Growing up today can feel confusing and overwhelming for many girls. Rapid physical changes, social pressures, and messages from media can leave young women unsure of who they are or how to trust themselves.

For most of human history, communities supported girls through the transition into young womanhood with guidance, storytelling, and ceremony. Girls were surrounded by older women and mentors who helped them understand their bodies, their voices, and their growing place in the world.

The Becoming Circle is a space created to restore some of that missing support.

This ongoing circle offers girls a place to gather regularly in community with one another—to share honestly, learn about the changes they are experiencing, and step into their growing strength and confidence with guidance and mentorship.

What Happens in the Circle

The Becoming Circle is a monthly gathering for girls ages 10–13, supported by older teen mentors who have already begun navigating many of the same transitions.

Each gathering includes a blend of:

• Sharing circles where girls can speak openly and be witnessed

• Guided conversations about topics like puberty, body changes, friendships, boundaries, emotions, and identity

• Creative practices such as journaling, art, and storytelling

• Somatic and mindfulness activities that help girls connect with their bodies and intuition

• Ritual and ceremony honoring the threshold of growing up

The tone of the circle is warm, welcoming, and age-appropriate. Girls are invited to participate at their own comfort level while gradually building trust and confidence within the group.

Why Rites of Passage Matter for Girls

Across cultures and throughout history, communities have marked the transition from girlhood into young womanhood with intention and care. These rites of passage helped girls understand the physical, emotional, and social changes they were experiencing. They were surrounded by mentors, stories, and ceremonies that affirmed their worth and belonging.

In our modern culture, many girls navigate these thresholds without clear guidance or supportive spaces to ask questions, reflect, and be witnessed. As a result, moments that could be empowering can instead feel confusing or isolating.

Rites-of-passage work restores something essential:

a sense that growing up is meaningful, supported, and worthy of being honored.

In the Becoming Circle, girls are given a space to:

• explore the changes happening in their bodies and lives

• develop confidence in their voices and choices

• build supportive friendships with other girls

• receive mentorship from older teens and caring adults

• experience rituals that affirm their growth and transformation

When girls feel seen, supported, and guided during this stage of life, they are far more likely to step forward with self-trust, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

The Becoming Circle is designed to offer that kind of space.

Mentorship Between Girls

One unique element of the Becoming Circle is the presence of teen mentors (ages 14+).

These mentors are young women who have recently navigated many of the same transitions and wish to support younger girls as they grow.

Mentors are not expected to have everything figured out. Instead, they are invited to bring their presence, their lived experience, and their willingness to show up with care.

This role is both a way of giving back and a meaningful opportunity for personal growth.

Mentors help create the tone and culture of the circle.

They support the space by:

• welcoming younger girls into the group

• helping create a sense of safety and belonging

• listening with care during sharing circles

• participating in activities and discussions

• modeling kindness, respect, and healthy communication

• supporting small group conversations when invited

Mentors are not responsible for leading the group or taking care of others’ emotions. Their role is to walk alongside, not to carry.

What Mentors Receive

Mentorship is also a space for the mentors themselves.

Through this role, mentors have the opportunity to:

• build confidence and leadership skills

• deepen their ability to listen and communicate

• reflect on their own growth and experiences

• be part of a meaningful, supportive community

• gain experience supporting others in a thoughtful and grounded way

• receive glowing recommendations from Reena for future job, internship, and professional opportunities

Support & Guidance

Mentors are supported throughout the process.

Before the circle begins, mentors will attend a short orientation to help them feel prepared and comfortable in their role.

During gatherings, Reena will be present to guide the space, offer support, and step in whenever needed.

Mentors are never expected to handle anything on their own.

Expectations

Mentors are asked to:

• attend gatherings consistently when possible

• participate in a mentor orientation

• show up with respect, care, and openness

• maintain confidentiality within the group

• communicate if they are unable to attend

Who This Is For

This role is a good fit for girls who:

• are 14 or older

• feel drawn to supporting younger girls

• are thoughtful, kind, and willing to listen

• are interested in personal growth and self-reflection

• want to be part of a meaningful community

Mentorship creates a powerful sense of intergenerational connection, where girls can learn not only from adults but also from those just a few steps ahead of them on the path.

You don’t have to be perfect to be a mentor—just willing to show up, be yourself, and care.

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?

Girls ages 14 and up who feel called to support younger girls are invited to apply.

Mentors will receive guidance and support from Reena in their leadership role and will be an important part of shaping the circle culture.