Resources
Spiritual-Activism Academy offers a diverse range of resources, including articles, recommended books, blogs, podcasts, documentaries, films, foundations, volunteer opportunities, art, and other creative works. Additionally, the Academy provides access to affiliated or recommended websites and connections to activist outlets, all designed to support and inspire spiritual activism and systemic change. These materials explore themes of interconnectedness with the planet, nature, animals, and each other, offering participants practical tools, real-life examples, activist and educational resources, and profound insights to inspire personal transformation and global justice. It is important to note that Spiritual-Activism Academy does not endorse every fact or detail in the resources it recommends. Instead, these resources are intended to educate others about the world's challenges and offer a general framework for better understanding spiritual activism, its commitment to justice, and active solutions.
With awe and wonder you look around, recognizing the precious ness of the earth, the sanctity of every human being on the planet, the ultimate unity and interdependence of all beings— somos todos un paíz. Love swells in your chest and shoots out of your heart chakra, linking you to everyone / everything— the aboriginal in Australia, the crow in the forest, the vast Pacific Ocean. You share a category of identity wider than any social position or racial label. This conocimiento motivates you to work actively to see that no harm comes to people, animals, ocean—to take up spiritual activism and the work of healing. Te entregas a tu promesa to help your various cultures create new paradigms, new narratives.
-Anzaldúa, Light in the Dark, 138
Articles & Books
Scholarship, Op-Eds, News Articles, and More
Insightful works that dive deep into the philosophies and practices of spiritual activism, exploring ways to merge inner transformation with outward justice.
Blogs
The Founder's Personal & Other Recommended Blogs
Personal reflections and stories that connect spiritual growth to social movements, offering relatable experiences, insights, and calls to action for everyday artists/activists.
Podcasts
Spiritual Activism Podcast & Recommended Podcasts
Engaging discussions with thought leaders and activists, highlighting the intersection of spirituality, global justice, and transformative change.
Creative Works
Art, Poetry, & Other Creative Works that Incite Spiritual Activism
Art, poetry, and other expressions that evoke spiritual connection and activism, inspiring new ways of seeing and engaging with the world.
Foundations
Charities and Ways to Give Inspired by Spiritual Activism
Curated organizations that align with the principles of spiritual activism, offering pathways to contribute to global and local justice movements.
Volunteering
Connect with Organizations to Volunteer & Promote Activism
Opportunities to actively engage in grassroots movements, promoting ecological, social, and spiritual healing through direct involvement.
Documentaries & Film
Documentaries & Films to Promote Spiritual Activism
Visual narratives that explore the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and spirit, and the urgent need for systemic change.
Websites
Other Websites & Organizations with Shared Goals
Recommended sites providing resources, tools, and communities dedicated to fostering spiritual activism and collective transformation.
Articles & Books
Scholarship
Andrade, Luis M and Robert Gutierrez-Perez. "Bailando Con Las Sombras: Spiritual Activism and Soul Healing in the War Years." Qualitative Inquiry 23, no. 7 (2017): 502-04.
Anzaldúa, Gloria. Borderlands = La Frontera: The New Mestiza. 1st ed. San Francisco: Spinsters/Aunt Lute, 1987.
---. Light in the Dark/Luz en lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality. Edited by AnaLouise Keating, Duke University Press, 2015.
Anzaldúa, Gloria and AnaLouise Keating. Interviews = Entrevistas. New York: Routledge, 2000.
---. Making Face, Making Soul/Haciendo Caras: Creative and Critical Perspectives by Feminists of Color. Aunt Lute Books, 1990.
---. this bridge we call home: radical visions for transformation. Edited by Gloria E. Anzaldúa and AnaLouise Keating, Routledge, 2002.
---. The Gloria Anzaldúa Reader. Duke University Press, 2009.
Anzaldúa, Gloria and Cherríe Moraga. This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color. Edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa, Persephone Press, 1981.
Ayala-Patlán, Andrés. “Self-Change as Global Change: Spiritual Activism and Its Place in Gloria Anzaldúa’s Legacy.” University of Toronto Quarterly, vol. 93, no. 2, 2024, pp. 148–67, https://doi.org/10.3138/utq.93.02.04.
