New Start Date for Cohort Two — Application Deadline Extended!
Considering the Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Training Program? Haven’t Completed Your Prerequisites?
We’ve received overwhelming interest from passionate BIPOC practitioners eager to join our transformative program. Many of you have reached out with thoughtful questions about prerequisites—and we’re listening.
To address your concerns, we are delaying the start of Cohort Two to August 2025 and extending the application deadline to July 2025.
To assess your readiness to join Cohort Two, please complete our brief survey. We will follow up with you soon regarding next steps.
The Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Training Program
Empowering BIPOC Leaders to Foster Global Liberation Through Mindfulness
The Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Training Program is a groundbreaking 12-month journey designed to equip BIPOC leaders, educators, and advocates with the tools, skills, and confidence to create transformative change in their communities through mindfulness.
As the only IMTA-accredited program built by and for BIPOC in the world, Freedom Together offers a global perspective – not just seen through the lens of the U.S. – on mindfulness practices, while centering the unique histories and experiences of BIPOC individuals.
This one-of-a-kind program combines live mentoring, cutting-edge online learning, and immersive retreats to give you the practical skills to teach, lead, and inspire your respective community.
What makes it so different?
Traditional mindfulness training often overlooks the cultural context
s and lived experiences of BIPOC communities. The Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Training Program changes that.
This program blends the depth of contemplative practices with the expertise of world-renowned mindfulness practitioners, all tailored to address systemic inequities and historic traumas.
Just imagine:
- Mental health professionals supporting clients as they’re informed on both the personal and systemic barriers unique to their community.
- School teachers and professors understanding and compassionately supporting their BIPOC students through a trauma-informed lens.
- Law enforcement personnel paired with clinicians to provide another perspective that will help them de-escalate high-pressure situations.
- Managers and administrators with better tools to fine-tune their self-awareness, making fewer errors in their personal biases, promoting greater cultural sensitivity.
- Lawyers and doctors having that extra layer of cultural nuance when it comes to servicing the unique needs of their clients and patients.
- Social justice advocates embodying a new style of leadership that does not lean on historic hierarchies, and instead, creating a robust culture of working collectively.
All these are possible. And it all starts with YOU.
By The End Of The Program, You’ll Have:
- A repertoire of mindfulness tools and activities tailored for BIPOC communities.
- Practical experience creating culturally responsive mindfulness programs.
- Leadership skills to empower and transform communities.
- A global network of peers and mentors committed to equity and healing.
And so much more.
You’ve been showing up for your community. Now imagine what you could do with specialised training and a powerful support system.
It’s time to amplify your impact. If you feel ready to embark on this journey but still have some questions concerning the prerequisites then we invite you to take the survey to learn more.
What People Say About Freedom Together
[The Program] allowed for more diversity than would have been possible in a traditional in-person venue. I felt fortunate to have had a faculty adviser that lived across the Atlantic, as well as the people in my group who were geographically distant to me. These interactions that were possible via zoom, nurtured my belief that there are many beings in this world all working on collective liberation.
“There was an article from Arrow written by an Asian American and it was the first time I felt my experience as an Asian was being reflected in a mindfulness program. Even though mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism/Asia, the Asian experience is rarely included and this was very touching to me.
The expansion of what constitutes a contemplative practice, is a concept that was brought up in each module. I have always believed that culture, values, and participants’ individual identities and needs, should be reflected in mindfulness programs. The program highlighted not seeing mindfulness programs as one-size-fits all. It reaffirmed my conviction that the teaching space should be constructed by participants and teacher/facilitator.
Explore the Program Structure
The Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Training Program is uniquely crafted by and for BIPOC individuals, ensuring that cultural contexts and lived experiences are central to the learning process.
- Duration: 12 months
- Total Hours: 270
- Format: Virtual, with two mandatory 5-day virtual retreats at the start and end of the program
-
Modules: Nine courses divided into three stages:
a. Foundations of Mindfulness
b. Mindfulness of the Individual and Collective Body
c. Mindfulness for These Times
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Gain a deep understanding of mindfulness practices and their adaptation for BIPOC communities through 9 live weekend trainings, multimedia learning on the Canvas platform, and immersive virtual retreats.
- Diverse Learning Materials Engage with over 10 videotaped guest lectures, 200 minutes of guided meditation audios, and various multimedia content to cater to different learning styles.
- Mentorship & Guidance Work closely with expert BIPOC faculty in live 1:1 mentoring sessions, group activities, and peer-teaching opportunities. Build the confidence to create and lead culturally sensitive mindfulness programs with your classmates first.
- Interactive Learning Formats Participate in live Zoom classes and access a rich variety of materials, including video and audio lessons, guided meditations, guest lectures, readings, and live Q&A sessions, all designed to cater to different learning styles.
- Practical Application Develop and implement a 4-6 week mindfulness course tailored to your community, gaining hands-on teaching experience.
- Global Community Build connections with faculty, facilitators, and peers, co-creating a new mindfulness ecosystem that meets the needs and sensibilities of BIPOC individuals.
