Inclusion and Belonging at SFZC
At SFZC we invite all those who wish to practice and learn in the tradition of Soto Zen to join our spiritual community.
Although a Zen practice center, SFZC is part of a broader culture in which certain groups—defined by gender, age, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, language, immigration status, and mental/physical ability—have historically been marginalized while others are centered. Many of us have been taught that our differences are “real,” and represent barriers to engagement. Instead, we are aiming to create a practice space where all who enter feel at home and empowered in their personal and spiritual growth.
Zen tradition asks that we practice with our conditioned and discriminating minds; from this perspective diversity practice and dharma practice are not separate. SFZC is engaged in practice, conversation, and study to further embody diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural humility. Students at SFZC aspire to view all beings as Buddha, treating each person we meet equally with care and respect.
Growing into belonging is a long process; it requires that we give up our old expectations and personal preferences in favor of building a community where all feel truly welcome. We currently have worked on an initiative to our welcoming processes, we have removed economic barriers to participation and we have initiated a series of community study sessions to deepen our awareness and move us to action.
In January 2024, City Center will reopen after a year’s closure for remodeling to create a more physically accessible space. Currently, SFZC as a whole is going through a major organizational transformation process that will determine the future direction of the organization. Part of the outcome of this process will be a new strategic approach to inclusion and belonging. With this progress, we still have a long way to go and hard work to do. If you have any inspiration for how we might move toward a deeper sense of belonging, please contact me.
If you have other questions, concerns, feedback, requests, ideas or just want to reach out, please contact me, Eli Brown-Stevenson, at directordib@sfzc.org.
Warm bow,
Eli Brown-Stevenson
Director of Inclusion and Belonging