Calderón, Héctor. "A New Connection, a New Set of Recognitions": From This Bridge Called My Back to This Bridge We Call Home." Discourse 25, no. 1 (2003): 294-303.
Castillo-Garsow, Melissa. "The Legacy of Gloria Anzaldúa: Finding a Place for Women of Color in Academia." Bilingual Review/La Revista Bilingüe 31, no. 1 (2012): 3-11.
Corbin, Michelle. "Facing Our Dragons: Spiritual Activism, Psychedelic Mysticism and the Pursuit of Opposition." Human Architecture, vol. 4, no. special issue, 2006, pp. 239–47.
Elenes, C. Alejandra. "Nepantla, Spiritual Activism, New Tribalism: Chicana Feminist Transformative Pedagogies and Social Justice Education." Journal of Latino/Latin American Studies 5, no. 3 (2013): 132-41.
Facio, Elisa, and Irene Lara. Fleshing the Spirit: Spirituality and Activism in Chicana, Latina, and Indigenous Women’s Lives. University of Arizona Press, 2014.
Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand, et al. The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1958.
Guiterrez-Perez, Robert. (2017) Anzaldua, Gloria E. Light in the Dark/Luz en lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality., Women’s Studies in Communication. 40: 3, pp. 306-308.
Henderson-Espinoza, Robyn. "Gloria Anzaldúa's El Mundo Zurdo: Exploring a Relational Feminist Theology of Interconnectedness." Journal for the Study of Religion 26, no. 2 (2013): 108-18.
Keating, AnaLouise. Entremundos/Amongworlds: New Perspectives on Gloria E. Anzaldúa. Springer, 2016.
---. "From Borderlands and New Mestizas to Nepantlas and Nepantleras: Anzaldúan Theories for Social Change." Human Architecture 4 (2006): 5.
---. "'I'm a Citizen of the Universe': Gloria Anzaldúa's Spiritual Activism as Catalyst for Social Change." Feminist Studies 34, no. 1/2 (2008): 53-69.
Koegeler-Abdi, Martina. "Shifting Subjectivities: Mestizas, Nepantleras, and Gloria Anzaldúa’s Legacy." MELUS 38, no. 2 (2013): 71-88.
Koshy, Kavitha. "Nepantlera-Activism in the Transnational Moment: In Dialogue with Gloria Anzaldúa's Theorizing of Nepantla." Human Architecture 4 (2006): 147.
Lara, Irene. "Bruja Positionalities: Toward a Chicana/Latina Spiritual Activism." Chicana/Latina Studies (2005): 10-45.
Lugones, Maria. "From Within Germanative Stasis: Creating Active Subjectivity, Resisting Agency" Ed. Keating, AnaLouise. Entremundos/Amongworlds: New Perspectives on Gloria E. Anzaldúa. Springer (2016).
Martin-Baron, Michelle R. (2016) Light in the Dark/Luz en lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality, by Gloria Anzaldua and edited by AnaLouise Keating, International Feminist Journal of Politics, 18:4, pp. 623-625.
McCaughan, Edward J. "Notes on Mexican Art, Social Movements, and Anzaldúa's 'Conocimiento'". Social Justice 33, no. 2 (104 (2006): 153-64.
Ortega, Mariana. "This Thin Edge of Barbwire: Selves from the Land in the Middle." Latino Studies 2.3 (2004): 298-303.
Santos, Adrianna, et al. El Mundo Zurdo 8: Selected Works from the 2019 Meeting of the Society for the Study of Gloria Anzaldúa. Edited by Santos, Adrianna, et al., Aunt Lute Books, 2022.
Tamdgidi, Mohammad H. "'I Change Myself, I Change the World': Gloria Anzaldúa's Sociological Imagination in Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza." Humanity & Society 32, no. 4 (2008): 311-35.
