I have a custom of giving away gifts on my birthday. It started years ago after meeting John Blackfeather, a member of the Occaneechi people, one warm late summer day in North Carolina.
“Leigh,” John said to me. “We Native Americans do things a bit differently. We give gifts for birthdays.” He leaned back in his chair, steadying himself by propping his feet against the retaining wall in front of him. “You end up getting a whole lot more.”
And so my birthday custom was born. In the Native American giveaway ceremony, sometimes called a potlach, people gift items to family and friends to celebrate a birth, marriage, death, new home or some other significant life event. There are no strings attached, no thought of what one might get in return. What a way to look at the world. It paves the way for enormous personal growth.
This year — the third year of the exchange — is the biggest year yet. Twenty-five experts on everything from young adult to science writing to fiction and resume writing signed up to offer their knowledge for a grand total of 65 hours of mentoring.
And now, you can sign up for a chance to work with one of these women.
WHO IS THIS FOR & HOW DOES THE MENTORSHIP EXCHANGE WORK
It’s not easy finding guidance and opportunities to write, publish and further your career. If you don’t have the time, money or access, this is for you. If you’ve found yourself blocked because of your race or gender or any aspect of your identity, this is for you. I designed this writing exchange for you to find resources in a safe and supportive space.
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