Book Circle
Launching January 2026
At Omena Institute, we believe knowledge is a catalyst for transformation. The Omena Book Circle is a quarterly, membership-based book club created to spotlight the voices of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) authors from around the world.
This isn’t just a book club—it’s a global community of changemakers who come together to reflect, learn, and act on the ideas that shape a more equitable world for women and their communities.
Why Join the Book Circle?
- Center BIWOC Voices: Each quarter, we feature a powerful work written by a BIWOC author, creating space for perspectives too often excluded from mainstream narratives.
- Deepen Your Learning: Guided discussions, reflective prompts, and optional journaling exercises help participants connect insights to their own leadership and practice.
- Global Community: Exchange ideas with members from diverse geographies, backgrounds, and movements, building solidarity across borders.
- Private Learning Space: Members gain access to a dedicated online community where they can continue the conversation beyond the quarterly meetings.
Why Join the Book Circle?
- Quarterly Selections: One book chosen each season, announced in advance so participants can plan their reading.
- Virtual Gatherings: Members join a live, facilitated session each quarter to share reflections and explore key themes.
- Community Platform: Between gatherings, participants engage in dialogue through a private group on Bookclubs.com.
- Membership Contribution: As a paid program, membership supports the sustainability of Omena Institute’s public education and thought leadership initiatives.
Who Should Join?
The Omena Book Circle is for:
- Women changemakers, leaders, and advocates across sectors
- Allies committed to advancing racial, gender, and social equity
- Anyone passionate about learning from the brilliance of BIWOC authors and applying those insights to systemic change
Join Us
Be part of a community that values knowledge as power and collective learning as a pathway to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to finish the book to participate?
Not at all! While we encourage participants to read as much as they can, our guided discussions are designed so you can engage meaningfully whether you’ve read the whole book or just part of it.
How often does the Book Circle meet?
We meet once per quarter (four times a year). Each session focuses on one book chosen in advance, giving participants plenty of time to read and reflect.
Who can join the Omena Book Circle?
The Book Circle is open to anyone committed to advancing racial, gender, and social equity. While we center the voices and works of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) authors, all are welcome to join the conversations with openness and respect.
How long are the sessions?
Each session lasts about 90 minutes, with space for guided discussion, reflection, and community exchange.
What is included in my membership?
Your membership includes:
- Access to the quarterly live discussion sessions
- Guided reflection questions and journaling prompts
- A private online community space for ongoing conversation
Opportunities to connect with a global network of changemakers
Is there a fee to join?
Yes. Membership fees help sustain the work of Omena Institute and support our broader public education and thought leadership initiatives. We also strive to keep the Book Circle accessible by offering sliding-scale or solidarity pricing options.
How do I join?
You can sign up directly through our Bookclubs.com page. Once you register, you’ll receive details about the next book selection, meeting dates, and how to join the private community space.
How are the books selected?
Books are selected collectively by Book Circle members, ensuring that the voices and themes we explore reflect the interests and passions of the community itself.