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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260614T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260614T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011826-1781433000-1781438400@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-06-14/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260627T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260627T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20260324T223501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T223734Z
UID:10011959-1782554400-1782579600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Fierce Vulnerability: Healing\, Spirit & Action in Times of Collapse
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON: Fierce Vulnerability: Healing\, Spirit & Action in a Time of Collapse \nSaturday and Sunday\, June 27th and 28th\, 2026 \n10 AM to 5 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Kazu Haga \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks strongly encouraged \n  \nWe will discuss the teachings from Kazu Haga’s latest book\, “Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma\, Emerging through Collapse“. The book invites people into imagining a movement that sees injustice not as a political issue but a manifestation of collective trauma\, and therefore understands that we can’t “shut down” injustice anymore than we can “shut down” trauma. \nThrough touching our own heartbreak and vulnerability\, we will mobilize the fierceness to stop violence and injustice while cultivating the love necessary to heal it. \nThe workshop will include dharma talks\, meditations\, role-plays and interactive small group work. \nAll are welcome! \n  \n\n\nCost \nThe teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers. \nThe ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more\, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give\, there is an option for that. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. \n  \nPlease also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well\, who do not receive a salary for their work\, and give their teachings freely to all. \nVenmo: @kazuhaga \nPaypal: PayPal.me/kazuhaga \nkazuhaga.com/support \nPlease reference “Fierce Vulnerability”. \n  \nThank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor those wishing to practice in person\, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching. \nTo attend in person\, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products\, including those that are especially good for people of color\, appears on our website: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. Please avoid parking your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday\, 8 am – 6 pm. \n– Parking on Alice\, Jackson and 17th between Alice and Lakeside drive is unmetered and has no time limit on Saturdays. – There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive\, please allow extra time for parking. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nKazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice with over 25 years of experience in social movement work. He is a founding core member of the Ahimsa Collective\, a Jam facilitator and author of Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm and Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma\, Emerging through Collapse. He works with incarcerated people\, youth\, and activists from around the country. He is a resident of the Canticle Farm community on Lisjan Ohlone land\, Oakland\, CA\, where he lives with his family. You can find out more about his work at www.kazuhaga.com.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-fierce-vulnerability-healing-spirit-action-in-times-of-collapse-2/2026-06-27/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260628T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20260324T223501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T223734Z
UID:10011960-1782640800-1782666000@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Fierce Vulnerability: Healing\, Spirit & Action in Times of Collapse
DESCRIPTION:IN PERSON: Fierce Vulnerability: Healing\, Spirit & Action in a Time of Collapse \nSaturday and Sunday\, June 27th and 28th\, 2026 \n10 AM to 5 PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Kazu Haga \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks strongly encouraged \n  \nWe will discuss the teachings from Kazu Haga’s latest book\, “Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma\, Emerging through Collapse“. The book invites people into imagining a movement that sees injustice not as a political issue but a manifestation of collective trauma\, and therefore understands that we can’t “shut down” injustice anymore than we can “shut down” trauma. \nThrough touching our own heartbreak and vulnerability\, we will mobilize the fierceness to stop violence and injustice while cultivating the love necessary to heal it. \nThe workshop will include dharma talks\, meditations\, role-plays and interactive small group work. \nAll are welcome! \n  \n\n\nCost \nThe teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers. \nThe ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more\, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give\, there is an option for that. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. \n  \nPlease also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well\, who do not receive a salary for their work\, and give their teachings freely to all. \nVenmo: @kazuhaga \nPaypal: PayPal.me/kazuhaga \nkazuhaga.com/support \nPlease reference “Fierce Vulnerability”. \n  \nThank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor those wishing to practice in person\, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching. \nTo attend in person\, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products\, including those that are especially good for people of color\, appears on our website: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. Please avoid parking your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday\, 8 am – 6 pm. \n– Parking on Alice\, Jackson and 17th between Alice and Lakeside drive is unmetered and has no time limit on Saturdays. – There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive\, please allow extra time for parking. