Wisconsin Facilitators

WRWI Donor's Circles

2008-08-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

It is with great appreciation that we at WRWI acknowledge our generous donors those listed and those who wish to remain anonymous:

Wisconsin Community Fund

Alliant Energy

School Sisters of Notre Dame

Mother Theresa Gerhardinger Fund

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Sophia Foundation Inc.

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes.

Shepherd of the Hills Congregation

Johnsonville/Stayer Foundation

Women's Fund of Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Soroptimist International

Service League of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Farmers Union

Helen Bader Foundation

Baker Cheese Factory

The Fred Lindner Prize for Social Innovation

Augustine Stewardship Fund Trust

Pilgrim United Church of Christ

Sarah Marshall Fund

Jim and Marie Kuber Fund

Resource Table

2008-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

USEFUL BOOKS FOR GATHERING CIRCLES

Asserting Yourself, A practical Guide for Positive Change
by Sharon Anthony Bower and Gordon H. Bower

The Forgiveness Formula, How to Let Go of Your Pain and Move On with Life
by Kathleen Griffin

Rural Ramblings, 30 Years of Rambling
by Wisconsin author, Gloria Hafemeister

I Am A Woman Finding My Voice, Celebrating the Extraordinary Blessings of Being a Woman by Janet F. Quinn

Useful Links

2008-05-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

These are a few links we have heard of recently. If you would like to add any please leave us a comment by clicking on the Useful Links heading.

Wisconsin Farm Center
1-800-942-2474
www.datcp.state.wi.us/core/agriculture/farm-center

See It, Stop It, Change It
www.violencehurtsus.com

NDVH.org- National Domestic Violence Hotline

Wisconsin Coalition Against Domenstic Violence
www.wcadv.org

Alzheimer's Association-National
www.alz.org
800272-3900 (24/7)

Alzheimer's Association-Greater Wisconsin
www.alzgw.org
800-272-3900 (24/7)

Christine Ann
Domestic Abuse Services, Inc.
24 Hour Helpline:
920-235-5998 or 920-729-6395

Bolton Refuge House
Eau Claire, WI
(715)834-0628

Lutheran Social Services Financial Counseling
Wisconsin Appointments Line
888-607-6775
Minnesota Inquiries/Scheduling
888-577-2227
www.cccs.org

Glossary Of Terms

2008-05-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

WISCONSIN RURAL WOMEN’S INITIATIVE
GLOSARY OF TERMS

ADVISORY COUNCIL – consists of persons or organizations or foundations supportive to the program through funding, shared resources, input and evaluation.

BRIDGE OF UNDERSTANDING – providing opportunities to gather in order to share stories and experiences, exploring commonalities and accepting differences, opening lines of communication, celebrating womanhood.

CONSORTIUM OF WOMEN – a group of women of varied backgrounds and areas of expertise coming together to participate in a process of understanding. Sharing their personal stories and involvement in women’s issues in a safe environment and offering their resources in a collaborative effort to address the needs of women.

ELDERWOMAN PROGRAM – is meant to gather socially isolated women in ways that address loneliness, abuse, transition and their value as elders in the community

FACILITATOR - has completed the facilitator training program, follows the circle basics, understands process, maintains objectivity, invites and honors each participant allowing them to stand in their own truth.

FARM/RURAL WOMEN’S WEEKEND – an overnight experience including the Gathering Circle process, input on self-care, assertiveness, communication skills and women’s wellness. (Some include free health screenings)

FARM/RURAL WOMEN’S DAY AWAY – gathers women using the Gathering Circle process around a variety of topics focused on personal development, wholistic lifestyle and empowerment.

GATHERING CIRCLES – a process through which confidentiality is key to building trust and a safe environment, stories are shared revealing thoughts and feelings, listening without an agenda is promotes no judgment of another’s reality.
Decisions are made through consensus; each person takes responsibility for one’s own needs. Commitment involves shared intention.

LEADER – person identified in a geographical area who represents an area of interest, agency, health care facility, county service or funding source.

LEADERS MEETING – meant to identify needs in an area, share resources that may help meet those needs, works to find collaborative agencies and funding sources and invites women to participate in gathering circles.

PROCESS – a way of being together that is organic, collaborative, and open ended. Results evolve from the shared wisdom and values held by the participants.

RESOURCE STAFF – required to complete the Women Gathering Women Facilitator Training Program. Shares their expertise in various aspects of the program, may at times travel with the facilitator or director to help with logistics, may be paid for travel and receive a stipend on a per time basis for individual sessions or workshops. Other services are rendered on a volunteer basis unless otherwise contracted.

STATEWIDE GATHERING - A gathering of Wisconsin women. The overnight experience includes the Gathering Circle process, input and dialogue on personal development, time for informal sharing and creative activities.

WOMEN GATHERING WOMEN FACILITATOR TRAINING - trains women in a process empowering them to facilitate Gathering Circles that bring women together in a non-threatening, nurturing environment. Provides women with tools needed to gather women together creating transformation and systemic change for themselves, their families and communities.

Gathering Circles/ Circle Song

2008-03-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Gathering Circles
adapted from Starhawk, dreaming the dark

Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without
having the words catch in our throats.
Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power.
Gathering circles mean strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A Gathering Circle of love, light, truth and healing power. A Gathering Circle in which we can be free.

WRWI trains women to facilitate Gathering Circles. The next training is scheduled for September 23-25, 2011. For information about Women Gathering Women and all of our other programs contact WRWI at - wisconsinruralwomen@gmail.com

Gathering Circle Song
I am surrounded by a circle of love, a circle of light, a circle of truth, I am surrounded by a circle of love, a circle of healing power.

Dates to Remember

2008-02-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Please contact us as soon as possible to book the weekend you would like to attend. Space is limited, get your reservations in early.

September 23-25, 2011
Women Gathering Women Facilitator Training
Wintergreen Resort
Lake Delton, WI
Cost: $525.00 includes meals, lodging and materials

November 12-13, 2011
Getaway Weekend with Health Screenings
Weston, WI
Cost: $50.00

February 4-5, 2012
Statewide Gathering
Wintergreen Resort
Lake Delton, WI
Cost: $75.00

Scholarships available

Let's Blog!

2008-02-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative website.

Blog your comments, stories and questions here. Just click on the above heading and you will be directed to the comments page. We will do our best to answer your questions and give you the resources you need.

Can't wait to hear from you.