Jan 26 – Feb 19, 2023 // Course Program // Instructor-led Asynchronous Online
In this three-week, 10-hour course, participants will examine multifaceted, mindfulness-enriched approaches to antiracism and social justice in an environment that promotes self-reflection, deep listening and community engagement.
Created and guided by author, sacred activist and Naropa professor Dr. Jennifer Bacon, you’ll explore the intersection of contemplative practice and social justice. Together you will learn how an action-oriented, spirituality-infused approach to anti-racism can foster compassion and radically transform anger. You’ll also investigate the significance of systemic racism, privilege, and rage, and the impact these oppressive structures have on race, collective consciousness, and the modern social justice movement.
Join us and discover how Sacred Activism can transcend traditional diversity training, teaching this work as an inspiring, embodied practice that reduces burnout, promotes a more sustainable approach to activism, and holistically integrates social justice into your work, personal, and spiritual life.
Naropa University is committed to anti-racism, and supports honest dialogue about systems of oppression within the United States. In recognition of recent legislation that restricts discussions of institutionalized racism and inequity in educational settings, Extended Campus is proud to offer a limited number of no-cost enrollment in our Sacred Activism course to affected educators. In doing so, we hope to create a safe space for educators to engage in inclusive pedagogy.
Educators: Student-facing staff, faculty, teachers, and aides who work in preschool, K-12 school, university, or those who provide extracurricular support.
Affected States: Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and New Hampshire.
Sacred Activism is an approach to social justice that synergizes mindful awareness and spirituality with the work of anti-racism. Spirituality, whether secular or non-secular, roots anti-racism in hope, self-awareness, and sacred community, while social justice work activates and focuses spiritual practice on tangible injustices.
This interdisciplinary framework prepares today’s activists with the skills needed to be an active changemaker, while simultaneously improving personal resilience, intrapersonal communication, and emotional regulation.
Contemplative practice refers to a broad range of mindfulness approaches–including meditation, yoga, personal contemplation, and more–that can help you process difficult emotions, expand your embodied experience, and discover your most authentic self. Click “Contemplative Education @ Naropa” in the sidebar to learn more.
Dr. Jennifer Bacon is a Core Associate Professor and Department Chair in Education at Naropa University. Dr. Bacon earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Virginia. In addition to her experience in education, Dr. Bacon is an interfaith minister who is trained in the use of poetry therapy, spiritual guidance, and yoga.
Dr. Bacon is deeply committed to addressing issues of overrepresentation in special education, racial and gender equity, child advocacy, and writing for social justice. She has authored numerous articles related to diversity, inclusivity, and anti-racism including, “Writing in Solidarity: The Lived Experience of African American Adolescent Girls Writing Poetry,” “Using Culturally and Inclusive Poetry Groups with Diverse Teens,” and “Examining Teachers’ Beliefs About African American Male Students in a Low-Performing High School in an African American School District.”
Her book Sisters in the Dissertation House: A Dissertation Narrative, addresses doctoral completion by women of color in underrepresented fields, and her book chapter Academic Mothering: Black Women Mentors in Higher Education is currently in press and will be featured in Black Experiences in Higher Education: Faculty, Staff, and Students. Dr. Bacon’s newest publication, a children’s book titled, I Am an Antiracist Superhero! will be published by Bala Kids in 2023.
When not teaching and writing, Dr. Bacon can be found doing yoga, trying out new recipes, and exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Dr. Jennifer Bacon is a Core Associate Professor and Department Chair in Education at Naropa University. Dr. Bacon earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Virginia. In addition to her experience in education, Dr. Bacon is an interfaith minister who is trained in the use of poetry therapy, spiritual guidance, and yoga.
Dr. Bacon is deeply committed to addressing issues of overrepresentation in special education, racial and gender equity, child advocacy, and writing for social justice. She has authored numerous articles related to diversity, inclusivity, and anti-racism including, “Writing in Solidarity: The Lived Experience of African American Adolescent Girls Writing Poetry,” “Using Culturally and Inclusive Poetry Groups with Diverse Teens,” and “Examining Teachers’ Beliefs About African American Male Students in a Low-Performing High School in an African American School District.”
