This years Theme:

Wisdom From the Edge, When the Center Can Not Hold

For many of us raised in the cultural center—shaped by privilege, security, and the stability of institutions—it once seemed unthinkable that the moral and societal frameworks we trusted could fracture. But for those raised on the margins—where life was harder, systems less reliable, and injustice more visible—the cracks have long been evident.

And now, here we are. In a moment of deep uncertainty and upheaval, the invitation is clear: to listen. To step back from certainty, and tune in to voices that have too often been silenced or overlooked—voices from the edge.

This year at Southern Lights, we will gather with open hearts and open eyes, seeking wisdom from outside the cultural mainstream. We will hear from Black voices, Jewish voices, queer voices—each carrying hard-earned truths and sacred insights. In their stories, we’ll discover a throughline: many of our greatest prophets, reformers, and visionaries were themselves born on the margins.

Their wisdom is not just needed—it is essential. In listening, we may find not only a way forward, but a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and of the Spirit who speaks most clearly from the edge.

Join us. The light is rising from unexpected places.