Read this newsletter online: http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.htmlDownload printable PDF version: http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.pdf

welcomeAugust is a month without national holidays, but around the worldpeople have historically fought to find independence this month.August is the month that women in the US won the vote and thatseven countries (Ecuador, Pakistan, India, Korea, Indonesia, Uruguayand Malaysia) won their independence. And it is the month MartinLuther King Jr. gave his ”I Have a Dream” speech, continuing thestruggle for black folks to reclaim their own lives. Given that longhistory of self-determination we thought we'd focus on restoring,reflecting, and reclaiming what's ours-whether that means our ownvoices, our literal independence, the right to be seen as wholehuman beings or our need to reflect on our deeds. Thousands ofpeople all over the world will also participate in Ramadan thismonth, reflecting on Allah, their actions, and their intentions to findways of being more charitable--more human to themselves andothers.

the practice of inconveniencewhat's in your wallet?INcite with angel Kyodo williams

Years ago, Gloria Steinem, the formidablegodmother of modern feminism posed a querythat my fading memory won't recall exactly, butit irrevocably changed how I view my life. Thegist of it was this: if life came to an end foryou, if you were hit by a car or something lesstragic, but equally sudden while out in theworld, and someone had to go through yourwallet to find out who you are, would your

checkbook reflect your values? Would your statement make a statementand is it the one you would want shared? What story would the carbon

what's newSITforChange: Pledge, Promote,Participate--Make MoolaSITforChange just got virtual!Individual participants can sithere or waaaay over there. Our2nd Annual Sit-A-Thon, held

locally in MLK Park in Berkeley on September 19th, cannow be joined virtually. By popular demand, we've set itup so that you can "SIT for Change" from wherever theyare. Be a Changemaker, form a Teams, even designyour own creative SITs for Change: sit-in, sit at home,sit in community, sit in your local park. If you're anorganization, you can RAISE FUNDS for your work bypartnering with us. Be a participant, partner, sponsor,volunteer or vendor. Registration officially launches onMonday, August 10th. Go now:

Read more...Wanted: "Old" iBook and Powerbook G4s

in SIGHTOur Circles of Connection

Both RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth) andTributary Streams of a Healing River advocaterestorative justice as a means for true justice. In thevideo (excerpt from Tributary Streams of a HealingRiver) ex-warden Dennis Maloney speaks about howpeople's natural sense of retribution is restorativejustice. And although the featured video doesn'thighlight RJOY's work, it does give a good idea aboutwhat they do...

Read more...

the practice of inconvenience | transform. | August 2009 http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

1 of 6 8/10/09 2:59 PM

copies of what you sign on the dotted line for tell about what matters toyou? Not the story of a year ago before the massive nosedive we're inbecame clear. Today. Now.

I know, i know....many of us are so politically correct that we don't writepaper checks and maybe haven't for years, but you get my drift: whetherits paper, plastic, prepaid or PayPal...

What's in YOUR wallet?

Later this month, Muslims all over the world will begin Ramadan, theannual 30-day observance of a daylight fast. Neither food nor waterpasses the lips from sun up to sun down. The same goes for sex and anyunlawful, unkind or distasteful acts. Things of pleasure and things of painare released equally in a daily commitment to taking in less whiledirecting one's energy inwards for reflection, prayer and renewal. SinceSeptember 2001, I've engaged this deep practice of total abstinenceintermittently, regaining consistency in the last few years.

When I commented on it beginning soon (August 22nd in North America),a community member scoffed at its inconvenience: it lands just as we arepreparing for our own Fall Practice Period, not to mention workingfeverishly on our single biggest event of the year. Her concern iswell-placed. The outcome of this year's event matters like no otherbefore: like many smart but small organizations, we're sitting on afinancial precipice looking over the edge.

This is, more often than not, the nature of deep practice: It isn'tconvenient. It doesn't fit your schedule. It doesn't conform to your whim.It isn't selectable for good days instead of bad. In short, it isn't ahobby...it's a practice.

And owing to this practice, as deeply as we are in a literal existensialcrisis, we are happy. Not happy to be facing the jaws of organizationalDeath (or Rebirth as the case may be) but happy with who we are, whatwe do and HOW we show up in the world. I've made peace with the factthat one of the reasons we're in a tight place is because we gave up theGame of jumping through money hoops. We continue to honor ourcommitment to change from the inside. Daily. 5:40am wakeup bell. 6amyoga. 7am meditation. Week after week. When the bills come and whenthey go.