Benefits Upon Completion:
- Certification: Become a certified mindfulness teacher accredited through the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA).
- Cultural Competence: Acquire the ability to offer culturally relevant and decolonized guided meditations and mindfulness practices.
- Leadership Skills: Develop the attitudes, skills, and experiences needed to share and teach mindfulness effectively within your community.
- Community Impact: Contribute to the evolution of mindfulness for communities of color through your unique embodiment and development of mindfulness theories and practices.
Who Should Apply:
This program is ideal for BIPOC individuals who are:
- Educators (Teachers, Professors)
- Mental health professionals
- Community leaders
- Healthcare providers
- Social justice advocates
- Anyone committed to personal practice and sharing mindfulness teachings within their communities
Note: This is an inclusive space that celebrates and welcomes individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, including but not limited to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities), genderqueer, non-binary, and Two-Spirit folk. We also honour and support individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, those living with disabilities (visible or invisible), neurodivergent individuals, and people of all body types, ages, creeds, and socioeconomic statuses. Everyone’s unique identity, lived experience, and voice are valued and respected here.
Prerequisites:
- For 18 and above
- A minimum of 2 years of regular mindfulness meditation practice
- Attendance of at least one mindfulness meditation retreat of a minimum of 5 days with a qualified instructor
- Completion of a mindfulness course like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs), or equivalent
- Submission of written application materials, including a teacher/mentor reference
- A deep connection with mindfulness and meditation and a desire to teach mindfulness
- Lived experience as a BIPOC mindfulness practitioner
- Deep awareness regarding your own social conditioning around race, gender, socioeconomic class, ability, sexual orientation, and other dimensions of identities and how this conditioning often impacts others
Take the survey if you feel ready to embark on a journey of personal transformation and community empowerment.
Join a global network dedicated to collective liberation and healing.
How the Program Works
The Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Training Program integrates a structured blend of immersive virtual retreats, multimedia resources, and personalized mentorship to create a rich learning experience. Here’s a breakdown of how the program works:
1. Connect in the Opening & Closing Virtual Retreats
The program begins and ends with 2 mandatory 5-day retreats that both establish and cement a strong sense of community within the cohort. These retreats set the stage for a supportive environment that fosters relationships among students, teachers and program stewards throughout and after the program.
2. Explore the Rich Multimedia Library
Access a diverse collection of audio and video resources designed to deepen your practice and understanding.
Highlights:
- Curated materials for immersive learning.
- Inclusive formats for varied learning styles.
- Learn at your own pace with guidance from world-renowned mindfulness practitioners.
3. Learn through the Canvas Learning Management System
The program leverages the Canvas platform to deliver a rich, asynchronous learning experience.
Key Components:
- Audio and video recordings for self-paced learning.
- Q&A sessions to clarify concepts and deepen understanding.
- Readings from journals, newspapers, and books to broaden perspectives.
- Audiovisual interviews and music to engage learners holistically.
- Interactive multimedia content to enrich the curriculum and sustain interest.
4. Join Live Weekend Mentoring and Get Personalized Support
Throughout the program, students participate in 9 live weekend mentoring sessions combined with personalized 1:1 mentoring, group activities, and peer interactions.
Key Benefits:
- Placement in carefully curated groups based on individual strengths and needs.
- Support from world-renowned practitioners who align their teachings with the curriculum, providing live reviews and additional insights.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones.
- Live discussions and reflections to process and refine understanding.
These mentoring sessions allow for deeper connections between students and faculty, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes growth and empowerment.
5. Gain Experience through Practical Application and Assignments
Participants gain hands-on experience by applying what they’ve learned through assignments, creating their own mindfulness practices, and delivering community-tailored mindfulness sessions.
Main Outcomes:
- Expanded Mindfulness Repertoire: Students gain a wide range of tools and activities specifically designed for BIPOC communities.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching: Practical skills to adapt mindfulness practices to diverse cultural contexts.
- Leadership Development: Ability to lead and facilitate mindfulness initiatives in various settings.
- Community Impact: Graduates are equipped to design and deliver culturally sensitive mindfulness programs that address the unique needs of their communities.
- Supportive Network: Students leave with a global network of peers and mentors to sustain their practice and professional growth.
These elements ensure that graduates will emerge as empowered leaders with the tools, confidence, and understanding necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities—and beyond.
What People Say About the Program
“I deeply valued listening to the rich variety of experienced teachers who offered their insights and experiences – not just one, but the array of different deep practitioners was phenomenal.”
About Our Application Process
The application process for the Freedom Together Mindfulness Teacher Certification Program serves as a powerful way to ensure that participants are truly aligned with the program’s mission and prepared for its unique demands.
Rather than simply guaranteeing a return on investment, this careful selection process enables participants to experience a genuine community of committed, like-minded individuals, building an environment where everyone’s contributions enhance collective growth.
By inviting only those with a deep-rooted intention and prior experience in mindfulness, the program cultivates an engaged community where each person’s lived experiences enrich the group’s collective journey.
