by Katey Gordon

 

For six years, Women Writing for (a) Change (WWf(a)C) Vermont has been holding an ever-widening array of circles: weekly classes, weekend workshops, summer retreats, and camp to a growing reach of participants, including incarcerated women and those recovering from abuse, and cancer, as well as girls testing themselves through the written word.

 

"Women are hungry - for reflection, expression, connection. At WWF(a)C, we feed this hunger, planting seeds of awareness which sprout through our choices, sending roots and shoots out to family and community," according to Sarah Bartlett, the local director of the project.

 

On Friday, May 7, the local WWf(a)C will host "Writing In Circles," a celebration featuring Bartlett and Ohio Founder Mary Pierce Brosmer, plus young and adult writers. A scholarship fund for underserved young women has been started through the generous support of farm families who own Cabot Creamery. Event sponsorship is also sought from local organizations whose missions support women's health and well-being. The event will be held 6-9 p.m. at The Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts at 135 Church Street, Burlington.

 

What makes women writing so powerful?
 

Unique among writing programs, WWf(a)C is a social-mission business that fosters writing skills and experience. It is also a community that promotes intentional living and learning how to use the voice of the conscious feminine in daily life. Bartlett's aim has been to create a community of writers of all ages and experiences. She directs the program from her Howard Street writing studio in Burlington, a warm and welcoming space in which to slow down, reflect, and mirror; a place devoted to language, truth, and story telling as instruments of healing.

 

"We are journeying women, soul-seekers and peace-makers, teachers, activists, mothers and daughters," Bartlett says. "By modeling non-competitiveness, equality of voice, trust and transparency, we find ourselves moving into authentic accountability to self and community."

 

Why write?

Heidi Smith, mother and writer from South Burlington, has participated in the program for over five years now. "I write to discover what I am feeling, to transition through life's challenges, to express my truths, to hear and be heard," Smith says. "With little time for myself, it's a chance to connect with other women and create a legacy for my children."

Heidi Smith, mother and writer from South Burlington, has participated in the program for over five years now. "I write to discover what I am feeling, to transition through life's challenges, to express my truths, to hear and be heard," Smith says. "With little time for myself, it's a chance to connect with other women and create a legacy for my children."

 

In WWf(a)C circles, writing is considered a form of self-care, providing focus to remain balanced, healthy, insightful, and strong. Circles provide structure, motivation, feedback, and suggestions for how to outwit limited time: index cards in the car to capture ideas during soccer games, at red lights; feelings elicited by music on the radio; response to your toddler pulling herself to her first stand; outrage or gratitude triggered by that board meeting. These become seeds for future writing.

 

The May 7 "Writing In Circles" event is free and open to the public; however, an RSVP is required to attend. Email sarah@womenwritingVT.com by April 30. Visit www.womenwritingVT.com for information on additional programs.