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nKazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice with over 25 years of experience in social movement work. He is a founding core member of the Ahimsa Collective\, a Jam facilitator and author of Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm and Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma\, Emerging through Collapse. He works with incarcerated people\, youth\, and activists from around the country. He is a resident of the Canticle Farm community on Lisjan Ohlone land\, Oakland\, CA\, where he lives with his family. You can find out more about his work at www.kazuhaga.com.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-fierce-vulnerability-healing-spirit-action-in-times-of-collapse-2/2026-06-28/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fierce-Vulnerability-2026-845-x-321-px_png.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260712T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260712T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011827-1783852200-1783857600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-07-12/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260809T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260809T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011828-1786271400-1786276800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-08-09/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260913T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260913T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011829-1789295400-1789300800@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-09-13/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260919T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20260327T181935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T181935Z
UID:10011963-1789812000-1789837200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Kingian Nonviolence Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Kingian Nonviolence Workshop \nTWO DAYS: Saturday\, September 19th & Sunday\, September 20th\, 2026 \n10AM – 5PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Kazu Haga \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks strongly encouraged. \n  \nKingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation: Developed by Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. and David Jehnsen\, two allies of Dr. Martin Luther King\, Kingian Nonviolence is sometimes referred to as the “final marching orders of Dr. King.” It is a philosophy that teaches us the depth of nonviolence and conflict transformation. \nIt teaches us to hold healing and reconciliation as the final goal of any conflict\, and also reminds us of the need for justice and accountability as a necessary stepping stone to the Beloved Community. \nWhether you are trying to improve conflict in your personal life\, cultivate a culture of peace in your school or community\, or build a powerful movement for social change\, this training can be a transformative tool. \n  \nAll are welcome! Full participation for both days is required. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Meter parking is free on Sunday\, and enforced Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm. \n– There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive\, please allow extra time for parking. \n  \n\n\nCost \nThe teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers. \nThe ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more\, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give\, there is an option for that. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. \n  \nPlease also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well\, who do not receive a salary for their work\, and give their teachings freely to all. \nVenmo: @kazuhaga \nPaypal: PayPal.me/kazuhaga \nkazuhaga.com/support \nPlease reference “Kingian Nonviolence”. \n  \nThank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor those wishing to practice in person\, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching. \nTo attend in person\, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products\, including those that are especially good for people of color\, appears on our website: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. Please avoid parking your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday\, 8 am – 6 pm. \n– Parking on Alice\, Jackson and 17th between Alice and Lakeside drive is unmetered and has no time limit on Saturdays. – There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive\, please allow extra time for parking. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nKazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice with over 25 years of experience in social movement work. He is a founding core member of the Ahimsa Collective\, a Jam facilitator and author of Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm and Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma\, Emerging through Collapse. He works with incarcerated people\, youth\, and activists from around the country. He is a resident of the Canticle Farm community on Lisjan Ohlone land\, Oakland\, CA\, where he lives with his family. You can find out more about his work at www.kazuhaga.com.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-kingian-nonviolence-workshop/2026-09-19/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kingian-Nonviolence-Workshop-845-x-321-px_png.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260920T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260920T170000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20260327T181935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T181935Z
