Open Spirit: A Place of Hope, Health, and Harmony

39 Edwards Street
Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 508/877-8162
Email: Debbie@OpenSpiritCenter.org

Contact Person:

Dr. Deborah L. Clark

Organization Description:

The mission of Open Spirit is complex and multi-layered. At Open Spirit, we come together with open hearts to: celebrate and deepen understanding of our diverse spiritual and cultural backgrounds; enable healing of body, mind, spirit and earth; and inspire courage to transform our lives and our communities. The vision of Open Spirit is simple: We aspire to be a source of hope and healing in our divided world.

We live out our mission and our vision through wellness classes, multi-faith gatherings, programs that connect us with the natural world, art and music. We have over 10 weekly classes (yoga, qi gong, meditation); support groups; multi-faith meals and programs, including an annual iftar and periodic shabbat dinners; art shows featuring local artists; three demonstration gardens; a summer camp for kids; and more. This year, we have moved all our programming on-line, using a Zoom platform. We have focused significant energy on ways we can use our unique role in the wider community to promote racial justice. We are offering Active Bystander Training, an 8-week Mindful Anti-Racism training, a multil-faith movie series, and more.

Open Spirit is a multi-faith organization which was founded in 2011 by Edwards Church, United Church of Christ, in Framingham, and currently operates in collaboration with the church. We are new and at a crucial and exciting phase in our development. We are also stable and becoming known in the community.

Opportunities for Student Involvement:

There are many opportunities for a field education student to learn at Open Spirit. We expect a student to work closely with our Multi-Faith Coordinator (Rev. Dr. Debbie Clark) to develop a learning agreement that meets their goals. We expect to be offering most of our programming remotely for the coming year, and anticipate that most (or all) of a student’s work will be done remotely.

This year we are looking for a student who will focus primarily on our anti-racism efforts, helping us develop and implement them. A student’s learning agreement might also include: working with the Steering Committee on the arc of programming for the upcoming year; assisting with planning and implementation of special programs, such as our annual Weekend of Spirit, and our multi-faith Collaborative programming; developing and leading a program (or a series) based on a particular interest or skill; outreach to the wider community, including networking with area clergy and spiritual leaders; developing social networking strategies, writing and coordinating blog posts.

Commute/Transportation Information:

Framingham is located about 15 miles from Cambridge. This year we anticipate most of all of a student’s work will be done remotely. A car is needed for any on-site visits a student may choose to make.

Arts of Ministry Competencies Offered:

  • Administration and Program Development
  • Peacebuilding and Just Conflict Resolution
  • Public Leadership, Community Organizing, and Planning
  • Religious Education and Spiritual Development

Supervision:

Rev. Clark will meet weekly remotely with the field education student for theological reflection and project supervision.

Additional Information:

  • Number of Students: 1
  • Total Compensation: $6000.00
  • Type of Compensation: Work Study

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