The workshops, "Leading Transformational Communities" will take place February 9, March 8, and April 5. Each workshop is offered as an independent unit; taken as a whole, the series is designed to greatly multiply participant’s understanding and skill in the area of leadership development.

Led by area faith leaders known for their ability to build community at the intersection of spiritual growth and social justice, these workshops offer brief theory presentations that serve as a springboard for individual and group exercises designed to help participants develop an understanding of strategies and skills for strengthening the calling of all God's people.

Building Transformational Communities, led by Arrington Chambliss and Tulaine Shabazz Marshall, is the first workshop in the series that will illustrate how to use a model integrating inner and outer work as a tool for transformation. Furthermore, it will guide participants through the steps of leading and facilitating transformational groups.

Chambliss is a facilitator, teacher, and preacher currently serving as associate rector at the Church of St. Andrew, Marblehead. She helped to start No Ordinary Time, an initiative focused on integrating contemplation and action, the inner work of spiritual growth with the outer work of social justice.

Marshall is the national director of Graduate and Youth Opportunities at YouthBuild USA, where she oversees national efforts to help YouthBuild graduates successfully enter college and the 21st century workforce. Marshall has significant leadership experience in national expansion, organizational development, program assessment, strategic planning, school launch, and training/staff development, believing in the power of young people to make the world a more inclusive and equitable place for all its residents.

The cost of each session in the series is $75 or $60 per person for three or more people registering together; a light lunch is included with each registration. Pre-registration is required. To do so contact Priscilla Burns at pburns@eds.edu or 617-682-1506. The workshops are handicap accessible. Participants are encouraged to take public transportation as parking is limited. There is a $10 charge for parking in the EDS lot.

Further information on these and other EDS workshops is available here.

EDS is a respected center of study and spiritual formation for lay and ordained leaders with a strong commitment to justice, compassion, and reconciliation. Formed in 1974 with the merger of Philadelphia Divinity School (founded in 1857) and the Episcopal Theological School (founded in 1867), EDS offers doctor of ministry and master's degrees, as well as certificates in theological studies. Located on an eight-acre campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard, EDS is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine eminent theological schools, seminaries, and departments of religion.