Our Work Today, and Where We Are Headed
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The Future of GPIW
A Special Earth Day Message
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Over the years GPIW has come to understand the need to help young people develop a vision for the future. We recognize that the world’s issues are systemic and, therefore, we seek to guide our young leaders in looking at whole systems solutions. Simultaneously, we work to help them articulate the spiritual foundation for an ecological civilization, which they will have to usher in. It is critical that the efforts of those working for change are grounded in spiritual principles if lasting beneficial change is to come. We aim to provide our young leaders with a global network of likeminded spiritual activists, knowing the importance of collective thinking and action. This is our work. |
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In 2011, GPIW held its first Inner Dimensions of Climate Change retreat in northern India. These 5-day intergenerational gatherings are held in various regions of the world in partnership with young ecological leaders and spiritual mentors from various backgrounds to explore climate change from an ethical and spiritual perspective. GPIW draws upon a rich network of spiritual teachers and indigenous knowledge holders that we have worked with over the past 20 years to dialogue with young ecologists and examine the inner dimensions of climate change. These immersions support activists in reconnecting with themselves, each other, and the natural world, while developing a vision for the future. The dialogues explore the deeper issues that have led to social and ecological breakdown around the globe. We discuss what can be done on the individual and collective levels, how to cultivate attitudes of care and equanimity, and how to raise awareness in our home communities. We look at regenerative agriculture and systems thinking as frameworks to rebuild right relationship with the Earth’s resources.
These young professionals are NGO leaders, ecologists, biologists, marine scientists, urban farmers, eco architects, regenerative designers, filmmakers, educators, systems thinkers, and activists. Each participant is an emerging leader in their own country and region, and we have witnessed their tremendous growth during and after these retreats. Their work is rooted in spiritual principles and we have watched them expand and take their work to larger audiences around the world. These gatherings have created ongoing friendships amongst our young leaders, helping them develop regional and global networks while also connecting them with mentors in their fields. It has been a source of inspiration and renewal, often lifting them out of despair, ecological grief and burn out, so common in this field. We have found that the settings of natural beauty where these immersions take place create an enriching environment that becomes a strong catalyst for rapid shifts in the way people think. Such meetings of hearts and minds can ignite a spark in a young person, changing the course of their life.
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GPIW’s Essential Conversations program was created to support young spiritual teachers (ages 35-50) who occupy a unique place in today’s world. Standing at the crossroad of tradition and modernity, these teachers are exploring new ways of expounding age-old teachings in the context of the realities of today. We bring them together to discuss, connect, share experiences, and build a strong network of likeminded leaders. We aim to carve out a time and space for these teachers that is restorative and regenerative. GPIW organized the first in person conversation in Brooklyn, New York at the end of 2019. The conversations continue in online forums. This community is at an exciting formative stage of development. We hope to continue to build and grow the community by hosting six dialogues per year, some in person and some on-line. Through community and relationship building, we aspire to support and amplify the gifts of these change-makers. |
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GPIW aims to continue supporting in-person and online dialogues with young people organized by a young leader in the region who has already attended a previous gathering. Many in our network have gone on to hold dialogues in their own countries based on the themes of spiritual ecology, environmental reform, water issues, work and meaningful livelihoods, interconnection, sacred activism, re-imaging education and reclaiming traditional knowledge systems, healing the Earth and healing ourselves, and leading from within. For example, one of our past participants from Argentina, Juan Pablo Restrepo, has recently organized a 5-part online series with our support. Inspired by The Inner Dimensions of Climate Change, this online event is bringing together people from South America who are working on environmental issues from a broad spiritual perspective.
We have future plans to continue to spotlight and amplify the voices of young ecological leaders around the globe. In the near future, we hope to conduct interviews and write up short bios that expose the work of the young professionals in our network. We also hope to pull from the collective pool of knowledge that is holding our network together by creating a basic curriculum for our community. We will convoke our young leaders to contribute their expertise by designing simple tutorial videos and/or articles presenting practical projects that people can do to make small changes in their lives. This may include the basic building blocks for community gardens, vegetarian or vegan cooking, or urban composting. The idea behind this is that it will be done by young people for young people, bringing in a natural fertilizer to an already ripe garden. GPIW will help organize and promote these videos to the larger community.
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We continue to remain in touch with many participants and, whenever possible, guide them to small grants, speaking opportunities or to participate in other training programs similar to GPIW’s. We also continue to connect young people to the mentors and leaders in our networks, extraordinary human beings who hold wisdom, love and care deeply for humanity and life. It is a time for upholding honorable examples of what is possible in the human collective and to share this with young people who are losing hope. The truth is that there is so much good taking place across the globe, and it must be amplified and highlighted as much as the negative news is presented.
We hope this has inspired you knowing that so much good is happening in many places around the world. We thank the foundations and individuals that have supported GPIW over the years and have made these programs possible. We are currently seeking support to continue the work and sincerely request those of you who can to consider making a tax-deductible gift of support.
Happy Earth Day.
In gratitude,
The Global Peace Initiative of Women
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