Scholars and researchers exploring the intersections of spirituality, neuroscience, and social transformation.

• Activists, artists, and visionaries committed to regenerative leadership and collective healing.

Hosts

Dr. Angel Acosta and Nichol Chase

Speakers

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Daniel J. Siegel, Laura Inserra, Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Arawana Hayashi, Resmaa Menakem, Kaira Jewel Lingo, Max Klau, Douglas Rushkoff, Clifford Saron, Robert W. Roeser, Mary Evelyn Tucker, Elissa Epel, Gretchen Ki Steidle, Rhonda V. Magee, Aqeela Sherrills, Tracy Ferron, Susan Olesek, Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Alex Senegal, and the Garrison Institute Fellows