Tirres, Christopher D. "Spiritual Realities and Spiritual Activism: Assessing Gloria Anzaldúa’s Light in the Dark/Luz En Lo Oscuro." Diálogo, vol. 21/no. 2, (2018), pp. 51-64.
Op-Eds
"The Artist of Possibility: Spiritual Activism: Faith, Freedom and Liberation"
This article from Emergence Education explores the nature of spiritual activism through interviews with activists motivated by spiritual values. It emphasizes how activism rooted in love and interconnectedness can create sustainable social change.
Emergence Education Article
"Spiritual Activism in the Now"
Carla Goldstein of Omega Institute writes about how spiritual activism involves shifting away from adversarial tactics and fostering mindfulness and interconnectedness. This piece examines how presence and non-duality in activism can bring about meaningful change.
Omega Institute Article
The Arts and Culture of a Just Transition
This article explores how the integration of creativity and activism can support a just transition, moving towards a regenerative economy rooted in anti-racism, feminism, and collaboration. It touches on the intersection of art, environmental justice, and the collective well-being of society. Common Dreams
Young Climate Activists Are Fueling Hope and Winning Change
This piece discusses how youth-led movements are driving climate action, emphasizing the need for collective, systemic change to combat environmental and social injustices. The focus on youth activism aligns with spiritual activism's commitment to justice and sustainability.
Common Dreams
News Articles
“Balancing climate anxiety with hope: learning from collective climate activism” - This article discusses collective climate action, addressing the emotional toll of climate crises and the necessity for systemic change. BMJ
“Youth Climate Movement in the Global South” - This article discusses the critical role of youth activism in shaping environmental justice movements. Heinrich Böll Stiftung.
“Sacred Activism: Embracing Collective Healing”
This article from the Center for Urban and Racial Equity highlights the role of spiritual practices like journaling, meditation, and community engagement in addressing systemic racial and social injustices. The piece explores how contemplative practices anchor individuals and communities during chaotic times, promoting healing and transformative justice. Center for Urban and Racial Equity
"Climate Justice Meets Racism: This Moment at Standing Rock Was Decades in the Making"- This article delves into the long-standing issues faced by the Standing Rock Sioux and the systemic racism tied to land dispossession and environmental destruction. It highlights the intersection of climate justice and Indigenous rights, emphasizing how the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline were rooted in decades of broken treaties and disregard for Native sovereignty. Truthout
Blogs
Adrienne Maree Brown - Author of Emergent Strategy and Pleasure Activism, Brown’s blog explores topics of social justice, spirituality, collective healing, and activism through a transformative lens. Her work emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal growth and collective action. Blog: https://adriennemareebrown.net
Layla F. Saad - The author of Me and White Supremacy, Saad's blog and Instagram posts explore anti-racism, spirituality, and the inner work necessary for personal and collective healing. She frequently addresses the need for personal accountability in the pursuit of justice. Blog: https://www.laylafsaad.com
Matt Licata - A psychotherapist and spiritual teacher, Licata's blog focuses on the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the healing journey. His writings explore themes of emotional healing, self-inquiry, and how personal transformation leads to broader societal change. Blog: https://mattlicataphd.com
Lama Rod Owens - An activist and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Rod’s blog addresses topics like collective liberation, social justice, and personal healing. His work connects spiritual practice with activism, particularly around issues of race, trauma, and queer identity. Blog: https://www.lamarod.com
Yung Pueblo (Diego Perez) - A meditation teacher and poet, Yung Pueblo’s writings on Instagram and his blog focus on the relationship between inner healing and global transformation. He discusses how self-awareness and personal healing are essential to fostering a more compassionate, just world. Blog: https://yungpueblo.com
Podcasts
Revolutionary Now – revolutionarynow.live
This podcast explores contemporary movements for social justice, environmental sustainability, and banking corruption. It focuses on practical activism and transformative change, aligning with the principles of spiritual activism by encouraging listeners to engage in collective action.
- Listen here: REVOLUTION NOW! with Peter Joseph
Spiritual Grit by Leslieann Hobayan – This podcast dives deep into the intersection of spirituality and social justice, reflecting on personal transformation to contribute to a better world. It encourages listeners to embrace their deepest selves and create meaningful social change.
