The Essence of Women Howling at the Moon

I'd like to introduce you to Women Howling at the Moon.

We are a Brisbane-based, not-for-profit, women's business-networking-with-a-difference community which has been creating a unique, expanding space for self discovery and making a difference in the world.

Women Howling at the Moon are inspiring, down to earth women from diverse walks of life and age groups who enjoy connecting authentically with other women to share deep diving conversation on things that matter while having a fabulous time together. 

We share a passion for contributing to a life and a world that works for everyone and the planet, particularly around dimensions such as peace, social justice and the environment. 

We’ve been largely flying under the radar since we began almost four years. But now with increasing evidence of  the massive difference this remarkable initiative is making for our participants, we feel that it’s time to celebrate our achievements in a way that enables more women to experience whether they might want to join this community of courageous change makers.

The gatherings

Up to around forty of us meet monthly on the night of the full moon (or close to it) to dine together in a venue we have totally to ourselves. We share stories of challenges and courage, we laugh lots, we focus on a particular topic that would make a difference in our lives, and oh yes, we howl (optional)! We leave the evenings uplifted, inspired by ourselves and others, with new friends and with renewed hope and energy for our lives and the world.
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We take a holistic feminist approach that honours and includes the multiple intersecting roles we have as women (so there is no 'hat' we wear that we need to leave at home, or that feels any less/more valid than any other). We are a strong stand for each other to own our greatness - and to sustain a context of great trust that allows us to authentically address the challenges, and to step into our full potential and the difference we are each here to make - sustainably!

These monthly gatherings are not-for-profit, with all profits donated to support the work of the Kapululangu Aboriginal Women’s Law and Culture Centre, a remote Aboriginal women's centre in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert.   Women may attend occasionally, or every month as more and more are choosing to do. Between gatherings, we meet and encourage each other via a private online community group, and/or in person. 

As founder and facilitator of Women Howling, I have had the privilege of seeing the way this initiative has grown and sparked new horizons for so many. Consistent comments from the first gathering onwards are invariably filled with wonder and observations about how amazing, wise, welcoming and inspiring the women who make up this community are; how much hope and delight is generated; and how much this feels like coming home to what many women have long been waiting for.

Expanding what is great in us

Images: Chris Henderson

As well as AHAs and takeaways around the particular topic of the evening, there are invariably other developments within an evening or two. One of the most profound is in relation to who we each consider to be inspiring. On the very first arrival there can be a tendency to wonder with quiet dread, 'should I be here?' as women share. Very quickly, we realise that others are listening to us in the same way. And thus, through both whom the community is for each other, as well as the specific topics we cover such as “owning our courage”, we find ourselves and each other growing stronger, and we realise that we are inspiring. It's beautiful to witness the transformation that accompanies that realisation.​

From my perspective as a courage catalyst and coach to women, Women Howling at the Moon is creating the context to expand what is great in us at both individual and community levels.  New learnings from neuroscience and conversational intelligence put us at a really exciting tipping point over this coming year for taking all of our conversations - those that limit or expand our personal greatness and that of our communities - to whole new levels and results. 
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My belief is that women realising their vision for the world is critical for a sustainable planet and global community. Women Howling at the Moon is contributing to that. I would deeply love every woman with a big vision to have the opportunity to experience these monthly gathering and what becomes possible.  
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I hope this gives a sense of what Women Howling at the Moon is about, and helps you to decide whether you’d like to consider being a part of our dynamic community.

If you sense this could be a community for you, we extend an invitation to join us for the final Women Howling at the Moon gathering of the year. This is our gala celebration of women in Brisbane and beyond who are up for making a difference. It’s being held on 13 December. The evening's theme, "Fly Me to the Moon", will be perfect for celebrating, supporting and inspiring each other with the visions we hold for ourselves and our world. 

If you'd like to explore further

• Watch a vignette of the November gathering on the topic of procrastination - and read what two Women Howling participants have gained.
• Subscribe to Women Howling updates for more information.  
• Click for details of the December gala event and to register. (Note that bookings end 5 December.)
  
  

Remember: Bookings for the gala celebration end on 5 December. Click here to register. Be bold. Step out into the unknown in a commitment to be your best self while having fun changing the world.