If not as dramatic, remaining committed to established personal andorganizational practice--especially in the face of challenge--is a stance noless determined than that of Gandhi's Salt Marchers, or those folks thatcontinued to cross the bridge in Selma. We put our butts on the line andon the cushion to usher forth a new way of Being Change. Facing financialfiring squads, we stand (and sit) committed to finding Right Relationshipthrough real partnership with a community of practitioners, participantsand donors that care enough to support this new way even when it isneither easy nor convenient. In the process, we stand committed tomaintaining Right Relationship with ourselves.

While Ramadan is a fasting practice, it's not about holding back--it'sabout reconnecting with the places within us that have tightened overthe year and re-learning to give generously from that place of connection

Learn More About RJOY

in TIME

27 Days of Change: PracticePeriodSept 1-27REAL Change & Justice Beginswith YOU

Designed for activists, allies and agents of socialchange, Practice Periods are seasonal 27 days of urban-based, intensive practice towards inner change, donewhile in the midst of our busy lives. Join peoplenationwide, online or in person, to set 6 intentions forhow you want to show up in the world and receive thesupport you need to embody them. Residentialopportunities available. Register Today.

Urban Retreat: Wake Up for Change Sept 4 - 6Full participation is encouraged, but not required. During this non-residential weekend retreat we focuson what it means to inner awareness to broad-basedsocial change. Take time to strengthen the foundationof your work in the world; deepen your intentions forsustainable, centered social change.

Read About 27 Days of ChangeSee a Sample Intention AgreementRegister for 27 Days of Change

in the CENTERTraining to Transform Folksfrom Inside-OutLast month, eight people tookthe first-ever fearlessMeditationInstructor Training (fMIT). Theywere instructed on how to teach

fearless Meditation I--a workshop that teaches thebasics of establishing a nonsectarian, universal sittingmeditation practice in a social justice context. Theworkshop is the first of its kind--using social justice asthe context for a meditation practice--rather thanreligious, medical or otherwise. With each persontaking what they learned into social justice arenas, it's aradical focus that could be earth shattering: It's one ofthose things that has the potential to change the wayfolks go out and do social justice work.

Read more...

outer ACTIONThe Technological Practice ofReclaiming CommunityWe have Facebook, MySpace,Twitter and now Ning. Socialnetworking may not be quite thesame as what our parents and

the practice of inconvenience | transform. | August 2009 http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

2 of 6 8/10/09 2:59 PM

that knows that we ourselves own nothing. We belong to and are of theDivine and are infinitely blessed to express that Divinity here on Earth.On our knees, with foreheads touching the earth, palms turned towardthe sky, our very breath is a celebration of Life. Each morning, we meetthe darkness in symbolic solitude and contemplate the challenge beforeus: a day without eating. As days come and go, humbled in the face ofour increasing frailty, physical strength tapped, endurance tested, wemeet our humanity. Each night, our commitment is rewarded only by theopportunity to renew ourselves to meet the challenge again. The iftarmeal breaks the fast in community, a bonding together to regain strengthfrom not only the food but the energy of shared commitment. Ramadan isendded with a feast, but also with almsgiving--sharing of whatever wehave--regardless of how much, an equally significant practice ofcommitment that brings balance.

In an essay on The Transformative Power of Practice Staci Haines andNg'ethe Maina, two leaders in the field of Transformative Social Change,talk about two kinds of practice: Default Practices are "deeply rootedbehaviors that we do automatically, consistently, and unconsciously inresponse to any given situation" and Intentional Practices are " thosethat we choose to do in order to transform the way we show up in theworld. Through new practices we increase choice and alignment with ourvalues." When we are faced with challenge, it's especially easy to returnto--and justify--deeply rooted unconscious practices: fear, contraction, asense of lack and a resulting need to control. Ramadan shows up everyyear with a fresh invitation to let go of craving, control and excess withno pat-on-the-back congratulations, no true witness but that of your owndeepening alignment with your commitment to Change.

Now is not the time to hold out. Not on your commitments, not on yourpractice and not on change. Change IS on the horizon. The best thingabout it is that at this moment, we can't actually make out what it's goingto look like. Like much of the unknown, we can take that to be a mark ofreal danger or of real hope. I'm opting for the latter, but I'm practicingcome what may.