- Listen here: Spiritual Grit Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Embodied Justice with Dr. Judy Lubin – Focusing on sacred activism and collective liberation, this podcast explores how to integrate spirituality with actions for justice, addressing racial, gender, and economic inequities.
For the Wild – A podcast that looks at the intersection of ecology, activism, and community resilience. It explores ways to live in balance with the Earth while addressing the current environmental and social crises.
- Listen here: For the Wild
Radical Imagination by Angela Glover Blackwell – This podcast connects activism with spiritual and creative practices to envision a just future, focusing on systemic change and collective well-being.
- Listen here: Radical Imagination | iHeart
Finding Our Way by Prentis Hemphill – This podcast explores healing justice and the transformative role of spirituality in collective struggles for freedom and justice. It emphasizes emotional and spiritual well-being as part of activist work.
Creative Works
Olafur Eliasson - The Weather Project (2003)
This immersive installation at the Tate Modern creates a sun-like disc and a misty atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and connection to the environment. Eliasson encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature, which is central to spiritual activism. More information is available here.
Faith Ringgold - The Flag is Bleeding #2 (2008)
This quilted artwork portrays a powerful African American woman draped in the American flag, symbolizing the intersection of race, identity, and national narrative. Ringgold's work confronts systemic injustice and promotes social change, aligning with the mission of fostering critical dialogues. Details can be found here.
JR - Inside Out Project (2011)
This global participatory art project invites people to share their stories through large-scale portraits. JR’s work fosters community connection and raises awareness about social issues, emphasizing the importance of shared narratives in activism. Discover more about the project here.
Banksy - Girl with a Balloon (2002)
This iconic street art piece features a young girl reaching out toward a red heart-shaped balloon, symbolizing hope, innocence, and the desire for love. The imagery evokes themes of loss and yearning, often interpreted as a commentary on societal issues such as childhood, poverty, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Banksy's work critiques consumerism and challenges social norms, aligning with the mission of fostering critical dialogues around spiritual activism and social change. More about this piece can be found here.
Foundations to Support
The Ocean Conservancy - Ocean Conservancy
This organization works to protect the ocean and its wildlife through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Their efforts emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of environmental stewardship, resonating with themes of spiritual activism.
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation - Black Lives Matter
This movement advocates for racial justice and social change, empowering communities through grassroots activism and education. Their work aligns with the principles of spiritual activism by promoting equality, healing, and collective action.
The Nature Conservancy - The Nature Conservancy
This global environmental organization focuses on land and water conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and combat climate change. Their mission reflects a commitment to nurturing the planet, which is central to spiritual activism.
Youth Spirit Artworks - Youth Spirit Artworks
This nonprofit provides opportunities for homeless and low-income youth to express themselves through art and social justice initiatives. Their focus on empowerment through creativity and community engagement aligns with the vision of Spiritual-Activism.academy.
The Center for Eco-Literacy - Center for Eco-Literacy
This organization promotes education that fosters ecological understanding and sustainability. By integrating ecological principles into educational frameworks, they support a holistic approach to activism that resonates with the themes of spiritual and environmental consciousness.
The Life You Can Save - The Life You Can Save
Founded by philosopher Peter Singer, this organization encourages individuals to donate a portion of their income to effective charities that alleviate global poverty. Their mission emphasizes moral responsibility and collective action, aligning with the values of spiritual activism.
The Fair Food Program – Fair Food Program
This program partners farmers, farmworkers, and food companies to ensure humane wages and working conditions. By promoting fair labor practices and ethical consumption, it aligns with spiritual activism’s focus on justice, interconnectedness, and social responsibility.
Volunteering
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - ACLU
The ACLU works to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. They offer various ways to get involved, including volunteering, advocacy, and participating in campaigns focused on civil rights issues.
Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity
This nonprofit organization brings people together to build homes for families in need. Volunteers can participate in local building projects, fundraising efforts, and community outreach initiatives across many cities.
