History
The roots of Generation Circle can be traced back to 2019, as a storytelling gathering that brought together seven women from seven different generations, each sharing a personal story centered around a meaningful theme. These gatherings were filled with uplifting and inspiring moments, where attendees sang, laughed, cried, and listened with open hearts.
These gatherings laid the foundation for the next chapters of Generation Circle.
Shifting the Focus: Wellness Beyond the Individual
Over time, those involved with Nature Song have come to understand that while wellness is often viewed as an individual journey, true growth flourishes through interconnected relationships. In addition to Forest Collective, a community for families, Generation Circle is a collective framework designed to cultivate relational bonds, whether through intimate pairs, triads, small groups of 6 to 8 people, or larger gatherings of 20 to 80 people. Each type of relationship structure brings unique benefits to our lives—pairs offer deep, personal connection; triads encourage diverse perspectives; small groups foster collaboration and shared learning; and larger gatherings expand our sense of community and collective wisdom.
Building at the Speed of Trust
Through our past practices within Nature Song, we’ve learned that trust is the foundation of thriving relationships. This insight now shapes the vision for Generation Circle, which creates opportunities for trust to grow naturally by providing spaces where people can step outside their usual routines and connect with like-minded individuals seeking growth, connection, and mutual support. It offers a way to move out of isolation and into shared experiences that feel meaningful and transformative.
Within Generation Circle, a participant might connect with someone who shares their love of nature, leading to weekly hikes that deepen their bond and personal growth. Or they might find a mentor from a different stage of life who inspires and supports them in developing a new program offering, either within Generation Circle or the broader community. These experiences are designed to nurture trust, allowing relationships to flourish and creating a foundation for collective thriving.
We All Play a Role
Generation Circle reimagines the traditional approach to wellness by empowering the community to shape its own programs, guided by shared needs and desires. Rooted in trust, commitment, creativity, and intention, it creates a space where those with inspiring ideas—yet hesitant to share—can explore them in a safe and supportive environment. It also welcomes individuals with established practices or businesses to share their skills and wisdom, focusing on authentic connection and mutual reciprocity rather than marketing. This allows participants to direct their energy and time toward pursuing what they love, instead of self-promotion, while naturally finding their community.
What sets Generation Circle apart is that every exchange is grounded in meaningful relationships of reciprocity, ensuring everyone has a place to both give and receive. Together, we are shifting away from a scarcity mindset and competition, moving instead toward collaboration, connection, and support. By building on these foundations, we unlock extraordinary potential for growth and expand what we can accomplish collectively, creating a thriving, dynamic community where possibilities are boundless.
Seeds of Ideas:
Let’s Build Together
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Storytelling gatherings focus on personal stories centered around specific themes, shared through the unique lens of different generations. These stories create a rich tapestry of wisdom, experience, and perspective, fostering deep connections across age groups. Each gathering not only invites individuals to share their personal narratives but also includes collective art and ritual, allowing participants to express and honor their journeys in creative, collaborative ways. Through this blend of storytelling, artistic expression, and ritual, we build a space where diverse experiences are valued and celebrated, strengthening the bonds between generations and creating a living legacy of shared wisdom and connection.
Potential Collaborators:Elders & Storytellers – To share wisdom from their lived experiences across different generations.
Writers & Poets – To contribute stories, poetry, or creative writing pieces that resonate with the themes of generational learning.
Facilitators – To guide the conversation and ensure a balanced exchange between different generations.
Community Members – People who want to share their personal stories and perspectives in a safe, supportive environment.
Contributions:
Leading or participating in intergenerational storytelling events.
Offering workshops on how to craft personal narratives and communicate across generations.
Providing emotional and cultural perspectives that enrich the storytelling experience.
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This idea fosters the creation of mutual support networks in a triad of three. Building meaningful connections that allow for personal processing of one's mental, emotional, physical, and spatial needs. Through these relationships, participants can explore a holistic approach to self-awareness, sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations with one another. This collaborative process empowers each individual to set personal goals and take actionable steps toward growth, while also receiving support from their triad. Though not intended as personal therapy, this approach provides a space for deeper reflection and shared accountability, allowing individuals to thrive within the context of community.
Past Generation Circle Events
Self-Love
On February 22, 2020
Storytellers
Team Teen: Cassidy Austin Merlino
Team 20: Melanie Leydon
Team 30: Kenzie Snyderman
Team 40: Itzel Zagal
Team 50: Dana Dardis
Team 60: Karen Brook
Team 70: Gretchen T. Bersch
MC: Samantha Feemster
Festival of Cultural Stories
January 25, 2020 -
Organized by Keys to Life
Workshop Theme: Courage, Strength and Inspiration
Thank you to Storytellers:
Gabriela Olmos
Verne Borner
Barbara Taylor
MC: Samantha Feemster
Living an Authentic Life
October 5, 2019
Special Thanks to our storytellers!
Team Teen: Selah Judge
Team 20: Brook Cinocco
Team 30: Betsi Oliver (not pictured)
Team 40: Jennifer Andrulli
Team 50: Corinthia Rabb
Team 60: Amerissis Feliz
Team 70: Shirley Staten
MC: Samantha Feemster
