Period of Change

PERIOD OF CHANGE

The Period of Change mother-daughter circle honors our daughters and prepares them for puberty and menstruation by offering honest and age-appropriate information in a safe setting, free of taboo. The tone of reverence for the female body and cycle will instill a sense of self-love and worthiness that empowers our daughters to advocate for their health and well-being throughout their lifespan.

Mothers and girls* age 7-12 are invited to join together for this empowering experience. Each circle will be a dynamic blend of age-appropriate educational resources, hands-on learning, song, art-making, and story sharing. Each circle series culminates in a celebration ceremony, honoring this special rite of passage.

* We warmly welcome menstruators/soon-to-be menstruators of all gender identities and expressions.

As featured in the January 2017 issue of National Geographic Magazine.

How might your life have been different if there had been a place for you? A place for you to go . . . a place of women, to help you learn the ways of woman . . . a place where you were nurtured from an ancient flow sustaining you and steadying you as you sought to become yourself. A place of women to help you find and trust the ancient flow already there within yourself . . . waiting to be released.
JUDITH DUERK

UPCOMING OFFERINGS

Fall 2024
7-9 year-olds
Sunday, October 13th
9:00am - 3:00pm

This circle is full.

Winter 2025
7-9 year-olds
Sunday, January 26th
9:00am - 3:00pm

This circle is full.

Late Winter 2025
9-11 year-olds
February 16 - March 16
1:00 - 4:00pm

This circle is full.

We'd love for you to join us! Registration for all Period of Change events is offered via the Priority Enrollment List.
Add your name and be the first to know when new offerings are scheduled!

PRIORITY ENROLLMENT

The Period of Change circle is preventative medicine. As a woman's healthcare provider, I encounter grown women who do not have the understanding, faith, or respect for their bodies that these young girls now possess. Their knowledge of what is normal and healthy empowers them to advocate for themselves and their bodies - now and in the future.
DR. REBECCA COHEN

TOPICS INCLUDE

the changes of puberty
the female hormonal cycle
cycle tracking
human anatomy and physiology
sexual reproduction
pregnancy and birth
menstrual care options
body sovereignty
media literacy
consent and pleasure
sexuality and gender
the mother-daughter legacy
establishing a practice of self-care

The information provided for the girls (and the mothers!) was so helpful. I had no idea about the evolution of menstrual options that are available today and are such safer options than others on the market. That was wonderful to learn about, to touch, and to have detailed instructions to demystify the products for us. Additionally, the candor of this and other conversations destigmatized the entire period of transformation and entry into adulthood.
CHERYL CRANE

AGE-BASED COHORTS

Period of Change has been intentionally and lovingly crafted for girls age 7-12, focusing on the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with puberty and menstruation. Because we realize and honor the developmental differences between younger kids and tweens/teens, Period of Change offerings are divided into cohorts and the materials/topics presented are tailored to be age-appropriate for each group.

Period of Change was invaluable because it helped open the door to many conversations about women's bodies and the changes my daughter is - and will be - going through. It gave her the opportunity to hear the stories and experiences of other women with an intimacy that we don't normally share in our society. I was able to see her more clearly for the young woman she is becoming rather than as a child.
TINA MEREDITH

KEY EXPERIENCES

group activities
art-making
talking circles
song sharing
adornment
hands-on learning

The highlight of the retreat was watching the transformations of every one of the girls over the course of our circles as they shared their stories, created artwork together, and had hands-on experience with the menstrual supplies. I was surprised and moved when my daughter was able to share her "first moon" story with ease - something she was very reserved and self-conscious about prior to the retreat.
KRISTIN LANGLEY

CEREMONY & CELEBRATION

Our circle will culminate
with a rite-of-passage ceremony,
celebrating our daughters' journey.

Women and their daughters need this circle because there are so many forces working against women and young girls in this world - from religion to old fashioned notions of gender roles, to abuse and persecution. Each girl can educate and empower - alongside her mother - is a force for good in the world, and I believe the impact will have a ripple effect in all aspects of society.
LAURA SALEEM