The North American region of the Dances of Universal Peace (often abbreviated as DUPNA, or simply, NA) is one organized region within the worldwide family of regions and communities that foster the growth and expression of the Dances of Universal Peace. Although the global family “network” is every Dance circle, dancer, Dance leader, musician, and supporter of the Dances worldwide, regional organizations have been formed to support the grass-roots network.
The North American region includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico joining the region now. DUPNA is a non-profit public-benefit corporation run by a volunteer Board and Office staff, drawn from the Dance community.
OUR VISION STATEMENT: DUPNA envisions a world where peace, justice, interfaith celebration, and spiritual nourishment can be experienced and realized through the Dances of Universal Peace.
A core value is to expand inclusive circles that inspire the next generation of dancers and foster practices that resonate with the unique conditions of the times in the service of peace and unity.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Peaceworks-DUPNA promotes unity by providing support, resources and networking opportunities to communities engaged with the Dances of Universal Peace, and by forming partnerships and collaborations with communities and organizations who share a vision of Global Peace.
To support this mission we:
- Connect people, information, and ideas, with our website, newsletters, social media, and Online Gatherings including Quarterly Concentration Attunements and Community Conversations;
- Support Dance leaders, Events, and local Dance circles with resources like our Dance Organizer Toolkit; to share these beautiful and accessible practices and encourage the growth of communities of peace;
- Steward the DUPNA community to allow it to fulfill its mission, office staff, and volunteers to answer questions, provide guidance and assistance as needed, maintain the membership database, manage finances, accounting, and non-profit status;
- Carry out specific projects that involve providing outreach funds, coordinating volunteers and projects within the region, fundraising for orgainzational sustainablity, future efforts and organizing regional events.
- Support the work of the Guidance Council and Dances of Universal Peace International;
Accomplishments for 2024:
It is fulfilling to reflect on our goals for 2024, and recognize that we accomplished our intentions, took graceful steps forward, and strengthened our commitment to serve our Dance Community and the practice that connects us all.
- Community Conversations
DUPNA initiated Community Coversations, and national Zoom meetings to connect with Dancers, Dance Leaders, and Circles to discuss the future of DUP in North America. - Our first DUPNA National Collaborative Dance Retreat at The Farm Community, Nov 1-3, 2024.
In addition to organizing and sharing song and dance, The DUP Board of Directors led a conversation with dancers and Dance Leaders on how we can support each other. What kind of support, resources, and networking opportunities would be beneficial to us all? - Quarterly Concentrations
We continue to explore how we can connect as a spiritual community across time and space. We share our gifts and feel sacred presence that is real. - Our Newsletters
Our newsletters help connect us as a greater Dance Community, with timely news, inspiration, and our regional Dance Event calendar. - Development of a new website
To better connect our community, DUPNA has created a new mobile website with updated access to Dance Circles and other resources. - Synergies between DUPIN and DUPNA
For the past year DUPNA Board members have been active participants and Beta Testers of the International DUP Mighty Platform, which combines community through social media connections, along with resources for Dance Leaders and Dancers. - NextGen Council
We have expanded our support the NextGen Council to actuate their goals with the purpose of cultivating a younger generation of dancers and dance leaders
The DUPNA 2nd National Retreat will be hosted by the members of the NextGen Council to be held in July 31-August 3, 2025.
