Poets &Writers interviews our very own Elizabeth Anderson:

“What do you consider to be the value of literary programs for your community?

All writers and readers have the potential to be activists if they choose. Bookstores are gathering grounds. They are the places to come and recharge your batteries or lick your wounds or rebuild after a hard political battle. At Charis, we fight to keep the doors open for our community because we believe there is a kind of grace in the act of gathering around stories no other space in our culture can provide. “

Greetings from the Charis Circle Board of Directors,
and Happy New Year!

Back in December 2011, we had a wonderful fundraiser that featured a performance by the incomparable Doria Roberts and, afterward, dance music by dj lynnee denise of WildSeed Music NYC.

We were grateful that so many of you came out to support Charis Circle’s vision of creating a Feminist Center in Atlanta. We also asked you to support our efforts by entering a raffle and purchasing a chance to win an Apple iPad2. The response to this raffle was great; a total of 86 tickets were sold, which allowed us to give away one iPad and use the remaining $400 toward planning and expenses. Thanks again for your support; we wouldn’t be here without you!

The drawing was held at the end of the event, and the winner was Christie Sizemore– Congratulations, Christie! 

Thank you so much for your support last year and always, including those of you who gave us money throughout the year; those who volunteered and gave of your time and talents in so many ways; and those who stand on the sidelines cheering us on decade after decade. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

Sincerely,

Charis Circle Board of Directors

Charis Circle and Charis Books and More
announce plans to open Charis Feminist Center in Atlanta in 2012!

Charis Books and More, Atlanta’s 37- year-old independent feminist bookstore, and Charis Circle, a 501C3 non-profit created to foster sustainable feminist communities, to work for social justice, and to encourage the expression of diverse and marginalized voices, will grow their 15 year partnership with the creation of the Charis Feminist Center.

Charis Books will sell the existing bookstore building located at 1189 Euclid Ave. and Charis Circle will begin a capital campaign and new building search effective immediately.

Charis seeks community members’ input and involvement at each stage of this process. A community led Center Transition Team currently seeks interested individuals to help envision and implement recommendations for the creation of the Center.

What Will it Look Like?
The Charis Feminist Center will be a reflection of the needs and desires of the multiple communities and constituents Charis serves.
Some possibilities include:

• An even better bookstore space.
• A coffee shop or cafe run by a community partner.
• Free wi-fi in expanded sitting/reading/work areas.
• Large programming space for readings, events, films, lectures, etc.
• Meeting rooms of various sizes.
• Rentable office space.
• A playground or outdoor space.

Where ever we go will:
Be fully-accessible to people of all abilities.
Be MARTA accessible.
Have lots of free parking!

What would you like to see in your Feminist Center