Her book Sisters in the Dissertation House: A Dissertation Narrative, addresses doctoral completion by women of color in underrepresented fields, and her book chapter Academic Mothering: Black Women Mentors in Higher Education is currently in press and will be featured in Black Experiences in Higher Education: Faculty, Staff, and Students. Dr. Bacon’s newest publication, a children’s book titled, I Am an Antiracist Superhero! is available for pre-order now, and will be published by Bala Kids in 2023.
When not teaching and writing, Dr. Bacon can be found doing yoga, trying out new recipes, and exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado with her husband, daughter, and dog.
This course is designed for all who want to practice the work of Sacred Activism as part of a learning community that shares the intention of collective liberation. While learning modules are particularly intended to support those in social service or social justice work, such as teachers, social workers, therapists, medical professionals, and community organizers, all are welcome regardless of contemplative practice or anti-oppression experience.
This section is designed to provide a safe and supportive space for members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community to share and release collective experiences from environmental stressors. Special focus will be given to learning and utilizing self-care practices.
This section is designed for community members of all backgrounds who wish to explore anti-racism and social justice as a spiritual and contemplative practice. The historical underpinnings of white privilege, systems of oppression, and marginalization will be examined.
Five Online, Instructor-Led Asynchronous* Learning Modules:
In this first module, participants will be introduced to the deeper meaning, implications, and uniqueness of Sacred Activism. You’ll examine the impact oppressive structures, such as systemic racism and privilege, have on spirituality, religion, race, and the social justice movement, and will begin to reflect on the ways in which spirituality can inform your personal approach to anti-racism.
Module 1 begins January 26th, 2023
Participants will take an honest look at the pain and rage inflicted on BIPOC communities through racism. You’ll investigate the violent oppression of thriving BIPOC communities exhibiting resilience and hope, and will have an opportunity to collaboratively contemplate urgent questions with your learning community, such as:
How do we use our suffering, trauma, anger, and pain for positive change?
What can I/you/we do to make this a more just, equitable, world?
Module 2 begins January 31st, 2023
Titled after the famous Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote, this module will delve into the process of speaking out against racism and oppression, not only as an essential means of voice and visibility, but of individual and collective healing. You’ll be invited to explore expressive and creative artwork as a pathway to social justice.
Module 3 begins February 5th, 2023
Directly inspired by and incorporating the work of Lama Rod Owens, this module will illuminate the reciprocal nature of love and rage, and will examine how sacred activists transform discomfort through guided reflection and spiritual practice. You’ll reflect on what you’ve learned, experienced, and shared during your exploration of spirituality and social justice, and discuss how to transmit these teachings into your local and global communities.
Module 4 begins February 10th, 2023
This optional module is specially designed for teachers/educators who wish to learn how to apply the principles of Sacred Activism in the classroom.
Module 5 begins February 15th, 2023
Each module contains a mixture of on-demand and timed learning materials, including:
To encourage timely engagement, interactive content, such as peer discussion forums, will be accessible and editable during the 3 day period between each module, and will remain viewable for 90 days after the course ends.
On demand course materials, such as readings and video lectures, will become available on the start date of its corresponding module, and will remain viewable for 90 days after the course ends.
Registration Closes January 22nd, 2023
Registration closes January 22, 2023
Standard Pricing: $275
Senior Price: $260
Seniors: Please email extendedcampus@naropa.edu to request a discount code.
Naropa students, staff, faculty, and alumnx:
This iteration of Sacred Activism: Social Justice as Spiritual Practice, is designed for members of the public, and is not credit bearing. If you wish to audit, receive academic credit, or utilize Employee Tuition Benefits for this program, please contact the Registrar’s Office and inquire about registering for COL-299E in Fall 2023. If you have further questions, or would still like to register for this Extended Campus program, email extendedcampus@naropa.edu.
Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024. All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.
Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.
Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.
As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.
Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors. Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.
