Gathering Call 2002

what
15th Annual Gathering of Northwoods Radical Faeries

where and when
The Gathering is held at Kawashaway Sanctuary in northern Minnesota. The Northwoods Gathering always starts on the first Friday of August. It starts this year on Friday, August 2nd and ends on Sunday, August 11th.

cost
$15 pre-registration fee, plus $10 per day. $30 registration fee at the Gathering, plus $10 per day. Please pay more if you can, less if you cannot. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

registration
Please pre-register online on the "2002 Gathering Registration Form" page - you're almost there!

accomodations
Tents are the thing. Our very little indoor sleeping space is only made available to those who truly need it. If you require special accomodations, contact Two Bears at 612-874-7775.

transportation
Parking is limited (as are petroleum and oxygen), so carpooling is encouraged. If you need a ride or would like to offer a ride, please check the corresponding box on the registration form.

how do I get there?
If you need a map and/or directions to the Sanctuary, be sure to request a welcome packet when you register. (There is a box to check on the registration form.)

heart circles
Heart Circles are an integral part of gatherings. This is a time when faes circle to create sacred space in which our hearts may open - allowing the feelings, thoughts, revelations, meditations, concerns and cares to freely flow - one person at a time. And remember, you are the one that can call a heart circle whenever you feel the need.

rituals
Rituals honoring the sacred aspects of life are to be expected and encouraged at Kawashaway. Come prepared to create rituals for yourself and others. This is a time to celebrate the spiritual side of your being - so, bring the tools and ideas that will create those special celebrations. A long-standing tradition at Kawashaway is to have ritual for opening and closing the annual Gathering.

timely advice
Many find the carrying and observance of time pieces to be disruptive to their experience of the rhythm of the land, earth and air. Watches and clocks are not forbidden, but many among us discourage their use at Kawashaway. (If you must announce the time, please do so in French, and please remember that the time is always 2:17.)

drag and nakedness
Faeries are famous for their fashion sense (which must be seen to be truly appreciated). But when the sun is strong and the wind is gentle, accessories (gasp!) may become superfluous.
The Sanctuary is a clothing-optional space and every naked body is welcome and celebrated. (Clothed bodies are equally welcome and celebrated.) Nakedness should not, however, be interpreted as an invitation to sex.

sex at gatherings
Some people complain that they don't get any and some boast about how much they get. (Others don't say much about it. Hmmm….) Somewhere a rumor got started that faerie gatherings are just orgies in the woods. The reality is that there has never been an orgy at Kawashaway.
That said, in general, we're a very sex-positive crowd. We share a determination that sex at Kawashaway always be fully consensual, safe and that it not take place between adults and minors (see "Unwelcome Behaviors", below). Please bring condoms, lube and whatever else you need to play safely.

chemical use (and pets too)
Faeries and faerie communities are in conversation about drug and alcohol use/abuse, and opinions vary widely. The Northwoods community has expressed a preference for tuning in over tuning out. In that spirit, and in respect for the peace and sanctity of individuals and the community, chemical-free gathering space is encouraged. The peace and sanctity of the Gathering similarly require that pets not be brought to Kawashaway during the Gathering.

pre-gathering preparations
There is plenty that needs doing at the Sanctuary before the Gathering: putting up food, mowing the lawn, cleaning the pantry, repairing trails, and general primping. There's even talk of replacing the swimming dock. If you can help with any pre-gathering chores, please ring Two Bears at 612-874-7775.

being a mom - army boots not required
So your mother wears army boots. Well, okay, maybe not your mother. But at Kawashaway, our "Moms" - those who volunteer to lead a kitchen crew in preparing a meal - may wear army boots while tending the stove or barking orders (sweetly) to their assistants. Anyone can be a Mom or a helper; many are needed and coaching is available. C'mon, Mom - tofu burgers for 50 - you can do it! To volunteer, please check the corresponding box on the registration form.

first among divas
While there is no shortage of divas at Kawashaway, first among them is our Lady of the Larder - the Pantry Diva. The Pantry Diva is responsible for supporting Moms and keeping track of food needs and food use - making sure that we have all the foodstuffs we need when we need them. If you would like to be a Pantry Diva, we would love to worship you. Please check the corresponding box on the registration form.

