Join us for an important community discussion: Cults&Culture is a forum for engaging dialogue about the role of power, authority and control in groups. The next monthly meeting is April 2, 2019 at the Morristown Centennial Library, 20 Lower Main St, Morrisville VT and is free and open to the public.
Everyone who has a sincere interest in how misused power can cause harm is welcome to participate in this respectful community dialog. The mission of Cults&Culture is to promote recognition and understanding of destructive power dynamics and how they manifest. Negative dynamics can develop in groups of all kinds and individuals can reduce the possibility of harm by remaining attentive to certain patterns. For example, destructive groups may require members to tithe or spend excessive amounts of money, make extreme demands on their time, limit their ability to make choices, and control who is acceptable for them to spend time with. All these patterns (and many more) can cause harm.
Cults&Culture discussion forum welcomes all individuals, including those who may have experienced destructive groups in the past or present, as well as those who are simply curious or concerned. All people who have a sincere interest in how misused power can cause harm are welcome to participate in this respectful community forum. The group facilitators will assure the discussion is focused on the dynamics, rather than identifying or defaming any one group. The intention is solely to promote constructive dialog and further recognition of harmful dynamics.
Each month, there is a different topic to start off the discussion. The April 2, 2019 meeting will use a document entitled 50 Traits of a Dangerous Cult Leader * to stimulate discussion and an exercise designed to promote recognition of these traits. After introductions and a brief presentation on the topic, the floor will be opened for discussion. The group is facilitated by Cult Awareness Educators Gerette Buglion of Hyde Park VT, and Mark Laxer of Cambridge, VT, author of Take Me for a Ride, Coming of Age in a Destructive Cult. Both facilitators have previous experience in a cultic group and are motivated to raise awareness on the dangers. Neither of them are affiliated with any larger institution beyond their personal and professional businesses.
The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Morrisville Centennial Library. For questions or if you would like to receive the list of 50 Traits before the meeting, contact Gerette Buglion at gerette@dreamhavenvt.com.
*By Joe Navarro M.A. Posted in Psychology Today, August 25, 2012
Dec 22, 2024, 7 to 9 PM
Smuggs Winter MarketDec 23, 2024, 2 to 5 PM
Teton Gravity Research "Make Believe"Dec 27 to 28, 2024