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Insight Meditation Community of Western Mass
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Welcome to Insight Western Mass (IWM)

AFFINITY GROUPS

Affinity groups, sometimes called caucuses or interest groups, are a group of individuals that share a common identity or interest. Insight Western Mass offers a variety of affinity groups for community members with specific concerns to get to know and support each other as Dharma Friends. These groups can help create a welcoming space for those who might not always feel welcome when entering a new community.

We offer the following groups: Queer/Trans, BIPOC, Chronic illness/disability, 35 & Under. See below for more info. If you have any questions, or would be interested in holding spaces for one of these groups, please email us at [email protected].
Support Open PRACTICE and Affinity Groups
Zoom Link for Affinity Groups
 
 

35 & Under Affinity Group
Second and Fourth Sundays, 5-6:30pm ET

Next meetings:
Sunday July 13, 5-6:30pm ET, in person at IWM
Sunday July 27, 5-6:30pm ET, in person at IWM

This group provides an opportunity for those aged 35 and under to gather in community and practice the dharma in a supportive setting. We meet on Second and Fourth Sundays, in-person at IWM. Meetings will offer time for meditation, reflection, sharing, and socializing.  

Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to Doug Kremm for more details! [email protected]
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Support 35 & Under group
 
Queer & Trans Affinity Group
Second Tuesdays & Fourth Thursdays, 7:15 - 8:45 pm ET

Next meetings:
Thursday June 26, 7:15 - 8:45pm ET, in person/hybrid at IWM
Tuesday July 8, 7:15-8:45pm ET
, in person/hybrid at IWM
Thursday July 24, 7:15 - 8:45pm ET
, in person/hybrid at IWM
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All LGBTQIA2S+ identities are welcome! We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. Second Tuesdays & Fourth Thursdays monthly. Please check for updates to see if our next meeting is held in-person, hybrid, or via Zoom only. For more information write to: [email protected].

If hybrid, please click the Zoom link button below to join.
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Join Queer/Trans Zoom
Support queer/trans group
 
​BIPOC Affinity Group
All who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color) are welcome.
​First and Third Fridays, 5:30-7pm ET

Next meetings:
  • Friday July 4, 5-7:30pm ET. ***Picnic on July 4th instead of regular meeting.*** The BIPOC Picnic is from 5-7:30 pm. For more information contact: [email protected]. 
  • Friday July 18, 5:30-7:00pm ET in person at IWM (hybrid if requested).

​All who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color) are welcome. 
For more information write to: [email protected].​
  • We are reading We Were Made For These Times by Kaira Jewel Lingo (Chapter 5 on July 18th).
  • We alternate peer facilitators. The loose format of our meetings is as follows: Introductions and sharing how “we are arriving”; Practice; Discussion; Closing thoughts.​
  • Chairs and cushions available. Please bring your own covered water bottle.
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If hybrid, please click the Zoom link button below to join.
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Join BIPOC Zoom
Support BIPOC group
 
Chronic Illness/Disability Affinity Group
Third Thursdays, 6:30-8pm ET

Next meeting: Thursday July 17, 6:30-8pm ET, via Zoom

We welcome anyone living with chronic illness/pain and/or disability. Our group includes people with a wide range of physical, emotional, and/or mental health challenges. Together we take time to practice, share, give support (no advice unless asked), and reflect on the Dharma. How does the Dharma help us navigate the sorrows and joys of living with illness, pain, and/or disability? What is the difference between compassion and pity? How do we discern right action and right speech for us as individuals and as a collective society? We share our experiences, compassion, and wisdom, supporting people where they are at in their lives and practice.
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Third Thursdays monthly. For more information write to: [email protected].

Separate Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
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Join Chronic Illness Zoom
support Chronic Illness Group
Parents & Families Sangha
Currently on hold.
Support parents group

Support  IWM!

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Eastworks, 2nd Floor ~ 116 Pleasant Street ~ Suite 242 ~ Easthampton, MA 01027-2755
413-527-0388   ~   See map and directions
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© 2022 Insight Meditation Community of Western Massachusetts
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Sangha Leadership
    • New to Meditation
    • Zoom Info
    • Logistics
    • Directions
    • Contact
  • Offerings
  • Calendar
  • Support
    • Donate Now
    • Sangha Stewards/Volunteers
  • Teachers
    • Teacher Biographies
    • Teacher-Student Meetings