connection GROUPS

• A small group of women serving in different places across the world.
• An opportunity to share and encourage one another.
• An experience led by a group facilitator.
• After updating each other on your week, your facilitator will lead a discussion based on the weekly theme and posts.

• Velvet Ashes offers a spring session and a fall session of Connection Groups.
• Registration is announced at Velvet Ashes and takes place on a first-come-first-serve basis.

There are three options for Connection Groups:

• Skype Groups—Groups meet for a weekly video conference call at a designated time each week. Groups also have a private Facebook Group for further connection building. Discussions are led by the group facilitator.
• Facebook Groups—Groups share throughout the week in a private Facebook group. No designated time. Questions and prompts are facilitated by the group facilitator throughout the week.
• Email Groups—Groups happens via email. At the beginning of the week, the facilitator emails out the discussion questions (same questions the other groups use).  Group members then reply all throughout the week.  This group is reserved for those who cannot meet in a Skype group and don’t have Facebook.

Plus, we’ve got a group especially for people who are new to the field, will be transitioning this year, and going through transition and re-entry. So, if that’s you, be sure to look for those groups. You don’t want to walk through that alone!

Experience has shown that women experience the best connection in our Skype groups, so we encourage you to find a group with a time that works for you!

But we also know that having a designated time or unreliable internet is a barrier for many women.  That’s why we also offer Facebook Groups. Experience also taught us that this is a better option than email groups, because you can have a face to remember, and it’s easier to converse.

We know that some countries have limited or blocked access to Facebook, and that some people are not Facebook users.  That is why we have created an Email Group.  This option is for those people.

Note that some groups are specifically for those preparing for home assignment, returning permanently, or those currently re-adjusting to their home countries.

All of our facilitators have been selected and referenced as trustworthy women who have a heart to encourage others. Don’t feel like you have to have a facilitator that is in your same stage of life. Part of the beauty of Velvet Ashes is that we are a beautiful mix of all stages of life, and we have so much to offer each other.

That being said, if you really want to connect with another homeschooling mom, or another single woman, feel free to jump in her group if it works for you.