You can read the complete Winter SolstiCelebration evolution here.

In early 2007, a group of devoted attendees and volunteers began to reorganize the production, bringing in Rodney Steman as assistant producer and Valerie Grimes on promotion and marketing. A name was chosen by group poll and mission statement written. The organization was formalized into an official nonprofit corporation and applied for tax-exempt status from the IRS.

A board of directors came together to help do all this. But we also let ourselves dare to dream. Why do all this organization just for Winter SolstiCelebration? What else does our community need? What would raise Dallas consciousness in a big way? How could a group like Earth Rhythms make that happen?

As Winter SolstiCelebration grew in popularity, it became a high-profile event with extensive media coverage. As it did, it changed the religious climate of Dallas, encouraging tolerance of many faiths. Other non-mainstream religious groups became more accepted and were able to be more public in their activities. Seasonal celebrations in general increased in popularity, encouraging urbanites to retain their connection to nature.

This made us wonder: Would bringing in a national non-mainstream spiritual presenter or musical performer have the same effect, but wider? Could it foster an even greater interfaith tolerance in North Texas while spreading the word that we are a diverse and welcoming spiritual part of the U.S.? The Earth Rhythms board felt yes, it would.

What else, the board pondered, would serve the community? Overwhelmingly, the sentiment was strong for a green cemetery within an hour’s drive of Dallas. Because we’ve had Earth Rhythms volunteers who struggled with medical emergency costs, or found their career plans thwarted for lack of a small investment, plans were also made for a micro-loan program. For more, please see Our Projects.