The location of the first circle meeting is determined initially by the starter sisters. At the first or last meeting of each season, you will decide as a group the locations and times of future meetings by referring to the calendar attached to the sister i seasons guide. As the circle matures, you may decide to relocate to a more convenient or suitable environment. Keep in mind that some of the activities can get messy.
sister i circles areset up to provide mothers with a variety of creative outlets, therefore, each meeting demands its own atmosphere. There are many ways to make your meeting environment a sacred and inspiring place. Members may want to add more ritual to their meeting by placing items into the center of the meeting place. Some mothers may wish to place items that reflect their intention for being in the circle. A photograph of a grandmother, a twig, an easter egg — together they can make a unique alter to center the circle. Other suggestions for creating an inviting space include:
— music
— pillows
— lights
— candles
— incense
— table cloth
— flowers
— center pieces
tool box
The circle may choose to share some resources and materials. The lead sisters would then be responsible for maintaining the box and bringing it to the circles when the jewel box requires such supplies. A few smart things to have in your box include:
— glue gun
— an assortment of glues
— magazines
— tape
— scissors
— crayons/drawing materials
— paint/paint brushes
— cheap plastic plates/palettes
sister i circle journal
sister i encourages each circle to create and maintain a journal to record its history and experiences as well as each member’s ideas, thoughts and drawings. As the journal’s pages fill, the book will become a uniquely collaborative effort. Members can sign in or out and some mothers may wish to take the circle journal home to read or add to (just remember to return it to the next meeting). Photos and clippings from interesting articles can be added to the circle’s journal — and remember to include photos of your circle’s workshops and gatherings.
The starter sisters or other willing women in the circle may want to personalize the journal to make it inviting and inspiring. Any subsequent circle journals can be personalized by anyone in the group or a shared effort. Possible materials to personalize your mother i circle journal could include:
— spiral sketchbook
— decorative papers
— fabrics
— glue
— acrylic paints
— metallic marker
— drawing materials
— glitter
personal journals
sister i highly recommends that each member maintains a personal journal for herself as well. Bring it to each meeting for journaling during the silent times or for general note taking.
food/beverages
If you choose to include food and beverages make sure to keep it simple as not to distract from the circle agenda. Pretzels, popcorn and water will do fine. Or plan on a feast before or after your meeting is completed.
social gathering
Once a season each circle should try to organize a social gathering. Sharing your socialer i circle with family and friends communicates that your creative journey is valuable and worth celebrating. It is also a special thank you for their love, understanding and encouragement.
The lead sisters for this gathering should be different than the lead sisters for the season. The sister i calendar reserves a special place for this gathering, take time in the beginning of each season to organize it, but keep the planning simple.
a. guidelines — sister i circle principles and practices
b. format — sister i circle format
c. jewel box — a seasonal format
d. roles — facilitating a sister i circle
e. environment — staging your sister i circle
