SDI SoCal Gathering – October 2026
October 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm PDT
Register
Join us for the inaugural Southern California SDI Community Gathering!
we are thrilled to officially launch a dedicated SDI Community for Spiritual Companions across Southern California. Our group will gather quarterly on Zoom, with plans for an annual in-person retreat.
Our first online meeting is an opportunity to connect with local peers, share in contemplative practice, and engage in small-group listening. In response to community interest, this session will also feature a special presentation on the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)—an assessment tool that provides a snapshot of how individuals and groups navigate cultural differences and commonalities.
What to expect:
- Connection & Contemplation: Time to meet fellow SoCal companions, ground ourselves in shared practice, and connect in small groups.
- Featured Topic: Certified IDI administrator Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kūpono Kwong will introduce the assessment and answer questions on how intercultural awareness enriches companioning.
- Future Vision: A brief look at what lies ahead for our quarterly gatherings and annual in-person retreat.
Whether you are looking for local peer support, professional development, or fresh insights for your practice, we warmly invite you to be part of this new circle!
Facilitated By
The Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kūpono Kwong (he/they) is a minister, community leader, and spiritual seeker whose life and work span diverse cultures, faith traditions, and creative disciplines. Born and raised in the Philippines within a Chinese family, Jonipher spent much of his adult life in California and Hawai‘i, and earned both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology.
Jonipher currently serves as Interim Lead Minister of First Parish in Arlington, Massachusetts, following leadership roles across the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Counseling & Spiritual Care Center of Hawai‘i, and API Equality-LA. Across every chapter of his journey—from film studios to congregations and national nonprofit leadership—his focus remains constant: creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves, encounter one another with curiosity and compassion, and discover deeper meaning together.
