Women’s Spirituality and Peacemaking Program
The turtle is an ancient symbol of women’s wisdom and power. The women from one of our classes at the Federal Correctional Insitute in Dublin, CA added color and their own flair to this mural, drawn by Kendra, a colleague at the American Friends Service Committee.
Who We Are
Traveling with a Turtle is based on the premise that women’s spirituality is a powerful force for peacemaking, that women healing from violence and claiming their power in this world is an act for peace and justice in the face of a society that still dominates them in so many arenas. This program creates opportunities for women, especially women who have less access to resources that would further their healing, to explore the values and practices of this spirituality and how they contribute to personal healing, the transformation of anger and interpersonal conflict, and the creation of healthy relationships and peaceful, just and inclusive communities. Our small group process manual, and the workshops, classes, retreats and trainings that we offer, will be companions that enhance the journey women are on as they seek to experience peace in their own lives and make peace with others.
Traveling with the Turtle: A Small Group Process in Women’s Spirituality and Peacemaking
We are excited to announce the publication of our small group process manual! This book is now available for you to use in an existing circle of women or in one that you decide to form.
Traveling with the Turtle draws from the work of Engage: Exploring Nonviolent Living but is designed specifically for women. As you go through this process, you will explore women’s spirituality and its contribution to peacemaking. You will consider your own experience of conflict and violence and habitual responses to them, and then discover and unleash the power you possess deep within, in order to make peace in your life in ways that are practical, creative and inclusive. You will be one of an increasing number of circles of women that are acting together for peace.
Upcoming Workshops and Retreats
September 26-27 Women’s Spirituality: Empowering Ourselves, Transforming Our World Angela Center, Santa Rosa. Contact Dianne Baumunk 707-528-8578 Ext. 15.
October 10-12 Women’s Spirituality: Empowering Ourselves, Transforming Our World Old Mission Santa Barbara Renewal Center 805-682-4713 Ext. 133
**October 24-25 Introductory Workshop and Facilitator Training
Introductory Workshop: Friday 9am-4pm
Facilitator Training: Saturday 9am-9pm
Join us for our first Facilitator Training. One of the cornerstones of women’s spirituality is the empowerment of ourselves as women. In that spirit, in teams, participants themselves will facilitate sessions and get constructive feedback from the other participants and TWT trainers on their facilitation. This training will prepare us to offer the TWT process to women living in prison and shelters, or to our own faith community.
At First Congregational Church of Oakland 2501 Harrison St. Register by September 23. Cost: Intro - $50 Facilitator Training - $100 Both - $150. For more information: Contact Cindy at cindypile [at] paceebene [dot] org or (510) 268-8908.
If your community would like to host a Traveling with the Turtle retreat or workshop, please contact us.
Walking with Women Who Are Imprisoned and Homeless
Our Women Healing from Violence class is a key component of Traveling with the Turtle. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we currently offer these classes for women living in prison, transitional housing and domestic violence and homeless shelters. Our classes address the following elements that we believe are crucial in keeping women from returning to prison and helping them extricate themselves from the downward spiral of poverty and abuse: increased self-esteem; the ability to advocate for one’s self; a deeper spiritual life and incorporation of various spiritual practices into their everyday lives; the ability to stay out of abusive relationships; the use of tools that allow them to manage overwhelming emotions and then express anger and resolve conflict in a constructive manner; and an understanding of the need to create a support system/community.
Traveling With the Turtle Coordinators
Cindy Preston-Pile
Irene Woodwardwith
Contact Us
You can reach us at: turtle [at] paceebene [dot] org or (510) 268-8908.
Links
Peace X Peace
The Peace X Peace Global Network connects individuals and Circles of women everywhere in the world, through the Internet, for spirited conversation and mutual support.