UID:10011964-1789898400-1789923600@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:IN PERSON: Kingian Nonviolence Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Kingian Nonviolence Workshop \nTWO DAYS: Saturday\, September 19th & Sunday\, September 20th\, 2026 \n10AM – 5PM PT (Time Zone Converter) \nWith Kazu Haga \nOpen to all \nThe center is fragrance-free and wheelchair accessible \nN95/KN95 masks strongly encouraged. \n  \nKingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation: Developed by Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. and David Jehnsen\, two allies of Dr. Martin Luther King\, Kingian Nonviolence is sometimes referred to as the “final marching orders of Dr. King.” It is a philosophy that teaches us the depth of nonviolence and conflict transformation. \nIt teaches us to hold healing and reconciliation as the final goal of any conflict\, and also reminds us of the need for justice and accountability as a necessary stepping stone to the Beloved Community. \nWhether you are trying to improve conflict in your personal life\, cultivate a culture of peace in your school or community\, or build a powerful movement for social change\, this training can be a transformative tool. \n  \nAll are welcome! Full participation for both days is required. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Meter parking is free on Sunday\, and enforced Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm. \n– There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive\, please allow extra time for parking. \n  \n\n\nCost \nThe teachings are regarded as priceless. So they are offered without a fee. You are invited to support the teachings and our efforts by contributing voluntary donations (the practice of “Dana”) for the expenses of the meditation center and the support of the teachers. \nThe ticket prices are listed as different tiers with suggested donations based on income ranges. For those who wish to give more\, you may choose an “add-on” to your ticket. For those unable to give\, there is an option for that. \nNote that all financial gifts received here go directly to EBMC\, and we invite you to give separately to our teachers\, using the information below. \n  \nOther ways to give: \nTo make a gift to sustain the work of East Bay Meditation Center\, you may do so via Paypal: paypal.me/eastbaymeditation or our website: eastbaymeditation.org/dana 100% of our programming is sliding scale and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. \n  \nPlease also consider giving a financial gift to our teachers as well\, who do not receive a salary for their work\, and give their teachings freely to all. \nVenmo: @kazuhaga \nPaypal: PayPal.me/kazuhaga \nkazuhaga.com/support \nPlease reference “Kingian Nonviolence”. \n  \nThank you for the gifts of your generosity and for supporting the work of East Bay Meditation Center and our beloved teachers who have volunteered their time. \n  \nFor in-person participation: \nFor those wishing to practice in person\, space will be limited to 60 people to allow ample space for social distancing. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 face masks. (N95 face masks will be available at EBMC.) Please note: The teacher may be unmasked while teaching. \nTo attend in person\, you need to be completely free of fragranced body and clothing products — more information and a list of fragrance free products\, including those that are especially good for people of color\, appears on our website: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/ \nEast Bay Meditation Center is a scent free / fragrance free space and is wheelchair accessible. \n  \nPublic Transportation/Parking: \n– We strongly encourage public transportation/biking/walking since parking in the neighborhood is limited. Please avoid parking your car on the street in a metered space during this time as it will cause an interrupted retreat experience. \n– EBMC is 4-5 blocks from 19th Street Bart (about a 7 minute walk). \n– EBMC has bike parking inside the center. \n– Please note that parking meters are enforced Monday – Saturday\, 8 am – 6 pm. \n– Parking on Alice\, Jackson and 17th between Alice and Lakeside drive is unmetered and has no time limit on Saturdays. – There are also garages on Harrison at 15th and on Harrison between 17th and 19th. If you are planning to drive\, please allow extra time for parking. \n \n\n\n\n\nTeacher\n \nKazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice with over 25 years of experience in social movement work. He is a founding core member of the Ahimsa Collective\, a Jam facilitator and author of Healing Resistance: A Radically Different Response to Harm and Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma\, Emerging through Collapse. He works with incarcerated people\, youth\, and activists from around the country. He is a resident of the Canticle Farm community on Lisjan Ohlone land\, Oakland\, CA\, where he lives with his family. You can find out more about his work at www.kazuhaga.com.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/in-person-kingian-nonviolence-workshop/2026-09-20/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,In-Person Only
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://eastbaymeditation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kingian-Nonviolence-Workshop-845-x-321-px_png.png