This approach enhances the depth of learning, fosters trust, and empowers each trainee to become an impactful teacher in their communities. Participants gain the assurance that they are part of a thoughtfully curated, supportive environment designed for their success and transformation.
Ready to move forward—together?
PREREQUISITES & NEXT STEPS
-
We understand you may have questions about whether you're ready to begin this journey. Our prerequisites include:
- 2 years of regular mindfulness meditation practice
- Completion of a mindfulness course (MBSR, MAPs, or equivalent)
- Attendance at one 5-day mindfulness retreat
- Deep connection with mindfulness and desire to teach
- Lived experience as a BIPOC mindfulness practitioner
Not sure if you meet these requirements or need guidance on your next steps?
Our survey will help you assess your readiness and provide personalized recommendations for your mindfulness teaching journey.
What People Say About the Program
“This training challenged me to truly listen to difficult experiences with both compassion and a new perspective. It allowed me to witness the pain of others without judgement, and in turn, deepened my ability to respond with empathy. This practice has profoundly shifted how I relate to others and how I show up in challenging conversations.”
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Our unique BIPOC Mindfulness Teacher Training Program empowers you to embody your limitless potential for leadership and self-determination through:
- Building community with faculty, facilitators, and peers, co-creating a new mindfulness eco-system that meets the needs and sensibilities of people of color.
- Collectively developing the attitudes, skills, and experience needed to share and teach mindfulness in your own communities.
- Contributing to the evolution of mindfulness for communities of color through your own unique embodiment and development of mindfulness theories, practices and applications grounded in your lived experience.
- Designing a 4-6 week mindfulness program that builds on the strengths and meets the specific needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in your community and/or context.
Self-identified BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color)/BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnicity) people passionate about sharing mindfulness with their communities and in their workplaces.
Freedom Together is the only online international mindfulness teacher training program designed solely BY and FOR Black, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Color communities. We hope to provide participants with a unique opportunity to engage in their training alongside others with similar life experiences.
For many of us, we have spent much of our lives navigating white-dominant spaces in our education, work and further training. Freedom Together strives to offer a safe enough space for BIPOC to explore our experiences and practices in a way that centers our lives and without the need to filter ourselves, explain our experience, and educate others.
Our hope in creating this space is that it supports us to feel freer to learn alongside one another, go deeper into our life experiences that have shaped us, collectively examine our cultural, social and familial conditioning, and support one another in a loving, accountable space.
Successful applicants will need to have:
- maintained an effective mindfulness practice for at least two years,
- attended at least one five-day mindfulness meditation retreat, and
- completed a contemplative/mindfulness course
The program includes 200 hours of instruction roughly divided into 100 hours of student-directed learning and 100 hours of teacher-led sessions offered one weekend a month (see schedule above).
The student-directed learning is provided through an online learning system called Canvas. Each trainee receives their unique password to access reading materials, reflection questions, scenarios, videos, guided meditation practices, assignments and comprehension checks for each module. Participants are expected to complete the self-paced learning for each module before the next live session.
The teacher-led sessions include teacher input, small and large group reflections and discussions, group exercises, guided practices and enquiry, assignment review groups, rituals, and Q and A with keynote speakers.
There are also monthly group mentoring sessions and quarterly one to one mentoring. These sessions provide an opportunity to check-in on assignments and practice together.
Participants in this unique training program will benefit in a BIPOC co-learning environment, from the collective energy, with people who have similar lived experiences as them, being BIPOC and centering marginalized experiences.
These conducive energies for learning will allow students to go deeper into the understanding and practices of mindfulness in all aspects of life. On the completion of this training program, students will be connected to a network of fellow practitioners and BIPOC mentors who will continue to provide support along their evolving mindfulness journey.
Upon completion participants will also be eligible to apply to be certified as a professional mindfulness teacher with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.
Upon acceptance to the program you are eligible to become a member of IMTA. Benefits include:
- Access to the IMTA community of mindfulness teachers, allowing you to network with leaders in the mindfulness teaching community
- The opportunity to pursue an internationally-recognized accreditation or certification credential that shows you have met our rigorous standards of mindfulness teacher training.
- Inclusion in our online, geographically searchable directory, where you can tell the world who you are as a mindfulness teacher.
- Invitations to community events and meet-ups that IMTA attends or hosts in your area.
- Discounts on services from our partners on everything from insurance to continuing education.
- The ability to nominate representatives (yourself included!) to participate in IMTA Committees
- The ability to nominate a representative for election to the Board of Directors (Accredited Organizations only)
Upon successful completion of the program, you are eligible to apply for the Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P) credential with IMTA. Benefits include:
- An internationally-recognized credential that shows you have met our minimum standards of mindfulness teacher training.
- Discounted rates, for mindfulness teacher insurance (pending).
- Marketing on the IMTA website via geographically searchable Directory where you can list where you teach and tell the world more about who you are as a mindfulness teacher.
- Access to continuing education opportunities (pending).
- Access to peer support through a network of local chapters (pending).