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It
seems wrong when talking about the Goddess Foundation
to talk about history. The very word is patriarchal because
it is 'HIS STORY' and sadly history has largely been written
by the male part of our society. So calling this section
'HER STORY' is in part just a way of restoring some small
part of the balance.
The Goddess Foundation began in Littlehampton,
Sussex, having evolved from Circle of The Old Ways (www.cotow.org)
. I won't go into the history of COTOW as you can look that
up on the website once it has had it's revamp. COTOW used
to have an esoteric 'charity shop' come spiritual centre
where we held various groups such as meditation, discussion
groups, Pagan groups, Buddhist groups, and of course Goddess
Circles.
As
all of the groups were on an open door basis, never knowing
how many or who would arrive, the evenings were pre-planned
so that it worked well regardless of the mix of attendees.
When
the premises closed, COTOW went into recess for a while
and the Goddess Circle moved into my home with a regular
group of women attending. As can be seen in the write up
of the Littlehampton Goddess Circle, the numbers did vary
for a while. Despite the intention being that everyone would
contribute, apart from a few subjects, things just seemed
to continue along the same way.
More
and more women seemed to be interested in coming together
in Goddess Circles so I decided to build on that. When I
decided to form TGF and became immersed in the bigger picture,
it became harder to give the same level of concentration
on a local level. Around this time, I attended one of the
new circles as a guest and to help them in their early days.
After doing 'my bit', I thoroughly enjoyed being purely
a participant. We each took a turn in leading an activity
or discussion and enjoyed the rest.
It
was at that point I asked Emma if she would take over co-ordinating
the Littlehampton Circle. I realised, as I believe did the
other members, that we as a group should have given thought
to a revamp some while ago. The members set off with new
vigour to re-structure the group and it obviously worked
as the energy put into it has been interesting to watch.
W
hilst I don't know if I will have time to attend every meeting
with my original Circle now, it did give an insight into
how to go about setting up new Circles. Ours had evolved
from something completely different so has really been a
learning curve. Whilst each Circle will continue to need
at least one co-ordinator, it is important for all of the
members to recognise the moment for that group to take on
it's own life after the initial set up is complete.
On
that basis, I have done some research and will be adding
a rough guide to setting up new Circles in the Members Pages,
which includes the words decided at the first re-structuring
meeting of the Littlehampton Circle. This set-up guide is
very much a starting point, and we would welcome constructive
comments and views to fine tune it. Your experiences, both
good and any hick ups will be a valuable input.
The
intention is to work together, not just within each Circle,
but within the whole of our Sisterhood. As the Sisterhood
grows, eventually the website should be the product of us
all, with contributions from everyone. That includes your
suggestions for the gatherings and events we plan to offer.
As the Sisterhood grows, so too will the ideas and input
from the community.
The
Littlehampton Circle have created a blogspot already, (there
will be facility for Circles to have a link or their own
web pages on the main site), the long talked about group
journal is being planned, and things that have been discussed
for some while are planned. I have had the time to progress
things for the organisation, as you will see by the new
website, so all is looking good. An end of one era and the
beginning of a new, on a local level and for TGF itself.
On
a final note, now being free to look at the wider picture
of organising and evolving The Goddess Foundation –
watch this space !
In
Peace and Sisterhood
Annabell
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Women!
Before
the website, like the original Circle, takes on it's
own life and my personality is eroded from it, I would
like to take this opportunity to say.......
My
sincerest thanks go to some of my dearest friends
who have helped so much in achieving what we have
so far. I hope we can continue to work together as
much as your busy lives will allow, to strive to achieve
a real Global Sisterhood and fulfill as many of our
objectives as we can.
Thank
you to......
Sue
who has been with me from day one, together we have
seen many positive changes in our work and our growing
families..
Emma
who has offered much amidst her busy lifestyle, but
we always find time not only for the Goddess work,
but to eat cake and chocolate and laugh a lot! (We
do the healthy bit too)
Helen
who is gently there in the background and offers her
wisdom.
Marie,
I first met at International Women's Day 2008, with
whom I have a friendship I can see growing stronger
every day, along with The Goddess Foundation.
Michelle,
my newest friend, who I intend to help her see how
great she is!
My
deepest thanks and much love to you all and everyone
else who is playing a part in The Goddess Foundation.
Not
forgetting the supportive and equally important other
halves; Glyn, Andy, Steve and Lee. Oooops - nearly
forgot mine, thank you CK – love you!
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