Social Impact Overview
Joining Up Our Beloved Community
Zen Center North Shore is grateful to be part of an active and committed community of organizations and people in the area who are making the world a better place.
Our efforts and partnership extend beyond individual advocacy. We continuously maintain a holistic vision that integrates zazen, social justice, creativity, and self-care. These elements connect us and foster a sense of unity and diversity within our community. Our conversations and initiatives continue to evolve, responding to various calls to action and sharing critical information among ourselves.
Zen Center North Shore’s Initiatives
Throughout the years, we have become deeply involved in a number of local initiatives, forging multiple connections with organizations that are aligned with our values. The following are some initiatives that we hold close to our heart and continuously engage with.
Social Justice Group, organized by Zen Center North Shore
With heartbreak, joy, and steadfast solidarity, we come together in an inclusive space to examine what is going on in our local, national, and global communities. We aim to mediate our responses through communal and personal engagement that extend from our “table” to the broader community with which we are all connected.
Recovery Sangha, organized by Zen Center North Shore
Organized by ZCNS, Recovery Sangha is a peer-led community of people whose lives have been touched by addiction. We are living in recovery ourselves and/or seeking to support loved ones.
Community Zen, organized by Zen Center North Shore
In partnership with the Beverly Public Library, and led by Zen Center’s founder Joan Amaral, we offer a dedicated time for community connection to discover the basics of meditation practice, wellbeing, and healing.
Highlighted Sponsorships & Partnerships
Beverly Main Streets - Arts Fest
Every June, we partner with the city of Beverly and participate in the Beverly Arts Fest with a dedicated tent in the kids' section. Our goal is to offer a safe, quiet space for children who might feel overwhelmed by the festival's stimuli, serving as a refuge where they can relax and engage in mindful coloring. Our tent stands as a symbol that everyone can connect with meditation in some form.
North Shore Juneteenth
Our partnership with the North Shore Juneteenth Association Inc. is rooted in our shared commitment to education, community unity, and social justice. We actively support the Association's mission to raise awareness about the significance of Juneteenth, educate the broader community about the positive aspects of Black American culture, and dismantle racism through impactful events and programming.
Beyond: Boston Immigration Justice and Accompaniment
In 2017, we began collaborating with the Boston Immigration Justice and Accompaniment Network (BIJAN/Beyond) to support and ensure the safety of immigrants. This partnership, highlighted in a Boston Globe article featuring our founder and guiding teacher Joan Amaral, led us to engage with the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, where Joan regularly visited for three years. Joan's involvement included coordinating with elected officials to advocate for the release of detainees, as well as serving as a meditation guide. In supporting other justice efforts, ZCNS recently participated in supporting the encampments at MIT, reflecting our ongoing commitment to justice at a worldwide level.
North Shore Pride
Every year, we participate in the Interfaith Alliance Celebration at Salem's Tabernacle Church, chanting the Jizo Dharani for Total Accompaniment. Additionally, we actively march in the Pride Parade, demonstrating our commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community by being physically present and sharing our practice with the world. Through this engagement, we learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. Some of our members also share their own journeys and how they intersect with their Zen practice. We continually explore the relationship between the process of zazen practice and the journey of self-awakening.
Salem 400+
Salem 400+ is dedicated to commemorating the city’s 400th anniversary in a manner that honors all communities, addressing historical injustices and fostering healing. We support this initiative by contributing to discussions and activities that honor and celebrate the diverse heritage of Salem, aiming to build a more inclusive future that ensures the representation of people of color and illuminates the fuller history of indigenous peoples, Black communities, and immigrants.
Additional Ongoing Relationships
Extinction Rebellion is a global and non-partisan movement that uses non-violent direct action to fight against climate change.
Meditation in Schools helps teachers with practical mindfulness strategies for classroom calm and resiliency.
Big Brothers Big Sisters makes an impact by connecting Mentors and Mentees for a powerful human connection.
The Work That Reconnects Network nurtures a regenerative and thriving world for all beings by providing support, connection and inspiration to the global Work That Reconnects community.
Volunteering at Zen Center North Shore
Thanks and love to all who have helped in a variety of ways to nurture and support Zen Center North Shore as we reach out to each other and to others in our community.
There are always opportunities to become more active in our sangha. Please contact us at info@zencenternorthshore.org if you would like to make a gift or discuss how to contribute to our work.