Wednesday Morning Women's Group

Philosophy & Purpose

(click the image to see an enlarged photo of some of our members in spring 2000)

We are a circle of wonderful women who come together for discussion and ritual centering on women's spirituality. As a feminist group, we strive to be egalitarian, nonhierarchical, and accepting of diversity. As a Unitarian Universalist group, we are non-credal and welcome women of diverse spiritual perspectives.

We connect with each other as we explore our inner power. We listen to each other as we tell our personal stories. We define and create our values. Through our rituals we create a sacred space in which we honor ourselves as women. We read, study, and discuss works by women writers to connect with women throughout time and learn from their wisdom.

These guidelines are meant to help us create a safe, respectful, and sacred space for our circle. The Wednesday morning group still uses these, but the webmaster is not sure what guidelines the other groups use:

1. We observe confidentiality for personal information discussed during group. Unless you have been given explicit permission from the source, we will not discuss personal information shared during the group session with anyone, including spouses.

2. We speak in the first person from our own personal experience, in order to create a non-judgmental atmosphere.

3. We acknowledge and support each other in the struggles of our daily lives. We refrain from giving advice in the sacred space. We honor each other's ability to work things through and seek help without unsolicited advice. We offer nurturing and support to each other when needed. We are not a professional therapy or counseling group.

4. We value diversity in our group. We respect our differences and our individual opinions. Every woman has the chance to speak and be heard.

5. We strive to be in good relationship, to be in harmony with the world. We encourage members to take responsibility for relationships with each other, to solve interpersonal problems outside of group time. Differences between members in the group will be handled in loving, respectful ways.

6. Decision-making is by consensus so that individual concerns can be honored and issues concerning the group can be thoroughly discussed.

7. We listen to each other without interruption, respecting each other's right to take a turn and to have the opportunity to speak equally. We have the right to pass without explanation and without pressure to speak. We will choose our depth of sharing based on how comfortable we feel discussing specific personal feelings and reactions.

8. Responsibility for group tasks will be shared and rotated on a voluntary basis among group members. Group roles include weekly ritual leader(s), new member contact person, calendar keeper, and child-care liaison.

9. Through our rituals, we deepen our spiritual selves and our connections to each other. We respect the "sacred space" that we create together.

10. Joys and concerns are a time for us to bring the personal aspects of our lives into the sacred circle. Although there is no right or wrong thing to bring into the circle, please be aware of the time available within the group's schedule for the day. We do not offer advice unless specifically asked which is then done after closing, so everyone gets a chance to speak.

11. After an initial familiarization period we ask that participants make a commitment to attend the group on a weekly basis, in order to strengthen group process and trust. This is a high priority for us. Commitment to the group enables us to feel comfortable and safe sharing our personal issues. If possible, we will let another group member know if we can t attend that day.

12. We ask that members make every effort to arrive on time and respect the group schedule. The general schedule is as follows: 10:00 a.m. Gathering time; altar set up; children established with caregiver. 10:15 Group begins with centering: meditation/reading/silence. Cast circle welcoming the Four Directions. Light personal candles. Session topic/presentation/ritual, Joys and Concerns 12:30 p.m. Pick up kids, clean up if necessary, socializing.

13. We provide childcare that is paid for by the treasury money raised at Yule Fest and other fundraisers as needed. One of the members of the group agrees to be the Childcare Coordinator to arrange for and communicate with a suitable caregiver.

Copyright ©2006, Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church.
Last edited Friday, September 21, 2007 08:41 PM by webmaster@liveoakuu.org