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Since
YEW was founded on the premise that both
contemporary and “traditional” (indigenous earth based) thought are
relevant partners in understanding universal change, groups usually
draw on both for their programs. Envision a dialogue between a Puma and
you. The particular balance of the two will depend on the interests of
the Circle members, thus considerable diversity of programs exists
among the Circles. The essence of YEWs Circles might be said to be:
Adventure, Spirit, Healing and Community. To join an existing group,
please go to our Web Directory of Circles to see if one already exists
near you. If not, consider starting a new group.
Why join a Community
Circle?
YEW Community Circles are a powerful way to connect with like-minded
allies, explore novel ideas about lifestyle and cooperation, and have a
more significant impact on community and family alike. With Circles
begining around the world, our growing Web is an active and dynamic
cooperative of people dedicated to expanding family relations. Some of
these Circles sponsor lectures, conferences, and experiential events in
their respective locales in addition to their regular Circle meetings.
Community Circle Purpose
and Principles
Purpose: To form an
interactive cooperative circle focused on living consciously and
connecting ourselves, our families, our communities and our world
consciousness.
Principles: A
commitment to
developing our personal abilities and spiritual
growth
sharing our chosen paths with others
supporting others on their paths
linking with the YEW Web
learning and sharing with others openly
building a connection between earth and humanity
stimulating membership in YEW
supporting YEW by sharing program offerings &
teachings
Relationship of Community
Circles to YEW
YEW’s support for groups is based upon a commitment to encouraging both
diversity and local control of local activities. YEW trusts that
Circles will operate with integrity and guide their Circles with good
intentions. YEW strives to foster open and communicative relationships
with them. This is facilitated by the Beams of Support, who the
governing body of YEW. While YEW supports and assists Circles in a
variety of ways, each local Community Circle operates independently of
YEW and is legally and financially responsible for its own activities.
Community Circles are not "chapters" and we ask that they not refer to
themselves as such.
Can anyone coordinate a
Community Circle?
A Coordinator or Co-coordinator must be enrolled at the $10-a-month (or
higher) level in order to register with YEW to start a group. This
contribution makes you a Co-Creator with YEW. It also ensures that the
contact information for you or your Co-coordinator’s will be in the
Community Circle Web Directory. Some Circless pass the hat at each
meeting to share the cost as they share the benefits.
Coordinators are expected to be familiar with the guidelines and the
materials provided on how to establish and facilitate a Circle. We do
reserve the right to remove a Coordinator’s name from the official YEW
Directory if we feel that doing so is in the best interest of our
members or YEW in general.
We're sorry tantric, and Circles of sexual orientation do not fall into
the perameters of a Community Circle at YEW. While we honor
everyone's perspective and orientation, we protect the safety of circle
involvement, and past experience has proven, these types of Circles
cannot always be guaranteed.
Why are coordinators
requested to be $10/month members?
The Community Circles require a certain number of hours monthly for
coordination on the YEW side of the partnership. All our Circles
are encouraged to participate in philanthropic or humanitarian
endeavors. The funds from this tithing/membership allow us to
serve the Circles better, while meeting our expenses. We
graciously accept more for our Community Services Projects from your
Circle, should that be your decision. We find it is essential to stay
connected to the larger Community Circle Web by having the Coordinator
be a Co-Creator because your support is vital to the continuation of
our Community Service Projects and program offerings.
Is there a fee involved in
starting a Community Group?
There is no fee, but we request that the leader of the Circle consider
being a $10/month YEW Co-Creator.
Can anyone participate in
my group?
In general, yes. We expect Circles to be formed by a YEW Co-Creators
who serves as the Coordinator to foster inquiry, dialogue, networking,
and community building among YEW members and other interested
individuals. The Coordinator should encourage individuals who are not
members of YEW to visit the community circle to learn about the work of
the Family, and to become YEW members.
What should we call our
Circle?
While many Circles operate without a formal name, you may choose to
come up with a creative name for your group that incorporates your area
and affiliation with YEW. For example, the San Diego Women's Circle
calls itself “YEW San Diego Turtle Womyn's Moon Lodge.” You might also
like to use a more generic title such as “The London YEW Community
Circle.” Some Circles refer to themselves as “study” or “Talking
Circles", depending on their specific focus.
Your
Community Circle
Community Circle
Coordinators:
create their own homepage for their group
start a Meet Up or Yahoo group to circulate
information on gatherings & more
download media on topics to share at meetings
find ritual to stimulate energy & discussion at
meetings
What if my contact information changes, someone new begins coordinating
the Circle or the Circle discontinues?
Please send changes to info@yraceburu.org to update the Community
Circle Web Directory. It is extremely important that we keep our
records current so members and interested newcomers can access accurate
information. In addition, if your contact information is not correct,
you may miss important updates, supply mailings and access to potential
new members for your group.
What is the Community
Circle Web?
The Web is the collective of all Community
Circles that exchange information in order to share ideas and
materials, provide inspiration, and look for creative solutions for our
common purpose: promoting individual and planetary shifts in
consciousness. Web building is primarily via the Internet, and also in
person or on the telephone at the instigation of the YEW Program
Director who facilitates connection and communication in the regions.
What is the Beams of
Support?
The Beams of Support is a group of committed YEW members whose purpose
is to "create connection, partnership and coherence across the YEW
community, in service to individual and collective transformation." In
practical terms, this means BoS helps to connect Community Circle
Coordinators for faciliations of small and larger program offerings,
relaying information both ways.
intro | start a circle | growing a circle
| guidelines | regional directory
| soh dream circles |
