Mountain Institute for Social Change

The Mountain holds a series of Institutes each year that explore how individuals can bring meaning, peace-building and environmental sustainability to the center of our society. Institutes are three day workshops where, unlike many workshops, the leaders interact with participants on a personal level during the planned scheduled events, as well as meal times and during breaks. Institute schedules allow time for participants to relax and enjoy The Mountain’s beautiful surroundings.

Led by a respected social change leader, each Institute has its own specific focus area:

  • Peace and justice building

  • Environmental sustainability

  • The arts and social change

  • Youth and young adult development

  • Organizational leadership

The Institute leader shares his or her wisdom, facilitates a transformational experience and serves as an inspiration for taking the work back into your community.  At all Institutes, the schedule allows time for participants to engage in discussions, make music, share stories, create art and spend time in nature, as these are key elements to building a community of support for initiatives back home.

Past Institute leaders include:

  • Holly Near - Singer, Author, Teacher, Producer and Activist

  • Dr. Ysaye Barnwell - Singer, Author, Composer, Teacher and Member of Sweet Honey In The Rock®

  • Janisse Ray - Writer, Naturalist and Activist

“My experience at the Institute was amazing. A group of mostly strangers came together and made amazingly beautiful and inspiring music in moments. It was an enriching experience that will empower me to do my work off of The Mountain.”
-Past Institute Participant