Inner Transformation First

Engages in ongoing activism, educational activities, and advocacy efforts across the United States to advance justice and charitable-educational purposes, extending beyond march events.

Hosts interactive, story-based digital events focused on envisioning a feminist future, each concluding with guided healing justice and self-work sessions. Eight such events were conducted.

Provides organizing and training programs aimed at transforming everyday women into feminists, building a network of feminist activists. This includes structured educational offerings such as Feminist Night School, with recorded sessions made publicly available.

Operates the Digital Defenders Program, which trains hundreds of activists in digital advocacy to counter online disinformation and bigotry, mobilizing a network of over 1,500 participants.

Provides ongoing Zen teaching through Dharma talks and personal transmission, with teachers formally recognized through dharma transmission, Inka, and lineage affiliation in the White Plum Asanga.

Chants the Heart Sutra, Short Verses, The Sandokai, and the Ancient Lineage of the White Plum Asanga during sittings, retreats, and special occasions to support liturgical and lineage-based Zen practice.

Offers weekly Zen meditation sittings on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with structured procedures, including chanting of Short Verses and the Heart Sutra, and maintains zazen posture during Dharma talks. Requires registration and punctual arrival for first-time participants.

Has established a Code of Ethical Conduct and Conflict and Complaint Resolution Guidelines, appoints a publicly listed Resolution Committee, encourages informal resolution, and accepts formal written complaints to address conduct and interpersonal issues.

Provides instruction and encouragement for developing a personal daily zazen practice, including through daily Words of Encouragement emails and foundational teaching materials.

Hosts monthly all-day meditation retreats (zazenkai), weekend retreats, weeklong members-only sesshin, and a winter Ango study period for members, providing immersive Zen practice opportunities.

Offers an Introduction to Zen class twice monthly, excluding August and February Ango, to teach foundational practices; includes a one-month trial membership with access to meditation sittings and a one-on-one meeting with a teacher.

Offers regular daisan (one-on-one meetings) with Zen teachers for members and newcomers to support individual practice, personal development, and koan study, including guidance on integrating zazen into daily life.

Makes zafus and seiza benches available for practitioners and maintains structured forms and procedures in the zendo to support consistent and accessible zazen practice.

Authored and published the book "Making Zen Your Own" by founding teacher Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels, which conveys foundational Zen teachings through stories of Zen's Chinese ancestors.

Provides members with benefits including waived donation requirements, discounted retreats and workshops, access to members-only sesshin and Ango, weekly Thursday Circle discussions, daily Words of Encouragement emails, and koan study.

Authored five books, including two bestsellers focused on youth spiritual development and Catholic teachings, as part of broader outreach and educational efforts.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, board of directors, and advisory board to support the development and sustainability of youth encouragement and fitness programs.

Delivered over 1,000 live motivational presentations to more than two million people across 46 U.S. states and four countries during a 20-year period prior to launching fitness initiatives.