October 15, 2021 – October 28, 2021 Project Update

November 12, 2021

Dear Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma Communities,

We are happy to provide this biweekly update on the Compassionate Reconciliation Project.

Compassionate Reconciliation Commission (CRC) Update
The fourth meeting of the CRC took place on Sunday, November 7. We began our work at that meeting by offering the following passage from the work of peacebuilder John Paul Lederach:[1]

“Transcending violence is forged by the capacity to generate, mobilize and build the moral imagination. The kind of imagination to which I refer is mobilized when four disciplines and capacities are held together and practiced by those who find their way to rise above violence. Stated simply, the moral imagination requires:

1. the capacity to imagine ourselves in a web of relationships that includes our enemies

2. the ability to sustain a paradoxical curiosity that embraces complexity without reliance on dualistic polarity;

3.the fundamental belief in the creative act; and

4.the acceptance of the inherent risk of stepping into the mystery of the unknown that lies beyond the far too familiar landscape of violence.

    – John Paul Lederach, The Moral Imagination

The CRC is continuing to refine its group guidelines, consensus decision-making procedures, and roles. In discussion of what it means to be a member of the CRC, the group is working to find the balance between representing the perspectives and needs of their particular Advisory Teams and constituencies, and being responsive to momentum of the CRC itself. There is rich and sincere deliberation on these issues, in the spirit of striving for the greatest effectiveness and impact across many different interests and communities.

Upcoming Events Open to all Community Members

Circle Facilitation, 14 hour Training — We are limiting this training to 24 participants with a waitlist. While we are now already at capacity, we anticipate that we will receive cancellations and therefore utilize the waitlist.  So please do sign up for the waitlist if you’re interested!

  • Monday-Tuesday, December 6-7 & 13-14, 2021, 7:00 a.m. PT – 10:30 a.m. PT/15:00 GMT – 18:30 GMT. Click here to register

Introduction to Restorative Justice Workshop (4-hours)—Please note that this workshop will be offered several times again in 2022 if this time-zone is not suitable for you.

  • Tuesday, November 16, 2021, 5:00 PM PT/01:00 GMT. Click here to register.

Q&A Sessions:

  • Monday, November 15, 2021, 4:00 PM PT/00:00 GMT. Click here to register.
  • Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 9:00 AM PT/17:00 GMT. Click here to register.

Yours in kindness, compassion, and gratitude,
Catherine Bargen, Matthew Hartman, Cara Walsh, Aaron Lyons, and our extended Just Outcomes Team

Sign up here to receive regular updates from Just Outcomes about the Compassionate Reconciliation Project. By signing up you will receive updates about Compassionate Reconciliation only.

[1] note that “violence” in this passage is interpreted not only as interpersonal violence but also as encompassing destructive conflict.  You may recall us reviewing the work of Lederach in a previous communication.