Women. Period. Readings by Julia Watts, Jane Vollbrecht, Chezon Jackson, & more
Friday, January 9, 8:00-9:30pm
The anthology, Women. Period., collects poetry, essays, and short fiction by women on the topic of menstruation. Charis is pleased to welcome co-editor Julia Watts and contributors Jane Vollbrecht, Chezon Jackson, L. Mahayla Smith, Toni Powell, & Nancy Wahler as they read their accounts of how their monthly cycles have affected their lives. Come prepared to think, share, and laugh with these witty writers.
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Young Women* Writers
Monday, January 12 & 26, 5:00-6:15pm
This group is open to all young women* writers ages 14-19. Through facilitated writing prompts and supportive critique, participants are encouraged to raise their voices and express themselves through a variety of written mediums. Writers of all skill levels and genres are encouraged to stop in and see if the group works for them. This group meets the second and fourth Mondays of every month from 5-6:15pm. Please direct inquiries to elizabeth@chariscircle.org. *Trans inclusive

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Writing with Intent
Monday, January 12 & 26, 6:30-8:30pm
This facilitated group is open to all writers of fiction and creative non-fiction who want a serious group to provide constructive criticism, motivational exercises, and interpersonal accountability to keep their writing on track. We will do monthly exercises and critiques with an eye towards individual improvement and the eventual goal of publication. Writers are encouraged to bring copies of their work to share for critique. The group meets the second Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm. Please direct inquiries to elizabeth@chariscircle.org
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Exploring Genders Through Reading
Wednesday, January 14, 7:00-8:30pm
This facilitated book group meets on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss books that explore gender identity and representation. Join us in January to talk about The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families & Professionals, by Stephanie Brill & Rachel Pepper. Join us again in February to discuss What Becomes You, by Aaron Raz Link & Hilda Raz.
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Cliterati Open No-Mic with Megan Volpert
Thursday, January 15, 7:30-9:00pm
Charis & Cliterati pair up to present an inviting and fierce, open mic & reading series on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Hosted by the anarchic spoken word team of Karen G and Theresa Davis, members of the Art Amok Slam Team, this series cultivates the voices of authors, novices and an assortment of poets, songstresses and story tellers. Cliterati is 8 years old and counting, open to all because ALL OPEN MOUTHS HAVE A VOICE. This month's gathering will feature a performance by Atlanta poet Megan Volpert, also known as dr. madelyn hatter. Megan is the author of 3 poetry books and is a board member of Poetry Atlanta, as well as one of they key organizers for the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival.
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Akoma Book Club
Saturday, January 17, 10:30am-noon
The Akoma Book Club (of Women Healing Women) meets at Charis Books & More on the third Saturday of each month. This book club is open to any woman seeking camaraderie with like-minded women for fun, self-empowerment and growth. Even if you haven't read the book, but are willing to talk about the principles in the book, you can join us for a lively discussion. The book selection for January is The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama.
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Celebrating Change: A Feminist Inauguration Day Gathering
Tuesday, January 20, 7:00-10:00pm at Kavarna in Oakhurst
707 East Lake Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-371-1113
Charis and Atlanta WANDinvite you to join us in celebrating change, as we say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. We'll gather at Kavarna, where you can order food & drinks and sit back to watch inauguration day coverage with us on the big screen. We encourage you to bring your friends & family to this special celebration and community gathering, the second best place to be on Inauguration Day 2009.

Temba Tupu Readings: Nagueyalti Warren, Natasha Trethaway, Sharan Strange, & more
Thursday, January 22, 7:30-9:00pm
Charis is pleased to welcome Temba Tupu editor Nagueyalti Warren and contributors Natasha Trethaway, Sharan Strange, Lita Hooper, Tamara Madison, & others as they read from this amazing anthology of poetry by Africana Women. The poems in the anthology, Temba Tupu (Walking Naked): Africana Women's Poetic Self Portrait, center on Black women's consciousness, self-definitions, representations and reflections using a variety of poetic styles. Don't miss this unique chance to hear the words of so many talented women poets in one night!
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Scott Kellogg with Toolbox for Sustainable City Living
Tuesday, January 27, 7:00-8:30pm
Charis is very excited to host Scott Kellogg, co-author of Toolbox for Sustainable City Living and co-founder of the Rhizome Collective, for an evening workshop in urban ecological survival skills exploring the cross-section of permaculture and social activism. This workshop will overview skills, tools, and technologies usable by urban residents wanting to have more local access and control over life's essential resources: food, water security, waste management and energy production.  Using affordable, simple designs, we will discuss how to build sustainable infrastructure in our own backyards by utilizing salvaged and recycled materials. Scott will also discuss the interrelations between sustainability and class/race/international struggles.
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www.radicalsustainability.org
www.rhizomecollective.org

Queer Literary Fiction (QLF) Book Group
Wednesday, January 28, 7:00-8:30pm
This facilitated book group meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Charis to discuss books which feature queer characters/ storylines as well as a strong attention to literary craft and style. Join us in January to talk about Dearest Anne: A Tale of Impossible Love, by best-selling Israeli author Judith Katzir. Translated from Hebrew by Dalya Bilu, Dearest Anne is a stirring record of an artist's coming-of-age during the 1970s and the story of a hidden, erotic love affair between a teenaged girl and her married teacher, Michaela.

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Tim Wise with Speaking Treason Fluently
Thursday, January 29, 7:30-9:00pm
Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the United States. Join the Nashville based author of Affirmative Action and White Like Me at Charis as he reads from and discusses his new book, Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections From an Angry White Male. Bring your questions and come prepared to discuss the ways in which institutional racism continues to shape life in the U.S.

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Winter Wine-Tasting Celebration: A Charis Circle Fundraiser
Friday, January 30, 8:00pm at the Highland Bakery, $30 advance or $40 at the door
Join Charis Circle and community for a unique wine tasting event at one of our favorite neighborhood eateries, the fabulous Highland Bakery. We invite you to participate in our facilitated wine tasting, mingle with friends, enjoy baked goods & other refreshments, and listen to the live music of LaTonya Peoples, all while supporting the mission, vision, & programs of Charis Circle. Tickets are available online (click here) and in person at Charis Books & More for an advance donation of $30 (cash and checks only, please). Ticket prices at the door will be $40. Buy your advance tickets with a group for an extra discount-- pay just $100 for 4 tickets. Or, sign up between now and this event to make a recurring donation to Charis Circle of at least $10 a month (for 12 months) and we'll give you two free tickets to the wine tasting! Please visit www.chariscircle.org or call 404-524-0304 for more info.

The Highland Bakery is located at 655 Highland Avenue #10, Atlanta, GA 30312.

There are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Please contact Charis Circle board member Anna Kurien to learn more.