HO WE ARE

The  Community  for  Creative  Self-
Development (CCSD) is a Gay-positive, holistic learning community and friendship network dedicated to creative, spiritual, and psychological empowerment for Gay women and men and all Gay-friendly people. To us creative self-development means bringing the unconscious seed of individuality to flower in conscious awareness and expression. Experienced in creative approaches to self-development, we are dedicated to applying our talents to serve the Gay community. Our philosophy is embodied in the 12 Principles (see back panel).


CCSD was founded as the Program for Creative Self-Development (PCSD) in 1991 by Lilli M. Vincenz, PhD, an early Gay activist turned psychotherapist, and by Nancy Ruth Davis, a metaphysical counselor, to realize a long-held dream. As life partners and as directors of CCSD, they hold its vision in trust and promote its expansion by inviting and integrating each participant's unique perspective and experience. In 1998, PCSD became the Community for Creative Self-Development.

UR MISSION

Love for ourselves and others is a cornerstone of our community. We are Gay women and men learning together, practicing the art of living and loving. Our goals are to (1) promote  the idea of creative self-development in the Gay community; (2) design Gay-positive activities for Lesbians and Gay men according to CCSD Principles; (3) nurture members in their personal and professional growth; and (4) be fully present at the unfolding of our lives.

PPORTUNITIES FOR YOU

We aim to increase pride in our identity and to affirm each person's uniqueness, intrinsic worth, and power. CCSD provides an opportunity to express your creativity and individuality and to share your skills in a variety of settings.

Personal and Professional Development
We hold a monthly Forum in the Ash Grove, which includes lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a core group meeting and creative self-development group. A monthly life-changing events group, a drumming and lovefreeing group, and a channeling and spiritual support group take place on Friday evenings. A bimonthly cultural enrichment outing features Gay-positive cultural events. We hold four inspiring seasonal retreats yearly. An anniversary celebration acknowledges CCSD milestones, introduces our vision and community to visitors, and honors achievements of members and guests. All activities are open to nonmembers for no fee, except for a $10 charge for retreats.

New Wave Newsletter and Website

Our quarterly New Wave contains articles, interviews, columns, poetry, essays, and a calendar of events. Our website posts a current calendar of activities, a copy of the newsletter, and much more: www.zzapp.org/PCSDJoy.

Membership Benefits

For $15 you receive a New Wave subscription, a waiver of retreat fees, a $10 discount on workshop and course charges, a chance to become involved in the planning of activities, and a warm welcome as a highly valued member to our network of evolving individuals.