This week’s prompt: Community

It’s a big week around here.  We’re launching registration for our spring session of Connection Groups!  Because we believe in the power of community.

When we launched Velvet Ashes in November of 2013, the idea of online Connection Groups sat in the heart of our team.  Once we got the site up and running, we knew it was time to take our idea for a test drive.

So last spring we ran a small pilot session of Connection Groups.  We had two big questions:  1.  Is this something women want?  2.  Will it actually work?

We learned a few things from our pilot groups, and in the fall we were ready to launch our first official session.  Or at least we thought we were ready.

The groups filled up within 27 hours and we were flooded with requests to open more groups.  We had our answer to question #1.  Women want this.

Women were thrilled at the idea of having a small group of other overseas women to connect and share with on a weekly basis.  They loved the idea of having a mentor come alongside them to listen and encourage.

But question #2… does it actually work?

Well, here’s what women have said:

“My connection group has been fabulous for me. I felt like I was actually getting a real visit with friends every Wednesday.”

“Meeting with my Connection Group this fall has been the best part of my week.”

Stories like this and this confirmed, that yes, women are actually experiencing the connection they are hungry for in our Connection Groups.  They are finding life-giving community in their groups, and they’re loving it.

Sound like something you want to be a part of?  We thought so.  That’s why we’re more than doubling the number of groups we’re offering this session.  We’ve got video chat groups that meet at a certain time each week, and Facebook groups that share online if committing to a time is a problem for you.  (And one email group for non-Facebook users).

Plus, we’ve got a group especially for people preparing to leave the field (for home assignment or permanently returning) and groups for those who are adjusting back to their home countries (on home assignment or permanently returned).  You don’t want to walk through that alone!

Head to our Connection Groups page to check out the details and the different group formats we offer, then come back THIS TUESDAY, 6pm EST (time zone converter) to register.

And a word to the wise… groups fill up quickly, so come get a spot when registration opens!

It’s going to be a great week as we dig into the beautiful and messy topic of community. Join us at The Grove beginning Thurs 6pm EST, and bring your link ups!

Photo Source : Unsplash

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.