Bearing Witness to
Racism in America

April 24 - 28, 2025

It has long been our desire to create a bearing witness retreat around America’s racial history – as seen through the eyes of African Americans. The intention has always been to engage without becoming a tourist; to seek unity without ‘othering’ those with whom we Bear Witness.

This year we plan on walking the grounds of a deep history in the expansion of slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement – Selma and Montgomery.

We intend our Plunge in Alabama to be personal and transformative, with attendees coming away with an emotional and heart connection with the people, places, and events we witness.

We hope you can join us.

Testimonial
Eliza Welch

Testimonial
Tim Harrison

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Bearing Witness to Racism in America
Retreat Info
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When registering, please fill out the Bearing Witness to Racism in America Participation Form.
To Register – Click Here

Destination & Departure

Please plan to arrive on Thursday, April 24th at the Saint James Hotel (Selma)  by 5:00 PM in time for a welcome orientation.

We suggest that you book flights for Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) and arrange your  transportation to Selma. 

Departure

The retreat will conclude after our Closing Dinner on Monday night. We recommend booking your hotel room through Tuesday morning.
We realize that some local participants might leave after dinner.

For your return airline ticketing, transportation from Montgomery to the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) for departure home is not covered by the  retreat fee and will be the responsibility of each participant to secure it to arrive at the airport in  time for your flight home. Spending one or more nights in Montgomery after the retreat is encouraged to relax and integrate the events of the intensive week of the retreat. 

 

We encourage you to purchase refundable tickets, travel insurance policy, or both due to any ongoing pandemic situation.
If you are traveling from abroad, please be sure that your passport is valid for 3 full months after your return travel date.
Please also check the visa requirements for your country and apply for visas as early as possible, as well as any Covid regulations that might arise.

 


ETHICAL GUIDELINES

Bearing witness retreats often take us to places of deep suffering and even trauma. Participants are encouraged to bear witness not just to certain external and historical events, but also to personal issues of vulnerability and darkness. While the entire staff, including spirit holders, council facilitators, religious leaders and coordinators, tries to create a retreat environment that serves these goals, it is the responsibility of all of us, staff and participants alike, to maintain this environment for the sake of all participants. For this reason I agree to uphold this Code of Ethical Conduct, which is based on principles of trust, integrity, justice, respect and accountability, in order to nurture this bearing witness retreat.

I understand that this retreat provides an opportunity to practice the Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers: (1) Not Knowing, (2) Bearing Witness, and (3) Taking Action from Not Knowing and Bearing Witness.

>> Accountability. Maintaining the well-being of the retreat is the mutual responsibility of all participants. I agree to consciously cultivate a space where all voices and opinions are heard, the diversity of individual experiences is affirmed and encouraged, and where all participants feel safe in sharing personal shortcomings and concerns. Clear communication supports taking responsibility for both oneself and the retreat, and is thus an act of service to all participants.

>> Transparency. Transparency is crucial to maintaining balance and harmony. I will speak out on matters that, if left unaddressed, may foster doubt, suspicion or resentment.
Self-Awareness. Knowing that this retreat may be arduous to both mind and body, I will take responsibility for monitoring and caring for myself.

>> Right Speech. Mutual respect manifests when we treat each other with dignity and engage with everyone truthfully and compassionately. Harmony is promoted when I observe right speech: refraining from lies, self-serving talk, slander, or apportioning blame. It also includes proactively and skillfully speaking out in a manner that respects all persons involved. Recognizing the potency of anger, I will practice self-awareness and endeavor to express myself openly and generously, without blame or rejection.

>> Confidentiality. I understand that the retreat includes processes and procedures that may involve the sharing of sensitive personal information, and that this information should be held in confidence as much as possible. This caution particularly applies to staff members. On those occasions when, for the well being of specific individuals, staff members need to consult with each other, such consultations will be maintained in confidence.
Boundaries. I am responsible for clarifying, maintaining and communicating appropriate and clear boundaries with other participants.

>> Sexual Conduct. I acknowledge that sexuality is a highly vulnerable part of human experience, and even more so in retreats that challenge our bodies, minds and hearts. For this reason I will not form a new sexual relationship during the retreat with other retreat participants.

>> Use of Intoxicants. I understand that clarity of mind is a fundamental component of the practice of the three tenets. The use of non-medically prescribed intoxicants during retreats is acceptable only when prescribed by the retreat staff.

>> Practices Outside the Scope of the Retreat. All activities should support the purpose of this retreat as declared in the advertised description. No staff member or leader can give teachings or practices that lie outside its purview. Any doubts or questions about this should be taken to the spirit holders for resolution.

Questions regarding retreat program, registration and payment: retreats@zenpeacemakers.org

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THE THREE TENETS

All aspects of the retreat are founded on the Zen Peacemakers’ Three Tenets:

NOT-KNOWING
letting go of fixed ideas about yourself, others, and the universe.

BEARING WITNESS
to the joy and suffering of the world.

TAKING ACTION
that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness.

These are and will be our anchor to which we will return every day of the retreat.
They are a powerful way to live one’s life and respond to the needs of the world.
Please refer to this webpage about the Three Tenets to learn more.

Zen Peacemakers
Core Trainings

1
Introduction to Zen Peacemaking
Introduction to Zen Peacemaking
01:17
2
Introduction to the Three Tenets
Introduction to the Three Tenets
57:33
3
Introduction to Council
Introduction to Council
55:58
4
Introduction to Meditation
Introduction to Meditation
54:13

Retreat Info Will Be Available In November

A History of Racial Injustice

Equal Justice Initiative
A series of short films that offer a deeper dive into selected entries from EJI’s A History of Racial Injustice calendar.

A History of Racial Injustice Daily Calendar

Learn more about our nation’s history of racial injustice by reading our online calendar, which features a different historical event each day.

Visit calendar website


Visit full calendar
Zen Peacemakers International Journal