Dear All,
I'm here across the street from Liberty Plaza in NYC on an unusually warm late November day. Though we are slowly moving into the winter months here and the IDP couldn't be more active and energized.
Recently, we've increased our support for non-violence and mindfulness in the Occupy movement, offering daily meditation sessions to the demonstration here in NYC. We've also worked to build a coalition of like-minded organizations -- a national network of communities interested connecting personal transformation practices with social activism.
We witnessed the power of that coalition twice this fall -- first, when we came together in NYC to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11 through meditation and contemplation (link:http://bit.ly/rptdb4). And again on Oct. 16th, when a network of meditators all across the country sat down in local occupation sites "Being Present" together (link: http://bit.ly/nrvJJj).
As IDP continues to grow, and as we continue to reach a wider network of folks interested in "Changing their minds to change the world", it is important that we support that community and our staff and by growing both in physical space and personnel.
In December of last year we launched the "Building Bridges Capital Campaign" to raise money for a new community center. And though we are well on our way to our goal of $90,000, we don't yet have the funds to invest in a new space.
THIS is where your continued support is crucial for the future of IDP.
Over the past few months we've strategized what we call building "Baby" bridges, which will help us expand both energetically and physically as we continue our fundraising efforts.
Our first Baby Bridge -- We've hired MV Sweeney, our Creative Capital Consultant to head-up an extraordinary team of experts, interns and volunteers to identify and manifest substantial resources and top-tier programming as IDP continues to grow in 2012. She's really amazing, I'm excited to have her on board. Feel free to contact her with your ideas and support: MV@theidproject.org
Our second Baby Bridge -- is a dedicated office space for the IDP staff. This will allows us to work more flexible hours, in our own space with the right tools for our job. It also frees up programming time at our current center for more IDP Classes and space rentals -- which are key components in our plan for growth. I'm really looking forward to this.
There are a few simple things that every person can do to help support IDPs continued ability to thrive:
1) Join us at our Occupy Your Heart Holiday Party & Fundraiser on Thursday Dec. 8th here in NYC. There will be music, dancing and several special guests on hand. It will be a great event for the community and I hope you all can make it. (More info and Registration Online Here: http://bit.ly/rCqHvg)
2) You can donate RIGHT NOW to our building bridges captial campaign. If you donate $36 or more, we'll send you a really sweet IDP tote bag. Your generosity here is crucial to IDPs success. (Donate Online Here: http://bit.ly/pSsaUM)
3) You can ask your friends and family to donate or join you at the Holiday Party. This also a chance to tell them how much your practice, and the community here mean to you.
4) Just continue to participate in our great classes, programs & events. You are the heart of IDP.
Our founder, Ethan Nichtern, has put so much energy into making this community what is today. Since I first began working here in 2009, I've been so inspired by the generosity that is present both in his service to the community, and in the effort of the volunteers, donors, students and staff that make up the IDP.
We've created a great tradition of service and generosity within the IDP community and I invite you to join me in continuing it.
Hope to see you on Dec. 8th,
All the best,
Patrick Groneman
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9:09
Anne Waldman Reading @ Occupy Your Heart - 12.8.2011by TheIDProject212 views
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