Welcome. My name is Joseph Stands With Many. Some of you may already know me through my storytelling. Along with being a storyteller and educator, I also conduct Talking Circles and individual counseling. As best as I can I have tried to describe what my Talking Circles are about.
The Talking Circles that I conduct are based on my traditions. Before I say what my circles are let me first say what they are not. They are not sacred ceremonies or rituals. They are not esoteric or new age.
What they are is a way for people to come together and talk and LISTEN. We can all learn from each other, from our common experiences, and not so common experiences, and help one another.
I start my circles with a story. I hold the stick when I tell this story and everyone must be respectfully quiet. When I am done saying what I need to say I pass the stick. The person who has received the stick then talks and we all sit quietly and listen. A person does more listening than talking in my circles and I find nowadays that most people do not have this skill.
Traditionally Native people did not always use a stick. We knew by the silence of a speaker when they were done and when it was proper to speak next. But alas, even a lot of us Native people need to use the stick nowadays too.
As the facilitator I try to impart values and conduct that are truly Native and that I want to share with non-Native and Native people. I feel many of my people's values and codes of conduct could help us all as people, whatever our race, color, or creed may be. And let me say again, these are NOT sacred circles or ceremonies or rituals.
If you are interested in finding out more you can either call me or e-mail. I try to hold the circles once a month, depending upon if I have enough people expressing an interest and committing to be there that day or evening.
Depending on the number of people, which I try to keep at seven or under, the circle can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. I don't wear a watch when I am conducting a circle and I encourage everyone to take off thier watches.
I am also available for private groups that may wish to reserve an evening.
I am a storyteller and educator. I spend much of my time presenting programs at schools throughout the mid-atlantic region. The stories that I share in the schools and at my talking circles are the stories of my people, Aniyunwiya, Cherokee. These stories have been passed down to me through my family, Clan, and Elders.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson University which I received last century in 1979. I have a son, Zachary, who is 13 years old.