Planned Parenthood - Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood provides essential health services, education, and advocacy for reproductive rights. They welcome volunteers for various roles, including education, outreach, and political activism in support of reproductive health.
United Way - United Way
United Way focuses on community building and addressing social issues such as education, health, and income stability. They provide numerous volunteer opportunities and community initiatives across many cities, making it easy to get involved locally.
The Sierra Club - Sierra Club
This environmental organization advocates for conservation and sustainability efforts. Volunteers can participate in local campaigns, advocacy work, and community events focused on environmental issues, often available in major cities.
Vote.org - Vote.org
This organization works to increase voter participation and access to the electoral process. Volunteers can engage in outreach, education, and advocacy efforts to promote voting rights and civic engagement in their communities.
The Red Cross - American Red Cross
The Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the U.S. and around the world. They offer numerous volunteering opportunities, including disaster response, blood donation drives, and community preparedness initiatives.
Documentaries & Films
Animal Rights
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)
This documentary investigates the environmental impact of animal agriculture and its contribution to environmental degradation. Learn more and watch it here.
Dominion (2018)
A powerful documentary that explores the ethics of animal agriculture through the use of drones and hidden cameras, revealing the harsh realities of animal farming. Watch it here.
Environmental Degradation
Before the Flood (2016)
Produced by National Geographic, this documentary features Leonardo DiCaprio as he explores climate change and its impacts worldwide, highlighting solutions and activism. Watch it here.
Our Planet (2019)
A documentary series narrated by David Attenborough, showcasing the world's natural beauty and examining how climate change impacts all living creatures. Watch it Netflix.
Agriculture
Food, Inc. (2008)
This film examines the industrial production of food in America, revealing the realities of the food industry and its impact on health, the environment, and workers. Watch it Food, Inc. (2008).
Kiss the Ground (2020)
This documentary highlights regenerative agriculture as a solution to climate change, emphasizing the importance of healthy soil in restoring ecosystems, improving food systems, and reversing environmental damage. Watch it Kiss the Ground (2020).
Social Inequality
The Divide (2015)
This film explores the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor in the U.S. and U.K., featuring personal stories that highlight the impacts of social inequality. Watch it here.
Class Issues and Corrupt Banking Systems
Inside Job (2010)
This documentary examines the 2008 financial crisis, exploring the corrupt practices of financial institutions and the impact on the global economy. It provides a thorough analysis of the systemic issues in the banking sector. Watch it here.
The Big Short (2015)
Based on the book by Michael Lewis, this film tells the story of the financial crisis through the eyes of those who predicted it. It illustrates the corruption and recklessness of the banking industry leading to economic collapse. Watch it here.
Racism
13th (2016)
Directed by Ava DuVernay, this documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S. It critiques the criminal justice system and its systemic racism. Watch it Netflix.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
This film, based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, examines the lives of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., exploring race relations in America. Watch I Am Not Your Negro.
Websites
Gloria Anzaldúa - Gloria Anzaldúa Official Website
This site serves as a comprehensive resource for the life and work of Gloria Anzaldúa, offering access to her writings, interviews, and insights on her transformative ideas surrounding identity, spirituality, and activism. It is an essential starting point for exploring the themes central to spiritual activism.
Spirituality & Practice - Spirituality & Practice
This website offers a wealth of resources, including articles, practices, and book recommendations focused on spirituality and its application in everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of personal and communal transformation in the context of social justice and activism.
The Center for Artistic Activism - Center for Artistic Activism
This organization promotes the use of art and creativity as tools for social change. Their resources include workshops, research, and case studies that illustrate how artistic practices can engage communities and inspire action.
The Radical Monarchs - Radical Monarchs
This organization creates opportunities for girls of color to develop leadership skills, engage in social justice activism, and build community. Their programs emphasize the intersection of identity, activism, and empowerment, resonating with the themes of spiritual activism.
Decolonizing Practices - Decolonizing Practices
This platform offers resources, events, and discussions focused on decolonization as a practice of resistance and transformation. It explores the intersections of identity, culture, and activism, aligning with the mission of Spiritual-Activism.academy.
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