WHY IT MATTERS

How are we supposed to make sense of a world where:

• 1 in 2 Americans suffers from a chronic disease despite the thriving $377 billion dollar pharmaceutical market
• The American Dream pays almost half of Americans less than $15 an hour
• More prisons are being built every year than schools, incarcerating more youth than any other country,
of which most are youth of color
• In a democracy that is built upon participation, our elections are bought and sold to the highest bidder

The truth is that we are not well. Not by a long shot. And here’s the kicker...corporations are profiting from our sickness.

They have created a culture that tells us that we are not enough - and we believe it. They say “buy this and you will be
happy” or “do this and you will be skinny” or “read this and you will be more enlightened.” It’s in their best interest that we
are unwell, that we feel powerless, that we distrust one another.

And yet... something else is happening in communities like this.

People are seeking out peace of mind. Waking up to greater states of consciousness. Rediscovering their purpose.
Finding more balanced careers. Families are opting for healthier food options. Buying sustainable products. Using
alternative energy sources. We are coming together in practice, community and even giving back. It might look and
feel to us like things are going to be ok...

But how do we reconcile an America where so many are suffering while we get to be well?

The truth is that it’s a privilege to be well in this country. The conditions of wellbeing are not afforded to everyone
– and wherever there is a higher prevalence of poverty and unemployment, lack of access to housing and public
transportation, you find people who are struggling to survive, let alone be well. The system is rigged against us –
some much more so than others.

Deep down, we know that while we many not be directly to blame, we are mutually responsible for what is being
perpetuated by our culture, for what’s playing out in our communities, for the systems and structures that have been
cultivated to keep things a certain way. These are not someone else’s problems. They are all of our problems. So where
do we go from here? Is it enough for us to hit our mats, eat organic, drive prius’ and give to charity? Or are we called to
something bigger?

Well here’s the good news...

We are a community that is 50 million strong...that is 27% of the United States. Just to give you some context, the NRA
(which is arguably one of the largest, most well organized political forces in this country) has 5 million members.
The biggest body politic in this country is the evangelical church – a community that is aligned in values, bound in
practice and ritual, they have powerful preachers that speak of unity and inspire congregations to
show up, be compassionate and orient to mission-driven work that serves the community and
wellbeing of its people. Sound familiar?

Parallel to what is emerging in evangelical stadiums across the country, is a movement of spirituality
that is playing out on yoga mats and meditation cushions, in co-ops and community centers. It is fueling
a market of personal wellness and organic foods and sustainable products that totals 300 billion dollars
a year in the US. This is a new “church” – a movement of people who are coming together in practice
around a shared vision for all.

And that’s where we come in.

CTZNWELL is organizing the community of 50+ million Americans who are waking up, living their values, coming
together in community and speaking out around the issues that matter to them. And it’s not just who we are
organizing, but how. Our practice gives us the tools, a shared language, safe spaces, and internal resources to confront
some of the most difficult issues of our time. We are building a movement from the inside out - one that is centered in
personal power, amplified by community and committed to democratizing wellbeing for all.

We define wellbeing as the conditions through which ALL individuals can experience their full human potential.
This calls us to lean into the systems that separate so that no one is left out. Wellbeing brings us back to ourselves,
to what is important in our lives and to one another. It brings together disparate issues and exposes their intersections.
It brings together networks of powerful constituencies, some of whom have never been politically active before, or
who have never personally known people in their cities and towns that live very different realities than they do.
This is a lens that demands access and ensures that all people are well. Imagine if wellbeing was our GDP – the real
indicator of our nation’s health.

So what does it look like to mobilize for the wellbeing of all?

It looks like having tough conversations about white supremacy, income inequality and power.
It looks like committing deeply to reflective practice to deepen our understanding of our own purpose, commitment,
and personal power.
It looks like taking to the streets and standing in solidarity with communities who are suffering.
It looks like voting, or running for office yourself.
It looks like building community and deep relationship with those who have different experience than us.
It looks like advancing issues like food justice, gun control, minimum wage, and healthcare access.
It looks like working together to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, and deep listening to what those needs are.
It can look like whatever feels authentic to you, but it must look like action.
It is a place for all of us: the people who think we can and need to do better by ourselves, our communities and our
society, and are ready to stand up and act towards that end. We believe that when we come together in this way we
can help change the course of our society from disconnection and dysfunction, to connection and collective power.