Reciprocity
I define Embodiment to mean restoring our nature of being deeply connected with the Web of Life. This means living and interacting with this Web of Life (that the Body is a part of) in ways that amplify this connection. Thus, living in reciprocity with our environment is key to establishing an embodied way of existing, for reciprocity is a core element present within all of nature. I've learned in my journey of embodiment, that the practice of reciprocity in how we exist is essential to becoming more embodied. In essence, learning to give and receive in balance with all that supports our life.
A crucial step to becoming embodied is to recognize the pain that has been done to our Earth, to Indigenous Peoples, and to each and every Body — because we are all connected. It is in wanting to run from or deny the pain that exists within and all around us, that we become dis-embodied and dissociated from reality. I deeply believe that until we feel, acknowledge, and make steps to repair the pain within our own bodies and within the collective due to genocide, slavery, human rights atrocities and the degradation of life on Earth, we will not evolve on the planet in the way we need to create a different way of existing that allows all life to heal and thrive. When we can find our own ways to give back to this web of life, to restore these wounds as much as we can, we are participating in the natural law of reciprocity that in turns nourishes our ability to feel connected.
I have been donating to these organizations for some time — to give back in some small way to the people who are working to heal and restore in the areas I feel most called to. I will continue to give more as I receive more.
Cultural Survival
Our Mission
Cultural Survival advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights and supports Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures and political resilience since 1972.
Our Vision
Cultural Survival envisions a future that respects and honors Indigenous Peoples' inherent rights and dynamic cultures, deeply and richly interwoven in lands, languages, spiritual traditions, and artistic expression, rooted in self-determination and self-governance.
Collaboration to End Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking is the exploitation of humans for profit, often categorized by sex and labor trafficking. It is a complex problem we face in our communities.
We equip organizations and individuals with the knowledge, tools, and resources to address human trafficking in our community by increasing public awareness, delivering tailored trainings, and facilitating multi-disciplinary collaboration.
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking began in 2007 and was built on the understanding that a multifaceted human rights and public health issue like human trafficking cannot be solved by one organization or system alone.
We recognized that only when we bring people together to unlock our collective potential can we create solutions that break the cycle of human trafficking.
Black Organizing Project
BOP creates safe Black spaces for our community to come together and identify the assets and issues that impact our communities the most. The practice of healing starts with being able to struggle together.
Bettering Our School System
BOP is working to end the criminalization of Black and Brown youth in Oakland, California and beyond. In 2020, we successfully eliminated the Oakland Unified School District’s internal police department. We are committed to continuing this work!
MultiGenerational Organizing
Developing a new generation of black leadership that will build a community of trust, love, and consciousness.
Reciprocity - a state or relationship in which there is mutual action, influence, giving and taking, correspondence, between two parties. The term, reciproque , similarly means "the natural return, the like, the reciprocal".