Chellis House, Middlebury College’s Women’s Resource Center, invites all people who identify as women*) to its first “Red Tent Event” at McCullough Social Space on Sunday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Intended to rejuvenate and empower us at the end of the long winter months, this fun day will provide us with an opportunity to actively “lean out.” Women of all ages are encouraged to meet new friends and have meaningful conversations in a supportive and open environment. Brought to life in Anita Diamant’s novel, the ancient tradition of the Red Tent serves to nurture and empower women, strengthen community and deepen connectivity not only with other women, but with our own wisdom.
We will set up a red tent on the stage of McCullough Social Space in which Nicole Burke, Alyson Young, and Kestrel Plumb will lead three workshops: “The Story of Woman: Remembrance of Sacred Traditions” (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.) will explore the history of the Red Tent and its place in today’s world. “13 Clan Mothers” (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.) will focus on the bonds of sisterhood, and giving life to the creative force within ourselves to heal ourselves and the world. In the “Women’s Moonlodge,” (2 – 3 p.m.) participants will deepen their connection with their own knowing and plant seeds of intention. Space is limited for the Red Tent workshops. Non-student participants can sign up at the event. We invite you to wear something red and bring a small objects that holds your personal energy.
On the main floor of McCullough, no sign up is required for the following workshops: yoga, financial security for women with Heather Jerome, menstrual health and Arvigo massage with Dr. Sarah E. Wylie, and sex toys with “the naughty girlfriend” Jenn Buker. There will also be tables for henna body painting, smoothie-making, organic beauty products, and creative expression through crafts, as well as informational tables on reproductive health, and young women in the Vermont economy (staffed by Vermont Works for Women). Some items will be available for purchase. Free snacks will be served. Think chocolate!
*) While we recognize that there is no universal “woman” subject, for the purposes of this article, we used the terms “woman” and “women” to refer to anyone who claims that identity, regardless of their assigned sex, sexuality, etc.
Sponsored by the Red Tent Foundation, an organization founded by a former Middlebury student, and Chellis House, Middlebury’s women’s resource center.
There will also be a movie screening with general information about Red Tent events on
Friday, March 7, 7 p.m., Hillcrest 103, Middlebury College
Movie screening: The Things We Don’t Talk About”
In her 72-minute documentary “The Things We Don’t Talk About: Women’s Stories from the Red Tent”, Isadora Leidenfrost documents how the Red Tent movement is changing the way that women interact and support each other by providing a place that honors and celebrates women. The documentary weaves together healing narratives from inside the Red Tent to shine a spotlight on this vital, emergent women’s tradition.