Are you practicing what you are committed to?or, in other words:

What's in YOUR wallet?

Sure, the best things in life are free. And someone pays--through hardwork, advocacy and showing up--for equitable access to much of it. Evenif you have a little, break off a little bit of that something. Put your cashwhere your heart is. We need a little change to bring about big change.

To start you off, here's what's in my wallet. While there were others, I amnow reorganzing my priorities to support those that need it most:In no particular order, these are organizations that need support today.Now. Of all the great work out there, I used three criteria to bring theseto the top in addition to financial need:

1. Their leadership takes less, little or even no pay, not out ofmartyrdom, but from a place of studied consideration of what is neededand what is enough. Each brings not only depth of experience, butextraordinarily unique lenses to personal practice as the fundamentalbasis of systemic change.

grandparents used to have, knowing nearly everyone inthe neighborhood or at work, but it does allow for us toreclaim a certain kind of community many of us havebeen missing. The explosive success Facebook as ameans to connect, share, inspire and inform amongstpeople invested in changing the world is evidence ofour desire to reclaim the connections we need.

Read more... Join the Transformative Change Ning Site!

social CHANGEReflecting on Race, Justice &the American WayEditor's Note: Here, a communitymember offers personalreflections on race after

observing the confirmation hearings for our new andlong overdue Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Since November I've regularly heard statements like:"We live in a post-racial society" or "I don't see color, allI see is beautiful people."

Read more...

in the MINDHappiness is Not NormalOr so says John Hayes, founderof Acceptance and CommitmentTherapy (ACT). "We don't assumethat left to their own devices,normal human beings are happy

and that only an odd history or a broken biologydisturbs the peace. We assume instead that suffering isnormal and it is the unusual person who learns how tocreate peace of mind."

Read More ...The Third Wave of Therapy

Don't be Normal: Learn to Create Peace of Mind"the best workshop i've ever taken. radically changedmy work."fearless Meditation is our 3-part signature series thatteaches practical meditation in a social justice context.CXC offers this informative, life-changing workshop atno charge for agents of social change that want tolearn about or are ready to establish a meditationpractice of their own...and leave the dogma at the door:

fM I:August 7 | 7pm & every 1st Friday fM II: practice of the breath | Fri August 19

in the BODYRelief for Your BackIt's very common to hold tensionin the shoulders and neck. And ifyou're like me, spending longhours sitting at a desk, workingon a computer, you're following a

recipe for creating shoulder and neck tension. Try

the practice of inconvenience | transform. | August 2009 http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

3 of 6 8/10/09 2:59 PM

2. Their staff, if they have one, are deeply commited to the work, givingof their time and energy generously and unequivoably. The collaborativenature, unpaid volunteers and networks of support make eachorganization's impact in their fields much greater than their budgets.There's a lot more bang for your buck with them.

but most importantly,

3. Their vision is one that holds a unique place for the new change that isstill taking shape. They are holding open the doorway to neworganizational ways of being, making their practice--how they arebeing--as important as what they are doing.

Simply said, should these uniquely situated organizations disappear, theycannot be replicated and they would take with them a bright lens into allof our future. Every dollar given to these organizations would bemultiplied ten-fold by the devoted thoughtfulness, hard work, deeppractice, ingenious creativity and sheer will of these organizations andtheir leaders, the integrity of each of whom i can vouch for personally:

Ruckus Societyhttp://www.ruckus.org/donateOakland-based Ruckus provides environmental, human rights, and socialjustice organizers of impacted communities nationally and beyond withthe tools, training, and support needed to achieve their goals. Throughthese trainings, we help people learn the skills they need to practicenonviolent direct action safely and effectively.

La Plazita Institutehttp://www.laplazitainstitute.orgBased in Albuquerque, Designed around the philosophy of la cultura curaor culture cures, La Plazita's programs strengthen community, familiesand enable youth to leave behind a destructive lifestyle by tapping intotheir own roots to express core traditional values of respect, honor, love,family, and community.

the stone house: a center for spiritual life and strategic action @ stonecircleshttp://thestonehousenc.blogspot.com/Just outside the NC Triangle, the stone house is rooted in place.Movements for social justice have always thrived in places of sustenanceand safety where people can deepen relationships and envision newstrategies for political organizing.

and naturally our very own:

