Become an Exemplar

Mass incarceration is one of the most important social issues of our country. The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world, and incarcerates Black and Brown men at far higher rates than those populations exist in our communities due to racist and targeted policing as well as systemic and historic racism that contributes to poverty, lack of opportunities, and crime. 

Although spiritual and faith groups have long been involved in healing work with individuals inside of prisons, it is less common to find spiritual/faith groups involved in reentry work with people who have been recently released from prisons who are in need of support and healing as they reintegrate into society after years of isolation, neglect, and oftentimes abuse. This is a gap that our Exemplar Program seeks to address by bringing together a spiritual sangha and formerly incarcerated individuals on a shared path towards growth, learning, healing, and service. 

We are seeking Exemplars who are deeply rooted in and committed to Buddhist practice, who are willing to examine their fears, hesitations, and biases in order to ultimately overcome them and become accomplices in their journey towards healing, growth, and justice.

• Availability and access to transportation to meet at least 1x per month in person and at least 1x per month on Zoom or phone;
• Deep spiritual grounding in any faith tradition, with knowledge in and regular practice of mindfulness, meditation or other relevant contemplative practices;
• Shared vision of healing & justice, to serve all people regardless of background;
• Interest in learning about the criminal system, mass incarceration, and openness to spending time with people who are impacted by incarceration;
• Interest in the possibilities of Engaged Buddhism or engaged spirituality - the notion that inner spiritual practice can and should be used to make positive change in our external world.
• Participate in our human values program