VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - What is one way you could participate in The Connection that would be joyful for you?
Please contact us with your ideas. Here are some of our ideas:
Cleaning - we could really use help cleaning the bathrooms and space.
If you would enjoy contributing and participating in creating our space in this way,
PLEASE contact Cat at 820-9955.

Outreach
Help manage the Elist
Help create activities and programming for women and girls in the community - we have LOTS of ideas and welcome more and need support to make these things happen. If you are excited about creating programming for women and girls in our community at The Connection, please contact Cat at 820-9955.
WISH LIST - ways you can nurture and contribute to our space
Soap and Cleaning Supplies, Art supplies
Paper products for the bathroom, Office supplies

NEW OFFERINGS AND EVENTS
Vagina Memoirs
Friday, March 7th
7:00 - 9:00pm
We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, the Vagina Memoirs will be performed at The Connection for one night. Please come down and join us for this student directed and performed testament to women's lives.
Mothers Memoirs - Introductory Meeting for Performance Mothers' Day Weekend
Friday, March 7th
5:30 - 6:30pm
The Connection is going to be putting on a Mothers' Memoirs performance over Mothers' Day weekend, similar to the Vagina Memoirs, but focused on the stories of mothers. We are looking for mothers of all ages, backgrounds, interests and experiences who would enjoy sharing their stories with others. Please join us at this introductory meeting. For more information or with questions, please contact: Sarah Weeks at weekss2@cc.wwu.edu or at 360-319-1413.

Power of Clearing
Beginning March 19th for 4 consecutive weeks
5:30 - 8:30 pm $30/session
Starting on March 19, internationally renowned speaker and life coach Sandy Levey-Lunden will present a series of workshops on the Power of Clearing. The workshop, which is designed to give participants the tools to clear traumas in their lives, will be held each Wednesday for four weeks. It will go from 6:00-9:00 pm and will cost $30 each session. Sandy Levey-Lunden has taught small intimate groups for over 27 years. To register, or for more information, please contact Sandy at (360) 527-2796, online at www.sandylevey.com, or through email at OnPurpose@SandyLevey.com.

Embodied Compassion: Communicating From Your Heart - An Introductory Workshop
2 Consecutive Monday evenings - March 17th and 24th
6:00 - 9:00pm
100 E. Maple Street
Requested Contribution: $50.00 - $100.00 (4th corner time dollars accepted and other arrangements can be made based on individuals’ needs and requests, please ask).
To register, contact Cat Zavis - 820-9955 or catzavis@comcast.net
see www.connectionaws.org for flyer and more information.
Conflicts are as inevitable as waves on an ocean. In our families, workplaces, and communities we struggle with how to communicate effectively and resolve problems. Communicating successfully starts with adequate training in both listening and self-expression.
Join this day-long workshop based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, called Nonviolent Communication, and explore how to:
* Listen to ourselves to understand our own needs behind our behavior.
* Listen to others to hear their needs.
* Transform power struggles and conflicts into opportunities for building connection and trust.
* Arrive at solutions that include everyone’s needs
Please register on or before Wednesday, March 12th

Embodied Compassion: Communicating From Your Heart - An Intermediate Workshop
Deepening Understanding and Compassion for Others and Yourself in the Face of Intense Emotions
Sunday, March 30th
9:30am - 1:00pm
100 E. Maple Street
Requested Contribution: $50.00 - $100.00 (4th corner time dollars accepted and other arrangements can be made based on individuals’ needs and requests, please ask).
To register, contact Cat Zavis - 820-9955 or catzavis@comcast.net
What happens when we feel or face intense emotions? How do we begin to transform our habitual responses and gain compassion for others and ourselves?
Join this half-day workshop based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, called Nonviolent Communication, to deepen your understanding and compassion for others and yourself when faced with intense emotions. At this workshop you will:
* Gain insight into dealing with intense emotions.
* Learn how to connect with your feelings and needs in moments of distress.
* Increase compassion and understanding for others and yourself.
Please register on or before Wednesday, March 26th
Reiki Level I Training with AnneDorthe Dreyer
Saturday March 29th,
9:30am-5:00pm. Class
Cost is $100 or sliding scale, including handbook and certificate.
To register: Contact AnneDorthe at dorthedreyer@hotmail.com or at 360.483.7327

