GEO is pleased to co-release this publication from Sheryl Petty, Ed.D. of Movement Tapestries.
Change is a force that is simultaneously generative, stimulating creativity and innovation, and disruptive, destabilizing or re-ordering existing conditions. Organizations embarking on equity transformation processes often grapple with questions about the work they are engaging in and where they aspire to land as it relates to advancing change. These common questions can present moments of tension or stuckness, for organizations, staff, boards and equity practitioners, whether in identifying the greatest power levers, unaddressed challenges, or navigating fear or misalignment that can impede larger transformation journeys. Through this publication, Sheryl Petty supports systems to unstick and deepen their ability to advance and embody Deep Equity.
This partnership is different from GEO’s historic way of developing publications in hopes to introduce dynamic practice leaders as well as an emerging body of work that promises to improve our effectiveness as grantmakers, change agents, managers, and organizational leaders. Our hope is that this publication and Sheryl Petty’s thought leadership supports you in embracing the power of change to reveal new possibilities in your equity transformation journey.
About the Author
CEO & Founder of Movement Tapestries, Sheryl Petty supports the efforts of practitioners, organizations and community members to heal ourselves and our social systems, unleash our joy and creativity, and improve our collective life. I’ve worked in systems change, education, equity, network weaving, field building, and organizational development for 30 years, supporting individuals, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, districts, government agencies, colleges and universities. For nearly 30 years, I’ve also been a priest in an indigenous African-based tradition (from the Yoruba people), have practiced and am ordained in yogic (non-monastic), Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, and am also authorized to share practices based in Bön Buddhist Dzogchen (the Indigenous tradition of Tibet). I also have a BA in Mathematics, an MA in Systematic & Philosophical Theology, and a Doctorate in Leadership & Change. I teach and share practices from all of these systems, and am also a certified yoga asana teacher.
Movement Tapestries focuses nationally and internationally on weaving personal transformation & social systems change™. I work independently and in collaboration. I was recruited in the early 2010s by Change Elemental to help build out their equity practice and excitedly returned to my private practice in 2020. I was a Principal Associate at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, a fellow at Stanford University’s Center for Opportunity Policy in Education, and am currently a Fellow with the Mind & Life Institute, and was Adjunct Faculty at Teachers College, Columbia University. I have been a program manager, high school teacher, executive director, and board member in addition to consulting. My work includes equity-driven visioning, change process design and facilitation, cross-sector field-building, strategy development, alliance and network development, multi-year deep equity transformation processes with institutions, and professional, spiritual and life coaching. I support people and organizations in: catalytic institutional equity assessment; groundbreaking reckoning and alignment sessions; developing new visions and strategies that integrate efforts across an organization or field; planning the multi-year next steps to operationalize the new, transformative visions and strategies; and building the inner capacities and stamina to make the vision and next steps deep and sustainable.
Download the Publication
This publication is available for digital download only.