Principles & Practices

Intentional Circle

Our purpose is to create  intentional circles devoted to fostering the members' spiritual development and a multi-generational community of women. We gather as women to explore feminist spirituality.

Confidentiality

We will share many things, some of them deeply personal. Our intention is to create a sacred container for all our feelings and musings. We should all feel safe knowing that our personal sharing stays in the circle. Whatever is offered in the circle stays in the circle. Any conflicts, complaints, disagreements, etc.,  need to be addressed within the circle.

Council Sharing

Once the circle is called we follow the practice of council sharing, where one women at a time speaks without interruption. Council sharing requires the speaker to speak from an "I" perspective and requires the listener to practice active listening, that is listening without an agenda, without thinking about what I'm going to say when it is my turn and accepting what is being said as each woman's reality. We avoid offering unsolicited advice to others and commenting on others' sharing.  Council sharing is ALWAYS optional, there is no requirement that a woman speak at any time.  

Rotating Leadership

We practice rotating leadership because we are all equal and we value each individual’s perspective. Because the circle does not rely on one or a few women as leaders it is not dependent on any one individual. Rotating leadership ensures each woman is able to bring her own spiritual practices, questions,  and issues to the circle.

Facilitators

Each of us takes a turn facilitating the circle. This allows for individual variation in the ways the circle is conducted. In general, some kind of opening to call the circle is needed; a topic or question to focus the sharing and a closing to end the circle is required. Some of us are more comfortable with this than others and it is up to each individual when she takes on this role how she will facilitate. We support each other in learning to be good facilitators by giving good feedback and assisting others when asked.  Spiritual practices are also welcomed in the circle and may include meditation, chanting, music, creating of art and other things we haven't thought of yet!

Shared Ownership

We are all responsible for and to the circle. We are each responsible for ensuring our practices are followed and we are each responsible for participating in any conflict resolution that may become necessary. We will gently and respectfully remind each other of our practices when necessary.

Coordinators

Each circle needs a volunteer coordinator to maintain the schedule, ensure there is a facilitator for each circle and send out reminder e-mails for the circles.

Open Group vs. Closed Group

An open group welcomes newcomers and drop-ins. A closed group is a group that has decided to become a committed circle. A committed circle is one in which the members agree to make attending regularly scheduled circles a personal priority and to inform the circle coordinator when she is unable to attend.  Members commit to the circle a year at a time.  When women leave a circle and spaces become available in a closed circle an announcement will be made.

Informal Socializing Before and After the Circle

As we are able, we gather as early as 7 p.m. to socialize prior to the beginning of the circle and/or stay after the circle is closed.

Arriving On Time

The circle is called promptly at the official start time for each circle. We make every effort to be on time for the meeting as it is disruptive to arrive after the circle has been called. We will close the circle by 9 p.m.

Taking Responsibility for Our Own Needs

We are not a support group but our compassionate presence with each other can be supportive. If a member needs support for a particular issue or event, it is her responsibility to ask for it.

Annual Group Self-Assessment

Once a year we call a circle to review our development and renew our commitment to the circle.