Community Affinity Groups

As a central part of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, IMCW supports the formation and continued presence of affinity groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) Sangha, and the People of Color (POC) Sangha.





The affinity sanghas provide a harbor of mutual respect and understanding that is anchored in safety....

Affinity Groups Diversity Statement

As a central part of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, IMCW supports the formation and continued presence of affinity groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) Sangha, and the People of Color (POC) Sangha.

We affirm that a key responsibility of these affinity Sanghas is to determine their own internal organization, including the makeup of their membership. Currently these Sanghas have chosen to be designated as POC-only and LGBTQ-only. The purpose is to allow a circle of belonging that feels safe to its members and to create a refuge where they can relax into the intimacy of spiritual exploration. In the midst of a larger environment, wherein people who identify as POC and/or LGBTQ may experience a sense of being targeted — even by people with wholesome intentions — these Sanghas provide a harbor of mutual respect and understanding that is anchored in safety.

Read "The State of the IMCW POC & LGBTQ Sanghas", a summary of this past year and what's ahead in 2011.

Current Affinity Groups

  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Sangha

    Facilitator(s):
    La Samiento
    Location:
    Woodley Park, Washington, DC
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Anyone self-identified as LGBTQ
    Meeting Frequency:
    Monthly on designated Saturdays (see calendar)
    Description:
    Aspirations of the IMCW LGBTQ Sangha:

    To explore our LGBTQ identities in the light of the dharma, across multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to: sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

    To provide a safe and intimate space where LGBTQs can deepen the practice of meditation and mindful dialogue.

    To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful discussion.

    To cultivate a sense of belonging and community both within the LGBTQ sangha and the larger IMCW sangha.

    Meet us on IMCW LGBTQ Sangha Facebook Group! 

    Affinity Mailing List
    Find Next Meetings:
    Visit the calendar

  • People of Color (POC) Sangha

    Facilitator(s):
    La Sarmiento
    Location:
    Woodley Park, Washington, DC
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Anyone self-identified as POC
    Meeting Frequency:
    Monthly on designated Saturdays (see calendar)
    Description:

    Aspirations of the People of Color Sangha:

    To explore our identity as People of Color in the light of the dharma, across multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to: race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.

    To provide a safe and intimate space where People of Color can deepen the practice of meditation and mindful dialogue.To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful discussions.

    To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful discussions.

    To cultivate a sense of belonging and community both within the People of Color sangha and the larger IMCW sangha.

    Join us at IMCW People of Color Sangha Facebook page! 

     Affinity mailing list
    Find Next Meetings:
    Visit the calendar

  • Women's Meditation Sangha

    Facilitator(s):
    Rashmi Nair-Ripley, Carolyn Stachowski
    Location:
    6410 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
    Level:
    All Levels
    Audience:
    Women
    Meeting Frequency:
    Saturday mornings, 9:30-11 a.m.
    Description:

    This building is right next door to the Country Day School.

    We have two sit periods of 25 minutes each with 10 minute walking/movement meditation in between the two sits. Then we have 30 minutes for sharing, following mindful guidelines of the affinity sanghas.*

    While there is no set fee for this session, we ask that you make a donation ("dana") as there is room rental.

    (Please note: this meeting is not on the IMCW calendar, so the link below does not work.)


    * Affinity Group Mindful Dialogue Process.pdf
    Find Next Meetings:
    Visit the calendar