Mission
Through innovative educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit, Omega provides hope and healing for individuals and society.
Values
HOLISM
Interdependence is at the foundation of Omega’s world view. We believe that the well-being of each of us is deeply connected to the well-being of all living things. We honor our inherent diversity, belonging, and contribution to the greater whole and value the fullness of every human being—mind, body, heart, and spirit.
COMMUNITY
We believe human beings thrive in connection with one another. We celebrate human diversity and strive for the broadest representation of perspectives in all that we do, recognizing that it enriches our lives and our learning community. We adopt a stance of mutuality and invite people to find belonging, to feel safe, to be nourished, and to create community.
SUSTAINABILITY
We hold an optimistic view that each of us can contribute toward a regenerative future. We recognize that the natural environment cannot be protected without creating social cohesion, economic stability, universal human rights, and a culture of peace. We are committed to developing paths forward by demonstrating actionable solutions.
SERVICE
We believe that people the world over want to make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of others. Service is a path toward greater understanding of ourselves, others, and the world we share. It requires presence, self-awareness, compassion, and empathy. Service is a cornerstone of self actualization and of our organizational culture.
INTEGRITY
We conduct ourselves with honesty, fairness, candor, and respect in our personal, organizational, and business relationships. We learn from our mistakes, speak truthfully, and stick to our principles even when it’s difficult. We treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated, and focus on the collective good.
Organizational Aspirations
WE THINK BEYOND “THE WAY IT IS” TOWARD “THE WAY IT CAN BE.”
We’ve never been afraid to go against the grain. Our organizational courage is what keeps us reflective, adaptive, and innovative. We are unapologetic disrupters when the times call for change.
WE ARE RELATIONSHIP-CENTERED.
We understand that relationships are central to everything we do. As a learning community, we focus on understanding each other and supporting each other’s individual and collective well-being, creativity, contribution, and development.
WE NURTURE A SENSE OF BELONGING, MUTUALITY, AND WHOLENESS.
We strive to be an open and supportive environment where all of us—our staff, guests, and teachers—can meet new people, expanding the boundaries of our communities, and connect across differences, in mutuality and nonjudgment. This is a continuous, evolving journey.
WE WORK TO ADVANCE EQUALITY AND JUSTICE.
We recognize that systems of inequality and injustice are embedded in society, and strive to contribute to efforts for change. We also recognize the ways in which we, as individuals, can work to heal and undo harmful patterns in ourselves.
OUR LEARNING APPROACH IS ROOTED IN PLACE, NATURE, AND COMMUNITY.
We believe in the power of place: where we live and learn can be meaningful sources for inspiring ideas, fostering human connection, and serving as a springboard for understanding our global community.
WE EMBRACE CURIOSITY AND OPENNESS.
We believe in living with deep inquiry—striving to understand what can be known even as we relax into life’s mystery. We practice “beginner’s mind”—a curiosity about life, death, and consciousness. We believe this creates morespace for learning, growth, and joy.
WE COMMUNICATE MINDFULLY.
We strive for clear, compassionate, and courageous communication. We reach across differences to find solutions that are equitable and constructive. We seek a larger perspective and strive to understand the underlying meaning of the challenges and complexities of life.
WE STOP, REFLECT, AND REPLENISH.
We understand that in today’s fast-paced world it’s essential to make time to take a rest, to be able to reflect, integrate experience, relieve stress, and regenerate one’s energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for the work ahead.
WE HOLD UP THE BASIC HUMAN DESIRE FOR JOY, HOPE, AND LOVE.
We recognize that everybody shares the yearning for being joyful, having hope, and living with loving relationships. As an organization committed to “awakening the best in the human spirit,” we focus on bringing forth these qualities in all that we do.
