Chalk Circle

OUR PURPOSE Founded by volunteers in 2014, we engage the community with credible, relatable and empowering information regarding gender literacy and equality. Our priority populations are young people and people from traditionally marginalised demographics. To engage these groups we run educational programs and events designed to balance critical engagement with fun, safe and interactive conversations. WHY 'CHALK CIRCLE'? Chalk Circle, as both an organisation name and concept, acknowledges that people often feel compelled to operate as though a faint chalk line is drawn around them, restricting them to specific gender roles and responses. This chalk outline also references the serious and sometimes violent outcomes that can occur when resources are unequally distributed and gender roles are rigid (VicHealth, 2007). Chalk Circle articulates the opportunity to create awareness around gender roles and work through educative models and structures to erase restrictions due to gender. Importantly, Chalk Circle presents an opportunity to rub out a past of gender inequality; and draw a future in which all people, especially those from traditionally marginalised demographics, are equal. WHAT IS 'GENDER LITERACY'? ‘Gender literacy’ is an evolving concept that recognises the merit of encouraging the community to have conversations regarding gender roles and gender inequality. Emma Goldman famously said that ‘the most violent element in society is ignorance’. This is why at Chalk Circle we believe that setting a standard whereby the community is expected to be ‘gender literate’ places the onus on society to critically engage with the effects of rigid gender roles and their relationship with gender inequality, discrimination, oppression and sometimes violence. ORGANISATION VALUES At Chalk Circle we take our values seriously. For every deliberation, decision and action we make, we ensure our choice is framed by, and accountable to, our organisation values: Accessibility Bravery Empowerment Gender Equality Integrity Kindness Passion Respect Wisdom