“Sacred activism is based on the idea that our consciousness determines how we see the world, how we relate to others and how we organize our priorities. So, naturally, this form of activism examines how to change our inner world of attitudes and beliefs: its central tenet is, shift consciousness and you'll transform the world. It is sacred because it does not objectify people as enemies, polarize differences or pretend that it is outside the situations which so readily need to be changed in the world---rather it comes from a place of finding common ground, opening deep dialogue and acknowledging collective responsibility for the state of the world. It represents values based on reverence for all beings, knowing that each one is capable of transformational changes and creative problem solving. Finally, sacred activism holds a vision of a new consensus about humanity's global priorities to bring healing, justice, peace and true sustainabilty to every corner of the Earth.”
James is currently: Collaborating with The Global Systems Initiatives in Washington DC, a project which brings together diverse systems theorists and experts to help shape government policy from a systems perspective. Engaged in an international team doing depth reconciliation work with 40 Israeli and Palestinian psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. Collaborating with colleagues in Northern Ireland on the creation of a peacemaking and social healing institute. Offering lectures and workshops on conscious evolution, spiritual activism, social healing, and social synergy. His 2009 schedule includes keynote conference presentations with Andrew Harvey and Marianne Williamson on Sacred Activism, with Brian Swimme on Cosmology, and John Major Jenkins on understanding the era of 2012. Working with a newly formed group of 40 evolutionary leaders convened by Deepak Chopra to unify efforts in support of evolutionary changes in political, economic, ecological, scientific and health and healing arenas. Consultant on a project that integrates sustainable green business with employing and rehabilitating people who have been incarcerated.
James O'Dea is a Fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences and was until recently its President. The Institute of Noetic Sciences is a non-profit membership organization founded in 1973 by astronaut Edgar Mitchell which explores the frontiers of consciousness and global paradigm change. James O'Dea was President of IONS from April 2003 to September 2008.
He spent ten years as the Director of the Washington Office of Amnesty International, where he testified before Congress, met with two U.S. presidents and numerous foreign heads of state and government leaders, and represented Amnesty International to the State Department, the White House, and the World Conference on Human Rights.
Subsequently, he spent five years as Executive Director of the Seva Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to international health & development issues in Latin America, Asia, and on American Indian reservations. Seva is a Sanskrit word meaning service. Prior to that James lived and worked in Turkey and Lebanon, and witnessed civil conflict, war and massacre, which influenced him deeply.