Center for Transformative Change (CXC)Click to donate:http://www.snipurl.com/cxcdonateHolding it down on the South Berkeley/North Oakland border, CXC is thefirst national center entirely dedicated to bridging the inner and outerlives of social change agents, activists and allies to support a moreeffective, more sustainable social justice movement. As ameta-intermediary, this unique hybrid organization is both aresidentially-based community of practice (not just theory!) and anastute articulator of the growing movement toward Transformative Social

instead a recipe for shoulder and neck tension relief,the Supported Backbend:

Read More ...

wellness & being wellRestoring Balance in Your LifeMost of us working for socialchange know how it feels to beoff balance. It's easy to getwrapped up in our work andneglect other areas of our lives,

especially our health. One approach to restoringbalance to our lives and health is Ayurveda, the"science of life."

Read More...Take a quiz to figure out which Dosha you are:Read more about Ayurveda on Wikipedia

august wallpaper

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Download this image as wallpaper with or withoutcalendar for your desktop.

Download with calendar... Download without calendar...

connect | share | supporttransform feedback

editor@transformativechange.org

Share your transformative storyhow are you changing the WAY change is done?

Subscribeget your own monthly issues of transform.

Forwardsend this issue via email to a friend now

Tell-All-Your-Friends

Registration and other questions888.XSOCHANGE (new number! toll free)

register@transformativechange.orgCenter for Transformative Change is the first national

the practice of inconvenience | transform. | August 2009 http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

4 of 6 8/10/09 2:59 PM

Change.

angel Kyodo williams, is founder of urbanPEACE and it's Center forTransformative Change. A social visionary and leading voice fortransformative social change, she is the author of Being Black: Zen andthe Art of Living With Fearlessness and Grace.

Want to read other essays or just keep up with angel? Be sure to read herblogs, join her fan page in Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Blog: new Dharma: live, love & lead from the heart

Facebook: Fan angel here

Twitter: Follow angel for tweets of wisdom on Change

Web: www.angelkyodowilliams.com

angel Kyodo williams' next public talk: Thursday | August 18 | 7:20pm @Center for Transformative Change

newDharma TalkThe Five Pillars of Islam” All of the great traditions of personal transformationhave built into them--no matter how they're playingout in the forms of mass religion--they all have builtinto them an intention, a practice that invitessurrender of the will, surrender of willfulness,

surrender of ”do it the way I want to do it. ”They all invite ”do it as itis,” as it is given...” — angel Kyodo williams

Listen The Five Pillars of Islam

activists, allies & agents of change

4 Activists Who Change the World

This month we're re-highlighting a few intermediaries-activists who notonly work within the hybrid of social change and inner change, but whosework acts like a bridge for those on the frontlines. They teach those whoprotest, demonstrate and actively work with getting change to happenthe skills, tools, and techniques needed to accomplish that work--whether those skills include new ways of nonviolent direct action orstaying fully connected to thoughts, feelings, and sensations that supportwhat frontline activists do. The work intermediaries do sharpens, restoresand allows us to reconnect with what we want, who we are and wherewe're going.Read more...

resources for change…The restoration of Earth, Mind and Spirit are ways to reconnect withourselves and one another. Check out these links to learn more.

Making the Case for Restorative Justice

Even More Tips on Restorative Yoga

Restore, Reclaim & Reflect on the Earth

center entirely dedicated to bridging the inner andouter lives of social change agents, activists and alliesto support a more effective, more sustainable socialjustice movement.

Donate to the Center to support our workVisit the Center's website

Center for Transformative Change2584 MLK Jr. WayBerkeley, CA 94704 · USA+1.510.549.3733

Google the Center

the practice of inconvenience | transform. | August 2009 http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

5 of 6 8/10/09 2:59 PM

quote of the month“Non-violence is powerful because it goes beyond resistance. It goes tocreating the future that you seek with the other. This is where equalitybecomes important. Non-violence really creates that foundation, thatpremise where you can build a relationship of mutual trust and respectwith those who have treated you unjustly that is founded on equalitybetween you and them.”—Sami Awad, Holy Land Trust (HLT) holylandtrust

Center for Transformative Change is a project of urbanPEACE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization whose mission to inform, incite and empower abroad-based, presence-centered transformative social change movement.

Having trouble reading this email? Go to:http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

the practice of inconvenience | transform. | August 2009 http://transformativechange.org/docs/nl/transform-200908.html

6 of 6 8/10/09 2:59 PM