Brooklyn Zen Center concentrates on three broad-reaching program areas. The first is a mindful, flexible continuance of our Zen practice tradition with which we have been entrusted. The second is a deep engagement and dialogue with the arts and artistic communities represented in our sangha and city. The third is a commitment to socially engaged programs designed to alleviate suffering in the world. The third area is our focus here. Brooklyn Zen Center's fundraising efforts on FirstGiving are strictly for our teen mindfulness and meditation program, Awake Youth Project. Our work to include mindfulness and meditation in education programs has consistently proven beneficial over the years. The ability to rest in a wider, more stable and emotionally intelligent and resilient mind is not only central to the success of these young people, it is their birthright. We believe that it is our duty to do whatever we can to support our children in uncovering this mind, both for their sake and for the future of our community and world. Please join our Brooklyn Sit-a-thon to raise money to ensure the continuation of our public high school-based programs where students have a place to cultivate strong and open minds and hearts – the foundations of their flourishing lives.