top of page

An introduction: Building Brave Spaces with Claire's Communities

Writer: Claire WoodwardClaire Woodward

Updated: Jun 13, 2024

My life has been transformed by the communities I’ve been privileged to be a part of. From growing up in Colorado, attending college in Utah, to moving to Indiana for graduate school, through all of life’s transitions, communities have been my anchor. They have celebrated my wins, mourned my losses, and held my hand through everything in between. Being part of a community where I can tell my story and hear the stories of others has been life-changing.


  • 2017: Starting grad school, I wasn’t alone.

  • 2018: Navigating a faith transition, I wasn’t alone.

  • 2021: Experiencing a traumatic emergency C-section, I wasn’t alone.

  • 2023: Miscarrying my baby girl at 16 weeks, I wasn’t alone.

  • 2023: Getting pregnant with my rainbow baby boy, I wasn’t alone.

  • 2024: Delving into money management and career transitions out of academia, I wasn’t alone.





The Power of Storytelling in Community Building

I’ve always believed that the best communities are brave spaces—places where people show up as their authentic selves. They offer room to laugh, cry, voice discomfort, disagree, and explore. One of the core values of Claire's Communities is storytelling. It’s a powerful tool for connection. As John Steinbeck beautifully put it:

“We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome. One of our ancient methods is to tell a story begging the listener to say — and to feel — 'Yes, that’s the way it is, or at least that’s the way I feel it. You’re not as alone as you thought.’”


Diverse Communities for Varied Needs

At Claire’s Communities, we offer a range of communal courses designed to foster solidarity and learning. Here are some of the key communities we’ve built:


Money Circles

Money can be a taboo topic, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Money Circles encourage open discussions about finances, helping members learn and grow together.


Faith and Feminism

Exploring the intersections of faith and feminism, these communities provide a safe space to discuss religious experiences and social issues.


Workplace Communities

Navigating the professional world can be challenging. Our Workplace Communities offer support and guidance for career building and work-related issues.


Pregnancy Loss

Experiencing pregnancy loss is heart-wrenching, but you don’t have to go through it alone. This community offers a supportive environment to share and heal.


Making Motherhood Work

Parenthood comes with a variety of challenges and we're here to celebrate the wins and commemorate the losses.


Our Mission

Claire’s Communities is dedicated to creating spaces where people can connect meaningfully. When we are open with each other, willing to make mistakes, and eager to learn, we build powerful connections. No one should feel lonely all the time, and joining one of these communities is a step towards fostering a sense of belonging while sharing your own thoughts and experiences.

Communities can bond over various interests—language learning, books, knitting, religious experiences, social issues, money, grief, career building, work. Find whatever brings people together and join us.


Follow us on Instagram at

@clairescommunities

.

Let’s build brave spaces together.

Comments


Contact me

Claire Woodward

clairescommunities@gmail.com

IG: @clairescommunities

Claire's Communities logo

Driven by my passion for community-building, I have facilitated numerous discussion groups both in-person and virtually. I've also had the privilege of teaching and designing university courses since 2015 and received my PhD in 2024. 

Earning my PhD inspired me to develop accessible, discussion-based courses that bring people together to (re)connect with friends, family, and acquaintances. As an experienced researcher and teacher, I’m excited to share these community courses with you to build your own spaces of belonging. So, let’s get started on this journey of learning, connection, and growth!

Claire Woodward Profile

Subscribe here for all of our updates!

Thank You for Subscribing!

bottom of page