Credit: The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy - http://stores.floridakeys.com
Iron Butterflies Circle (IBC)
“The circle is open, but unbroken.”
What is an Iron Butterfly?
An Iron Butterfly is an authentic woman who has experienced injustices but has never become a victim. Instead she transforms her vulnerabilities into strengths. She is paradoxical. She has a will of iron and touch of butterfly, determined and nurturing, strong yet vulnerable. They are women, connected to their passion and collective power and are leading in a new era of collaboration and cooperation.
What is an IBC and what is its purpose?
Iron Butterfly Circles are not therapy, book groups or networking clubs, but rather, an ever-evolving collaborative circle of peers, where everyone is a leader and supported in their leadership. The goal is to create and cultivate conversation cafes for women of all ages all over the world, providing a safe, supportive environment for reflection, deep dialogue, sharing of stories, and collective action.
Although Iron Butterfly circles have a serious intent of making a difference in the world guided by their passion, IBCs are a lot of fun. Humor and wit go a long way in this often difficult work of social transformation. It’s that great “girlfriend” feeling that keeps us all taking that next step forward.
What do you hope the IBCs will accomplish?
These multi-generational consciousness raising groups aim to increase women’s awareness of their individual capabilities and strengths, their power and their worth, the importance of their contribution and participation in the world. Together we can realize our collective power and wisdom, awakening the activist in each of us. Together and separately we can take action to improve the world, whether it be in their family, community, nationally or internationally.
In IBCs, women learn to transform their own and each others’ vulnerabilities into strengths, to develop a dynamic balance between feminine and masculine skills, to practice the art of true collaboration, and to value everyone as a leader.
How do IBCs start? What do I do if I want to start a Circle?
IBC come into being, started by women who hear the calling to gather the women.
Beginning in the fall 2011, we will be offering several ways of guiding women on their personal journey to becoming an Iron Butterfly, from webinars to retreats, to awaken and support the emerging Iron Butterfly in you. Personal coaching will also be available.We are developing a e-guide for women interested in creating and facilitating an Iron Butterfly Circle, along with an online training program and a support system for conveners.
In addition we will be offering teleseminars for coaches with ICF accreditation.
If you want notification of these programs, fill in the form below. And stay tuned!