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261011T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261011T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011830-1791714600-1791720000@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-10-11/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261108T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261108T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011831-1794133800-1794139200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-11-08/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261213T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261213T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T161944
CREATED:20251219T220427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T220518Z
UID:10011832-1797157800-1797163200@eastbaymeditation.org
SUMMARY:ONLINE: White and Awakening Monthly Sangha
DESCRIPTION:The White and Awakening Monthly Sangha will meet on the second Sunday of each month from 10:30 am to Noon PT/1:30-3:00 pm ET  beginning January 11\, 2026.  This group is a joint offering of EBMC and Brooklyn Zen Center.  All meetings are on Zoom. \n  \nFacilitated by Crystal Johnson\, Sarah Emerson\, Heather Lear\, Kitsy Schoen and guests\, the monthly sangha is an opportunity for white people to gather and discuss their dilemmas and successes in waking up to whiteness and making a difference in undermining white supremacy culture in all of its many manifestations\, including in our sanghas.  Our intention is to create a supportive space that allows us to do the hard and painful inner work that frees us to take action in the world. \n  \nOpen to all self-identified white people and to those for whom whiteness is an important part of their identity.  Questions?  Email us at whiteandawakening@eastbaymeditation.org.   \n  \nSign up here to receive the zoom link.   \n  \nFACILITATORS \n \nCrystal Johnson is a retired clinical psychologist and a Community Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland\, CA\, where she also serves on the Leadership Sangha (Board) and as a member of the Radical Inclusivity Committee. She completed the year long Commit2Dharma training at EBMC\, as well as the 2-year Dedicated Practitioner Program and the 2-year Community Dharma Leader Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In her teaching\, she focuses on creating/co-creating programs for white dharma practitioners seeking to build awareness\, knowledge and skills to challenge the dynamics of white privilege and race-based oppression\, and create truly inclusive sangha. Her courses include White and Awakening in Sangha at EBMC\, Unpacking Whiteness: Reflection and Action at the San Francisco Zen Center\, White and Awakening Together at Spirit Rock Meditation Center\, Unpacking Whiteness for the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and Unpacking the Whiteness of Leadership for Branching Streams. She offers consultation to individuals and organizations seeking to disrupt the practices of white supremacy culture and support change toward racial equity. \n \nSarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a M.A. in Counseling Psychology\, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into\, challenging and transforming systems of oppression\, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas\, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has worked for many years in grief support- clinically\, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner\, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest)\, their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn\, NY. \n \nHeather Lear (she/her) was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners in the South\, and is now based on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma\, embodiment practices and DEIA work around white and awakening in community\, and serves as the Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heather has completed various study and teaching programs\, including Spirit Rock’s LEAP program\, the Sati Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training\, and Radiant Heart Qigong Teacher Training with Teja Bell. She has served on the board at Insight Santa Cruz\, on the teaching team offering the 6-month White and Awakening in Sangha program at the East Bay Meditation Center since 2019\, and is part of the current Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders (CDL7) cohort. \n \nKitsy Schoen\, MSW\, began her mindfulness practice and was inspired to work as a hospice social worker after meeting Stephen Levine in 1979. Throughout her career she has been able to integrate mindfulness and her passion for racial equity into her work. At Kaiser Permanente\, Kitsy led the NCAL Kaiser Psychiatry’s Cultural Diversity Workgroup and was a founding member of the “Isms Collaborative”\, a group of representatives from public and private health care organizations that sought to address workplace bias in agencies committed to reducing health disparities. In 2004 she began Spirit Rock’s Community Dharma Leader program with the specific focus of bringing insight and compassion practices to working with other white people on racism. In 2007\, she joined the Leadership Sangha (board) of East Bay Meditation Center and began offering antiracism classes to white practitioners. Kitsy has provided training and consultation to numerous mental health training programs and dharma centers on issues of racism\, power and privilege.
URL:https://eastbaymeditation.org/calendar/white-and-awakening-monthly-sangha/2026-12-13/
LOCATION:East Bay Meditation Center\, 285 17th Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Classes,Online,Practice Groups
GEO:37.8050656;-122.2660299
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=East Bay Meditation Center 285 17th Street Oakland CA 94612 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=285 17th Street:geo:-122.2660299,37.8050656
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