A big thank you to Sarah Stehman for hosting our March Women in Leadership Circle gathering at
Buckley. The evening was all about telling stories. While yes we had wine and cheese, it was quite a
contrast to the usual experience of a work mixer. Having just attended one such mixer at NAIS, where I
left feeling tired from the constant introductions and status focused chitchat, I was hungry for our circle.
Circle is a place for real connection, thinking and support. There is no need to fane coolness - circle
is a place for feelings, laughter, questions and trying out half ideas with nary a blue blazer in sight.
Buckley. The evening was all about telling stories. While yes we had wine and cheese, it was quite a
contrast to the usual experience of a work mixer. Having just attended one such mixer at NAIS, where I
left feeling tired from the constant introductions and status focused chitchat, I was hungry for our circle.
Circle is a place for real connection, thinking and support. There is no need to fane coolness - circle
is a place for feelings, laughter, questions and trying out half ideas with nary a blue blazer in sight.
Storytelling is essential for connection. Stories engage people and help people relate to us. But, how
might we use our own experiences to engage our community? It seems natural to look for examples of
mission and vision during the school day (Example: I saw this great lesson in 7th grade science in which
kids were working collaboratively to solve a problem - this supports our mission to be a community
committed to inquiry…). Going further then, how might we relate vision/mission with stories from our
lives? Practicing holding the space and telling a good story is a key step in this thinking.
might we use our own experiences to engage our community? It seems natural to look for examples of
mission and vision during the school day (Example: I saw this great lesson in 7th grade science in which
kids were working collaboratively to solve a problem - this supports our mission to be a community
committed to inquiry…). Going further then, how might we relate vision/mission with stories from our
lives? Practicing holding the space and telling a good story is a key step in this thinking.
The evening started out with a warm-up in which we shared a quick story that we typically tell when we
are introducing ourselves at party. From there, we transitioned to council as a format for practicing story
telling. The first time around the council circle was a quick round of I used to think… but now I know…
For the main round, we didn’t pass a talking piece, but had several talking pieces to choose from in the
center when folks felt motivated to share a story responding to this prompt: Tell us about an “Aha” moment
in your life; a time when you had a realization or understood something differently. If you were not able to join
us, I encourage you to take some time to think about what story you might tell.
are introducing ourselves at party. From there, we transitioned to council as a format for practicing story
telling. The first time around the council circle was a quick round of I used to think… but now I know…
For the main round, we didn’t pass a talking piece, but had several talking pieces to choose from in the
center when folks felt motivated to share a story responding to this prompt: Tell us about an “Aha” moment
in your life; a time when you had a realization or understood something differently. If you were not able to join
us, I encourage you to take some time to think about what story you might tell.
I had an Aha moment during Circle when Azizi read Elena Aguilar's advice to tell empowering stories as a way of fostering resilience. If we are constantly telling negative stories, we are missing opportunities to expand optimism and consequently, resilience. I am going to focus on my interpretation of events by trying to tell more empowering stories.
Thank you to CATDC for sponsoring the wine. Be sure to check out their upcoming workshops.
I especially recommend Women Rising.
I especially recommend Women Rising.
Our last meeting for the school year will be at Sequoyah School on May 15 - Save the date!
Lastly, if you would like to host next year, please let us know.
Lastly, if you would like to host next year, please let us know.
Aziz & Regan
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