Alice consciousness
When those nasty Brady kids get messy - the dishes start to pile up and someone leaves the cap off the nail polish remover - Alice is there to pick up, clean up and inject some order in our sometimes free-flowing chaos. All of us, at one time or another, need to channel Alice. Please come to the Gathering prepared to clean up after yourself and help to maintain the beauty of our shared space. Please come early to help set up (see "Pre-Gathering Preparations", above) or stay late to help clean up. Help rebuild the dock, sharpen the knives or prune the trails. Alice consciousness rocks!

unwelcome behaviors
The following behaviors have been identified as unwelcome at the Sanctuary at any time:
1. Firearms - Possession of any kind of gun at the Sanctuary is unacceptable. Guns are dangerous and unnecessary at Kawashaway. Hunting is not allowed at Kawashaway. Toy guns are discouraged.
2. Sex Between Adults and Young People - Sex between people eighteen and over and people under eighteen is unacceptable at the Sanctuary - regardless of who initiates - except when the people are within two years of each other in age.
3. Violence - Physically striking or in any way assaulting people or things (other than your own possessions) is unacceptable. The following are also considered violent: intimidation;
stalking; defacing or destroying objects, nonconsensual sexual behavior; verbal, sexual, and emotional abuse. Violence is not tolerated against plants, animals, facilities, or the land. Consensual S&M activity should not be construed as violent.
4. Theft - Taking things that belong to others, or which belong at the Sanctuary, is not acceptable. If you want something, ask; anything else is dishonest and disrespectful.
5. Fires - Forest fire is a danger anywhere in the Northwoods. Fires are only permitted in designated places. Open fires are not allowed at campsites.

do not fail to bring….
o a rainproof tent o fabulousness
o warm clothes o extra socks
o love o mosquito repellent
o sleeping bag or bedding o ideas for workshops
o willingness to chip in and help
o flashlight and extra batteries
o rain gear, including waterproof boots or shoes
o ideas and materials for fun things to do

and you might consider bringing....
o a shiny outfit for glitter night
o drums and other acoustical instruments
o that purple number you've saving for the purple party
o possible props for the No Talent Show

events
o Come prepared for a Purple Party. Purples of all persuasions - amethyst, fuchsia, grape, heliotrope, hyacinth, lavender, lilac, magenta, mauve, mulberry, orchid, pansy, clematis, solferino, plum, and violet - are welcome.
o Trips to the Temperance River. Sit on a rock with or without a frock. Take a trippy dippy.
o Drumming workshop, probably early in the Gathering.
o Kawashaway Auction: Bring your premium quality faerie chotchkies, treasures, gifts and talents. Proceeds benefit Kawashaway Sanctuary.
o No Talent Show. Sunflower requests at least one act this year involving cha cha heels. Don't be shy now!
o Workshops, sweatlodge, a zither band! Bring your ideas and, together, we can make it happen! If you would like to take the lead in hosting an event at the Gathering, please contact Beebalm at 612-823-1774 or jon@jonbenfer.com.

girl, you're crazy if....
o You assume that you have no power - the Gathering is what you make it.
o You keep food in your tent (bears don't know how to use zippers).
o You don't come because of money (no one is turned away for lack of funds).
o You stay away because your medications need to be refrigerated (they'll be okay).
o You are not careful on the driveway in a low-slung car (the rocks are worse this year).

questions?
Any question, any question at all - for example, what time is it when you leave your watch at home? - can be directed to Two Bears:

Two Bears
2211 Clinton Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Tel. 612-874-7775 after 7:00pm CDT
twobearsrf@hotmail.com