About GTW Circles
GTW Circle Principles
All GTW activities and offering are guided by the following Circle Principles
In Circle, there is no hierarchy and no separation. Circle principles allow women of all backgrounds and denominations to experience leadership. Circles include extroverts and those who have been watching from the sidelines for a lifetime equally. Women who have perhaps spent their lives as introverts are gently held by the group with a respect they may have never experienced. Every woman feels safe and comfortable and begins to speak from the heart.
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Gather the Women Circles welcome diverse perspectives, offer a sacred center to hold space for the spirit of the Circle, and an intentional Rim to embrace the energy created.
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Gather the Women Circles encourage the use of a talking piece for each Sister’s voice or her silence to be heard in the Circle. We practice deep listening, refrain from side conversations and comments, and we do not offer advice.
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A Circle offers a safe place for women to share their personal experiences.
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A Circle Guardian may use a sounding device to call for a pause for moments of reflection and to re-center the circle.
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Gather the Women acknowledges that there is a leader in every chair and each Sister is responsible for the health of the Circle.
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Personal information shared in Gather the Women Circles remains confidential.
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Gather the Women leadership understands that ours is not the only way or a better way. Ours is simply another way.
Welcome to the Circle by Alejandra from Uruguay
Why A Circle?
Circles are the Essence of Gather the Women! We know that the circle is the most ancient way for human beings to come together. In circle, there is no hierarchy and no separation. With a vase of colorful flowers on a beautiful scarf in the center, or some other object of beauty or meaning, we create a focal point. In very large gatherings, we use our ingenuity to create the sense of connection and intention that circle brings.
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Within GTW, we come together to examine our beliefs and their origins. We help each other recognize who we are now, and who we would like to become. Together, we explore changes we would like to effect in the world. The possibilities are infinite when women are inspired and encouraged by each other. We also find support and renewed energy in circle for what we are doing in our lives.
A GTW circle can be involved in the bigger picture of activism, but there does not have to be a specific agenda other than to be inspired, affirmed, and/or empowered. The circle can also simply be a safe place for renewal. GTW encourages gathering in circles for the betterment and empowerment of ourselves and all women.​
Get Involved; Start a Circle!
Gather the Women (GTW) is a global community of diverse women transforming distances, differences, and isolation into opportunities for collaboration and leadership. We invite you to activate the incredible power of women’s wisdom by creating a circle. This involves bringing women together for ongoing conversations and committing to regular meetings. Leadership is rotated, and the group decides its direction. Circles can include activities like meaningful movie discussions, book studies, movement, meditation, crafting, and more.
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To find a circle in your area or for more information, connect with our Circle Coordinator Convener using the Contact Us link below. If there isn't an active and available circle in your area, consider becoming a Circle Coordinator yourself — it's an exciting, life-changing leadership opportunity. To help you get started, download our Basic Guidelines for Calling a Circle document using the link below.
