Why - A Return to True Belonging in Society
The practice of council has been integral in Veteran Rites ceremonies of healing and in weekly circles that prevent veteran suicide by welcoming home the whole veteran, and their story, to a caring and non-judgmental community in the fewest steps as possible. Drop-in and ongoing council has proven to be an effective form for the military family to get to the heart of their shared experience in a return to true belonging in society. It is the intent of Veteran Rites to hold spaces where ALL of our people can be seen, heard, and honored for all of who they are and all that they have carried. Our intention is to embed the varying forms of council within the bones of VR and share the gift of this form with community leaders that welcome home our military family in suicide prevention, peer support, and community building efforts. May we walk together in a return to right relationship with our whole selves, each other, and the lands that give us everything.
What
In this two-day experiential training and ceremonial time, participants will have an opportunity to learn different forms of council practice, ways of working with issues, conflicts, decision- making, exercises that support truth and connection with Gigi Coyle.
Who (12 to 15 participants)
Priority 1: Veteran Rites leadership, board, guides, community members, and circle facilitators committed to deepening their understanding and practice of council in ceremony and in community.
Priority 2: Cross-sector leadership from the Veteran Rites network of partners and peer support facilitators representing and serving the diversity of the military family.
Where and When
The Rainbow Lodge (46820 SE Mt Si Rd, North Bend, WA 98045). Participants will be expected to arrive and be fully present for the duration of the ceremony beginning at 3pm on Sunday, October 23rd and ending at noon on Tuesday, October 25th.
Meals will be provided by the Rainbow Lodge. Participants will be expected to spend time both inside and outside in circle, on walks, in exercises, and in individual exploration. All individuals or couples will have their own room. Once confirmed for attendance more information regarding what to bring, transportation, accessibility, and dietary preferences/restrictions will be communicated. Be prepared to explore and enjoy all kinds of weather.
How
Submit your statement of intent for consideration to attend this training below by Friday, October 7th. Due to limits on capacity individuals will be selected based on their intention for attending this ceremony and commitment towards building a community of practice that serves the diversity of our military family.
Costs
Training, Meals, and Lodging are provided by Veteran Rites. Individuals are responsible for their own transportation. If transportation is a barrier please indicate that in your intent letter.
More on Gigi - community activist, carrier of council, rite of passage guide, mentor and guardian for individuals, communities and organizations, currently serving Youth Passageways, ShadeTree Multicultural Foundation, the Ojai Foundation, and Weaving Earth. Co-steward of a small oasis Three Creeks, visionary for an alliance, Beyond Boundaries, devoted to the emergence of local and global sanctuaries - “watering holes”; she is focused on healing ways through ceremony, inter-generational projects of prayer, action and service. Co- author of The Way of Council and The Box, Remembering the Gift, Co-founder of Walking Water (Walking-Water.org), A Practice of Council, http://waysofcouncil.net.
LETTER OF INTENTION. Please submit your statement of intent below by Friday, October 7th. You can also submit your letter of intent by email at council@veteranrites.org.
Veteran Rites is offering this training to individuals that are deeply committed to the practice of council with a clear intent to step into a leadership role in service to the military family. Please take some time of reflection (preferably in nature) and answer the following from the heart:
Who am I and what is my intention in attending this ceremony?
When answering please consider the following:
What are my connections to the military family?
What is my experience and training with council practice or other heart-centered ways of community building?
Who do I serve and intend to serve?
What are my gifts and what am I eager to learn (and unlearn)?
Am I willing to take a leadership role in building a diverse and inclusive community of practice?
