Women, Power, and Possibility
I am sleeping much better since Saturday. I had the privilege of witnessing “woman power” in action. Seven amazing, energetic, visionary women led the Emma Willard community in a discussion of women, power and possibility as they inspired us with their can-do approach to social change. The lyrics of the 1972 Helen Reddy song came to mind as I listened to these articulate women explain precisely how they plan to make this world better and what they have done to make their vision real to date: “I am strong; I am invincible….I am woman.” With 800 present to hear the way in which these women had confronted challenge and come away victorious, the room was filled with vibrant possibility. Even better, the room was filled with hope.
In recent weeks as I watch the headlines and note with concern that politics and the media are framing the news in less than helpful ways, I am looking for evidence that we can turn the world in a new direction. I found that evidence in ample amounts on Mount Ida on Saturday morning. Now, the question: how can we as women leverage the power we felt in that moment? If you were in the room with us, lucky you. You know precisely what I am talking about. If you couldn’t join us, watch for a link to the discussion, it will make you sleep better, too.
Most important to me, as I talked with students throughout the rest of the weekend, they, too, were enthralled. They could see a way to be in the years ahead that was not only exciting, but necessary. There are so many reasons why I love the work I do. Experiencing the natural high of smart women collaborating to create constructive responses to complicated, entrenched social problems has to be right at the top of that list.
To those of you who were part of the weekend, I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions as we are already planning our next Women, Power and ? event. What would you like to see us tackle?
