Sisterhood is an organization of women with a common interest, as for social, charitable, business, or political purposes and a yurt is an open tent.

“We bring faculty and staff together on a more spiritual component, how their work fits into the mission of the school, we build support and enhance communication to get to know each other better,” said Virginia Valenzuela, associate director of the Center for Women.

The upcoming retreat will be only the second for these ladies of the yurt, but they will be putting it together from the meals to the sessions. The idea is loosely based on the book “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamart, said Valenzuela.

Part of the name was taken from the first retreat which was held in Borne as they would always meet in a “yurt,” for the major sessions, so they decided their name would be the “sisterhood of the yurt.” This year it will be held in Hunt from March 28-30. All faculty and staff are welcome.

These women have wasted no time getting involved or making a name for themselves. On the recent Spirit Day, they set out three red tents in honor of their name, and gave out information about health, prayer, and provided messages such as, “We have to take care of ourselves, through mind, body and spirit.”

The group was also active last November in sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner for the students who didn’t go home for the holiday. The turnout, however, wasn’t as large as expected.
“We figured it was because it was the first year to do this and maybe a lot (of students) were not really sure, but we plan to do it again next year and we hope for more attendance,” said Valenzuela.

The Sisterhood has meetings every month on Wednesdays. If you are interested, you can contact Virginia Valenzuela at the Elliot House, or e-mail her at valev@lake.ollusa.edu.