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. 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].
We offer the following groups: Queer/Trans, BIPOC, Chronic illness/disability. 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].
35 & Under Affinity Group
Second Sundays; 6-7:30pm ET
Next meeting is Sunday August 11, 6-7:30pm ET, in-person/hybrid at IWM.
A new Affinity Group, 35 & Under, will be starting in July! This group will provide an opportunity for those aged 35 and under to gather in community and practice the dharma in a supportive setting. We’ll meet on second Sundays, in-person/hybrid at IWM. Meetings will offer time for meditation, reflection, sharing, and socializing.
Upcoming dates through 2024 as follows: August 11 | September 8 | October 13 | November 10 | December 8
Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to Doug Kremm for more details! [email protected]
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Second Sundays; 6-7:30pm ET
Next meeting is Sunday August 11, 6-7:30pm ET, in-person/hybrid at IWM.
A new Affinity Group, 35 & Under, will be starting in July! This group will provide an opportunity for those aged 35 and under to gather in community and practice the dharma in a supportive setting. We’ll meet on second Sundays, in-person/hybrid at IWM. Meetings will offer time for meditation, reflection, sharing, and socializing.
Upcoming dates through 2024 as follows: August 11 | September 8 | October 13 | November 10 | December 8
Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to Doug Kremm for more details! [email protected]
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Queer & Trans Affinity Group
Fourth Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Next meeting is on Thursday August 22, 7:15 - 8:45pm ET, in-person/hybrid at IWM.
All LGBTQIA2S+ identities are welcome! We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. Fourth Thursdays monthly. Please check our offerings page to see if our next meeting is held in-person, hybrid, or via Zoom only. For more information write to: [email protected].
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Fourth Thursdays; 7:15 - 8:45 pm
Next meeting is on Thursday August 22, 7:15 - 8:45pm ET, in-person/hybrid at IWM.
All LGBTQIA2S+ identities are welcome! We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. Fourth Thursdays monthly. Please check our offerings page to see if our next meeting is held in-person, hybrid, or via Zoom only. For more information write to: [email protected].
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
BIPOC Affinity Group
Third Fridays; 5:30-7:00pm
Next meeting is on Friday August 16, 5:30-7:00pm ET, via Zoom. All who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color) are welcome. Third Fridays monthly. For more information write to: [email protected].
For the 8/16 meeting, Insight teacher Brent Beresford will join to practice with the BIPOC Affinity Group. They have endeavored to transmit the teachings of the Dhamma in various forms since 2015 through mindfulness-based approaches and the practice of insight dialogue. Brent aspires to lean into the darker places, finding “how the dark too blooms and sings.” A person of mixed racial heritage, they also identify as gender non-conforming.
The BIPOC Affinity Group is reading and discussing Home Is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path by Rev. Liên Shutt. Each chapter includes practice pauses that we can explore both at home and together as a group. The book can be obtained through the library, your local bookstore, or online. In addition, IWM has purchased 3 copies of the book to be available for BIPOC sangha members to borrow. If you would like to borrow a copy, you may send a request via meetup messages to the BIPOC group (or contact [email protected]) to coordinate pickup.
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Third Fridays; 5:30-7:00pm
Next meeting is on Friday August 16, 5:30-7:00pm ET, via Zoom. All who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color) are welcome. Third Fridays monthly. For more information write to: [email protected].
For the 8/16 meeting, Insight teacher Brent Beresford will join to practice with the BIPOC Affinity Group. They have endeavored to transmit the teachings of the Dhamma in various forms since 2015 through mindfulness-based approaches and the practice of insight dialogue. Brent aspires to lean into the darker places, finding “how the dark too blooms and sings.” A person of mixed racial heritage, they also identify as gender non-conforming.
The BIPOC Affinity Group is reading and discussing Home Is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path by Rev. Liên Shutt. Each chapter includes practice pauses that we can explore both at home and together as a group. The book can be obtained through the library, your local bookstore, or online. In addition, IWM has purchased 3 copies of the book to be available for BIPOC sangha members to borrow. If you would like to borrow a copy, you may send a request via meetup messages to the BIPOC group (or contact [email protected]) to coordinate pickup.
- While we encourage everyone to read the book, please don't let that stop you from attending and practicing with us. 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.
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Chronic Illness/Disability Affinity Group
Third Thursdays; 6:30-7:30pm
Next meeting is Thursday August 15, 6:30-7:30pm ET, via Zoom only. We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. Third Thursdays monthly. For more information write to: [email protected].
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Third Thursdays; 6:30-7:30pm
Next meeting is Thursday August 15, 6:30-7:30pm ET, via Zoom only. We will practice together and have time for discussion and building community. Third Thursdays monthly. For more information write to: [email protected].
New Zoom link for Affinity Groups! Please click the button below to join.
Parents & Families Sangha
Currently on hold - watch for updates on upcoming gatherings.
Currently on hold - watch for updates on upcoming gatherings.