Talking Circles

What are Talking Circles?

Talking Circles are an ancient practice in which people gather in a circle to talk and listen. Gloria uses Talking Circles as a means of organizing and movement-building.

Why a Talking Circle House?

Years ago, Gloria was inspired by a plaque on an old London brownstone, commemorating it as a space where women had fought for the right to vote. Since then, she has been committed to dedicating her own home as a center for organizing and activism.

Her inspiration for Talking Circles came during her two-year stay in India after college. Later, her friend Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, explained this as an ancient tradition that fostered democratic decision-making and community building. This practice also became a key organizing tool in the women's movement, evolving into what are often called consciousness-raising groups.

Since moving into her apartment in 1967, Gloria has hosted countless gatherings, including those that helped launch Ms. magazine, the National Women's Political Caucus, Women Moving Millions, and more. Her home has continued to serve as a safe space for collaboration, connection, and social change.

Organizations including Third Wave, Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, Direct Impact Africa, and Chicken & Egg Pictures have referenced gatherings held here as turning points. More recently, Talking Circles have centered on topics ranging from women's health to women's leadership in artificial intelligence — and the ripple effects have already led to new collaborations and support networks among allies for civic progress.