About the Isis Institute of Women's Studies

Purpose

The Isis Institute of Women's Studies is founded upon the following beliefs:

• Women must have a forum where they can speak freely and explore ideas in the spirit of their connectedness to one another and their community,
• Women have a profound contribution to make to their culture,
• As women become more aware of their personal resources, self-worth and creativity, they are empowered to deal more effectively with events that impact their lives, families and communities.

To that end, the Institute was formed as an educational entity. Isis does not offer psychological therapy, but is designed to:

• Provide a stable and nurturing environment where women with varying experiences and backgrounds come together to study and discuss a confluence of ideas that deal with the feminine perspective,
• Further the status of women and the feminine understanding of how to solve problems that exist in today's society.

It is the intent of the Isis Institute to respect and encourage the richness of diversity in spiritual development, racial and cultural heritage, philosophy, experience, education and age of those who take part in its activities.

Activities

It is the goal of the Isis Institute to offer

• A variety of lectures, classes, and workshops and other events that deal with psychological, philosophical, economic and spiritual concerns to women
• Topics chosen to help women on their inner journey of self-discovery and growth and to help them become more aware of choices open to them in various stages of life
• Events scheduled at different times and costs, in order to make it possible for women of various ages and financial means to participate in the activities — whether they are single or married, mothers who have business careers, women who have careers as homemakers, etc.
• Instructors trained and experienced in the specific topics they teach.

Some past studies have included:

• The history of women
• The changing family today
• The psychology of the feminine, masculine, and shadow aspects of women
• The changing role of women
• Self defense
• Psychology
• Women's journey to wholeness
• Myth

We are delighted when presenters choose to offer their services at a low charge or gratis, but we also respect presenters' needs, as women, to empower themselves by making a living. Women's work is worth paying for.

The Institute offered its first public lecture in 1995. Any person or organization that would like to sponsor an event of interest to women can contact the Isis Institute with a proposal (see Booking Isis' Meeting Space for more information). Such offerings must be approved by the Board of Trustees and be within the purview, purpose and charter of the Institute.

From time to time, Isis hosts special events. So far in the twenty-first century, we've celebrated with a Resurrection Gala, an Honoring Isis Founding Mothers Wynette Barton and Jan Carlson, The Queen of My Self workshop with author and urban shaman Donna Henes, a Retreat at Stonehaven Ranch, and Final Meeting of Isis Institute and Blossom Foundation Boards.

We look forward to seeing you at future events and getting your ideas of what you'd like to see from Isis in the way of services, workshops, classes, retreats! We'd love to share our vision of where we would like to see Isis soar!

Non-Profit Status

The Isis Institute of Women's Studies is a non-profit educational institution incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas in 1994. The Institute's Federal ID is 74-2656177 and Texas Secretary of State filing number is 125416401; a copy of the bylaws is available. Isis is governed by a Board of Trustees which plans and approves all of the curricula and activities of the Institute.

Funding

As a non-profit organization, Isis is supported by funds realized from its classes, retreats and other activities as well as membership dues and personal contributions. Members of the Board of Trustees serve without remuneration. Those instructors who do not donate their services are paid by the Institute.

It is the policy of the Isis Institute to charge fees for its programs. However, if a presenter wishes to donate a program, the Isis Institute welcomes such gifts.

Scholarships

As they are available, partial and full scholarships are awarded to women who are recommended to the Board of Trustees. It is hoped that these studies and activities will create a supportive sisterhood among those who participate.

Suggestions and Contacts

If you have ideas, suggestions, concerns, or comments about the Isis Institute and its activities, please communicate to an officer of the Isis Board of Trustees. We want to hear from you about Isis.

Wynette Barton
President
wbarton2@austin.rr.com

Valerie Turullolas
Vice President
valeriet@mail.utexas.edu

Kim Fry
Treasurer
kimfry1@verizon.net

Jan Carlson
JaniceMia@prodigy.net

Barbara Cigainero
cigainero@aol.com

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Page last updated December 28, 2007