Reiki (Ray-key) is a sacred Japanese healing art, rei meaning universal or higher knowledge and ki meaning life force. In this class you will be initiated into the Traditional Usui Reiki through attunements that opens your energy centers, you will receive instruction in the history of Reiki and how to use it for healing. There is no prerequisite, all that is required is the desire to learn and receive the Reiki attunements.
dorthedreyer@hotmail.com
Women's Health: Ayurvedic Tools for Body and Soul
April 19th, 11 am - 1 pm
By Donation or Trade
To register or for questions please contact Laura Smith CAP, LMP at The Ayurvedic Health Center at www.ayurvedichealthcenter.com or 360-393-3375.
In this class we will explore the language of our bodies' inner intelligence. Ayurveda is a natural healing modality born in India and is based on a finely tuned perception of the energies of nature and how they work in your body. In this class we will focus on the special needs of women and gather tools to create the dynamic balance of health. These tools include food, herbs, yoga poses, visualization, breath and sound. As we learn techniques to help us live in accord with our deepest needs, health arises naturally. Donation to be shared with The Connection is appreciated.
Parenting From Your Heart
An Introductory Workshop based on Nonviolent Communication™ offered by Cat J. Zavis, Counselor at Law, Collaborative Professional, Mediator and Community Educator
Two different opportunities to choose from:
Two Monday evenings, April 14th and 21st from 6:00 - 9:00pm
or
Sunday, May 4th 9:30am - 4:30pm
To register: Contact Bellingham Technical College at 360-752-8350
Our children are so important to us, yet sometimes we struggle to parent in ways we truly feel good about. Join this day-long workshop in Nonviolent Communication to explore how to:
* Understand the needs behind your children’s behavior.
* Transform power struggles into opportunities for building connection and trust.
* Mediate conflicts between children that build connection.
These classes are co-sponsored by The Connection and Bellingham Technical College. They are held at The Connection building.

Ongoing Events
SINGING GROUPS
Every Tuesday from 6:30 - 8:00, local folk singer and performer Linda Allen leads us in singing circles. All singing abilities welcome.
First and third Tuesdays: COWS circle - a circle of women singing. Its purpose is for women to find their voice through song.
Second and fourth Tuesdays: Threshold Choir. The purpose is to learn songs to support people as they transition through
death and dying.

WOMEN'S SACRED DANCE
Monday Evenings 6:30 ~ 8:30 PMMarch 10th, April 7th, May 19th
COST: $7.00 per classSacred dance is one of the oldest forms of spiritual expression. Its roots trace back to when matriarchal societies worshipped the Goddess and The Great Earth Mother. Women would come together and dance in preparation for childbirth, as healing rituals, and to experience ecstasy through movement. This is a safe and supportive space that will help you connect with your true feminine nature. We will use belly dance, movement meditation, and free-form expression to help you discover and honor your own sacred dance.
No dance experience needed.
Erika Chambliss facilitates Women’s Sacred Dance workshops, classes and retreats throughout the Northwest. For more information, please contact Erika at mamablisse@yahoo.com.
(Check website for flyer - click on newsletter link)
HOMEOPATHIC WELLNESS
We are excited to announce that local homeopathic consultant, Carolyn Hallett, will be offering low-cost, sliding fee homeopathic wellness services to women in our community through The Connection. Homeopathy treats all illnesses, including mental and emotional imbalances and is safe, non-toxic, and has no side effects. With homeopathy we will get you well, keep you well and go to BEYOND well.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Carolyn, please call her at 752-2111.
LENDING LIBRARY
We have books you are welcome to browse and read while here or borrow and return. If you are interested in having your book in our library and would enjoy doing a reading at the center, please contact us.