To strengthen our planetary network, ZPI will feature newly affiliated groups. Join HERE to explore some of the offerings of the organizations affiliated with ZPI, and visit here for a full list of these groups. The following is an introduction to We Are Open Circle based in California, United States.
What is your organization’s name?
We Are Open Circle
What is your mission?
We create Transformative Communities where Connection, Creativity, and Collective Growth are built into everything you do.
Where is your organization based?
California, USA
How many regular members do you serve?
Open Circle has reached 500-750 people since it’s inception.
Tell us a bit about how the group was conceived?
The founders, Adam and Miriam, joined together with a fascination about how circle-based practice interacted with work, community, business, spiritual practice, life, and death. After a few years of friendship and experimentation, Miriam joined Adam as co-director at The Ojai Foundation, where they guided the staff and board in building structures and a cultural backbone that integrated disparate and seemingly paradoxical aspects of the organization.
The growth and deepening of business and community were extraordinary, and it provided ample lessons about how power, authority and hierarchy work in circles and in hierarchies.
In 2017 they, left the Ojai Foundation to found We are Open Circle, continuing to help organizations, communities, and leaders align their values to their actions in organizational structure and culture.
Tell us about one exciting project, program, retreat or other offerings you are currently working on?
In 2020 we are launching our initial Social Entrepreneurship program supporting Emerging Leaders in putting into practice their personal missions for social and cultural change and healing.
How do the Three Tenets inform your social engagement?
The three tenants are the backbone of our approach to working with organizations and communities. We use them as an approach to the sort of adaptive capacities we are cultivating in the communities and organizations we work with.
What is the most meaningful challenge your organization faces?
Our greatest challenge, and opportunity, is meeting decision-makers and influencers in their understandings of how organizations and communities can and do run. To break-down walls of power that prevent listening from within, and could help shape the structures and cultures of groups to meet the deepest needs of their members and our world.
Your main website URL
Your main contact email address for members
Learn more about We Are Open Circle by visiting their website, and visit hive.zenpeacemakers.org to find more great work by our global affiliate network. A complete list of our affiliated groups can be found here.
