Thanksgiving/Fall/T-/Council/Counsel/Circle

Updated 11/20/16 7:00 p.m. (PST)

The annual gathering of the tribes, which takes place over the 4th of July, has a cyclical process. While various regions in the USA often host a Thanksgiving get together, this blog deals with the annual gathering. In Vermont this summer, vision council on the land reached consensus that the 2017 gathering will take place in Oregon.

But then what?

Because the Rainbow Gathering has no leaders, no board of directors, no staff and no one in charge of anything, we depend on people working together to do all the preparation for the gathering in the north east. So over the years a process has come together to make sure that planning is open to everyone who wants to be involved.

The year starts off with Thanks giving Council, T-Council, or Fall Council/Counsel over the four day weekend of the same name. This is a time for people interested in plugging in, talking about visions for the gathering, discussing scouting, strategies about legal issues, etc. to get together. (see we don't even agree on the name).

T-Council generally takes place in the state or region where we will be gathering although sometimes it happens in other areas not to far from the consensed upon areas. It's usually a camp, cook, council, share heart songs kinda of thing. Often but not always, the people at T-Council pick the dates for the Scout Rendezvous and Spring Council. Some times a PO box is established for snail mail and a banking council is formed to deal with any donations.

As with all things Rainbow, no experience is necessary, just a willingness to participate. Keep in mind this is not a gathering, it's a working council and the way this council unfolds sets the tone for the gathering.

I'm hoping that there will be a real mix of generations at T-Council. We need older people, we need younger people, we need more experienced gatherers and we need less experienced gatherers to come together to create a vision for a peaceful, healing and fun gathering in 2017. Be the change you want to see in this world.

Dear Family,

This year’s Fall Council will take place in the Eugene, OR , on:
 • Friday, Nov. 25th, from noon-7pm
 • Saturday, Nov. 26th, from noon-7pm
 • Sunday, Nov. 27th, from noon-5pm


There will be a potluck feast and circle on Thursday, November 24th. Please bring food to share.

Remember, this is not a gathering, but rather a working council to plan for the 2017 annual gathering in Oregon.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Parking and camping space is extremely limited on site!!!! If possible, please carpool and plan for alternate accommodations. When you arrive, be ready to unload your gear onto the property right away. Family will be there to keep an eye on your stuff and direct you where to park within a close radius.

Pet owners are strongly encouraged to leave their pets at home; there is no place for pets to shit!

This is a private home in a suburban residential neighborhood in Eugene. Please be respectful and help to maintain the quiet neighborhood vibe.

The address is 119 Arbor Drive, Eugene, OR 97404. Directions from I-5: take exit 195 from I-5. Take a right at the Y to go West on Randy Papé Beltline (OR Rte. 569) for 4.2 miles. Get off at Exit 8, and turn left on River Road. Drive for 1.3 miles, then turn left onto Arbor Drive. The house is on the left, at the corner of Rome Lane and Arbor. If you are driving a bus or large rig, you MUST call before arriving. Tel. 541 915-1295.

The communal kitchen will serve dinner on Thursday, brunch and dinner Friday and Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Please bring food to contribute, such as veggies, fruits, grains, pasta, bread, spices, coffee, tea, dairy and dairy-substitute products, and zuzus.
What to bring: cup, bowl, and spoon; food to share; green energy to donate to the hat for communal food and porta-potty rental; warm clothing and rain gear; visions, ideas, maps, positive vibes, and every good thing.

Limited sheltered floor space will be available for sleeping.
Prepare for wet, cool days, and wet, cold nights (this is Oregon, folks!).