A Reciprocity Ring for the Middle Tennessee Community
What is Gaia’s Web?
Gaia’s Web is a community gathering built on the principles of mutual aid: people bring forward needs— logistical, emotional, creative, or otherwise— and the group offers help, including but not limited to resources, connections, ideas, assistance, listening, and solidarity.
The idea for this community offering was inspired by the Reciprocity Ring model, originally developed by Wayne and Cheryl Baker, and popularized by Adam Grant in his book, Give and Take. This practice is rooted in what is often called generalized reciprocity: helping others without expecting immediate return, trusting that acts of giving circulate and strengthen communal well-being.
We also recognize that networks of mutual aid and community care like Gaia’s Web are not new. The roots of this model can be traced to practices like the Kula ring, a ceremonial exchange system of the Trobriand Islanders of Papua New Guinea. In the Kula, men undertook long and often dangerous ocean voyages to exchange necklaces and armbands. Though these items held little material value, the exchanges created enduring networks of relationship, obligation, and alliance. The Reciprocity Ring model later developed by the Bakers was inspired in part by this tradition. We honor and credit the Trobriand Islanders for this system, and we hold gratitude for their wisdom in shaping practices of giving that extend far beyond transactional exchange.
Who Should Come?
Anyone in our community who has something they need and something they can offer— no matter how small.
Folks who are craving connection, support, hope, community, or new ideas.
We highly value the participation of folks from marginalized communities (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled folks, folks from under-represented or oppressed backgrounds), whose voices and needs are too often overlooked.
Truly, anyone with positive intent is invited and has value to bring.
When & Where
🌱 WHEN: Every first Saturday of the month, 10-11am CT
On months where the first Saturday aligns with a holiday, please check our Gaia’s Web page or Instagram for info on alternative date/time.
🌱 WHERE: The Gaia Center is located on the 4th floor of the Cavalier Building at 95 White Bridge Pike. (Cavalier is a 5-story white and black building set slightly back from the main road.) Parking is available in front of and behind the building. When you arrive, go up to the 4th floor and left down the hall to suite 403 (which is just one door past our main suite, 405.)
**You can also attend Gaia’s Web virtually, however, we encourage you to attend in-person if able!
**Advance registration required.
What to Expect
10 – 10:05
Welcome & Opening: check-in, setting intention, brief grounding, clarifying norms (listening, confidentiality, respect, speaking for oneself)
10:05 – 10:20
Request Round: each person who has come with a request shares what they need (1-2 minutes), being as specific as possible
10:20 – 10:50
Offering & Support: group responds, offering resources, connections, ideas, encouragement; facilitator helps track offers and clarify follow-ups
10:50 – 11:00
Reflection & Closing: share what came up, what felt surprising or meaningful; gratitude; commitments to follow up; check-out
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Generosity & Mutuality: Everyone both asks and gives; giving and receiving are equally important.
Safety & Inclusion: What’s shared stays here; share only what you feel okay sharing; we honor different experiences and identities.
Specificity: The more concrete and clear the request, the more likely folks can help.
Follow-through: Commitments to help are real; even small actions matter.
Accessibility & Equity: We aim to make the space welcoming to all, especially marginalized folks.
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Please sign up ahead of time. Indicate on the form whether you plan to come in person or virtually. (Note that if there are no in-person sign-ups, the facilitator will NOT be at our office— so please let us know if your plans change so they don’t come in unnecessarily.)
Sign up for the November 1st meetup here.
The link to join virtually will be sent to folks who have signed up in the email reminder a few days prior to the event.
Come with one clear request in mind. Of course, there is no guarantee that every request presented will have someone able to meet it. This is why getting the word out about this offering is so helpful— the more people present, the more we can help fulfill requests.
A few examples of requests:
“I’m looking for a childcare swap with another parent”
“I’d love advice on starting a podcast.”
“I need help moving a couch next weekend.”
“I need someone to feed my cat for a couple of days.”
“I’m interested in learning some basic gardening.”
Be open to offering something in response to one request,even if it’s a small resource, idea, connection, or listening.
Bring whatever helps you take notes or follow up (notebook, phone, etc.).
The gathering will start on time and end on time, and we ask that you do your best to arrive on time to show respect for the group.
Questions about Gaia’s Web?
⭐️ Email us at hello@gaiacenter.co or text/call 615.270.8117.
Questions about therapy services with The Gaia Center?
⭐️ We’d love to help. Reach out on our Contact page or at the number above!