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
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.
About Naropa
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion.
Academics
Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.
Admissions & Aid
If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.
Life at Naropa
Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community, “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom
The Naropa Difference
How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person.
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At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.
From Naropa University: Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed on 05/06/26. All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. Classes that are delivered online in our low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.
Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.Graduate School of Counseling concentrations listed below will be offering online and low-residency courses to start their programs in January 2026 as well as our Summer 2026 terms.
Beginning a graduate program in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 means that you will have access to apply for Graduate Plus loans as these loans will be eliminated at the federal level starting in Fall 2026.
Contact Admissions (admissions@naropa.edu) today to learn how you can begin the next step in your graduate education journey.
