Visionary Women
Since its conception in 2016, Visionary Women sessions offer immersion in five religious settings and facilitate the creation of meaningful relationships in a small group environment. Interfaith Philadelphia encourages and supports participants of Visionary Women to continue their interfaith learning and collaboration with each other outside of our monthly meetings and moving forward within their own communities.
Individuals in this program seek to:
- Increase their religious literacy through visits to different faith communities in the Greater Philadelphia area;
- Lean into layered, and sometimes uncomfortable, conversations that explore the intersections of gender and race in different faith communities;
- Develop a deeper understanding of their own personal identity/tradition; and
- Feel empowered by learning with social justice advocates of all experience levels.
Session Outline
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Introduction to sacred space or gathering place
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Paired Conversation
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Panel of diverse voices of leadership from the featured faith community
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Dialogue in small groups
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Closing
Frequently Asked Questions
The first half of the session is dedicated time for the host community to introduce their faith to the women in the cohort and share what they find meaningful and important. They represent their views through an introduction followed by a panel discussion. Participants have the opportunity to also ask questions and interact with the panel.
During the second half of the session, the cohort separates into small groups - the same small group meets monthly to build connection and trust as each woman shares her beliefs and perspectives regarding specific conversation prompts.
Visionary Women promotes understanding between women of different faith backgrounds and beliefs. It is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation in a safe and supportive environment. It is also an opportunity to deepen one's own identity and traditions while discussing them with others. Visionary Women helps participants expand knowledge, skills, and relationships to understand faith perspectives that may be new to participants.
Visionary Women sessions are an opportunity to strengthen our personal beliefs and share with others. By getting into deep conversations with others who truly want to learn from us, often with people who do not know anyone from our faith on a personal level, we find meaning in our own faith and beliefs. We also have an opportunity to dispel misconceptions and understand why, and what, our faith (as well as other faith traditions) teach and practice. Women emerge with a stronger sense of self and identity. One core tenet of Visionary Women is that each participant is invited to stand tall in their own faith identity and not to make efforts to convert anyone to another faith.
We hope that you will continue finding interfaith conversations and promoting dialogue through Interfaith Philadelphia, through your own community, and/or with your new Visionary Women contacts.
Contact Kes Messinger at [email protected]
Or Bronwen Mayer Henry at [email protected]
Testimonials
"Participating in Visionary Women enabled me to see differences between the different types of faith in the US and how that impacts our lives in the world."
“It’s been an incredible experience meeting inspiring women from diverse backgrounds and visiting places of worship I had never entered before. Each encounter has deepened my appreciation for the richness of the faith traditions and the power of interfaith connection.”
“The energy of so many women open and excited to share with each other has been magical.”
“The facilitators really help to create a sense of safety and warmth.”
“I appreciated learning more about other people’s religious practices, meeting people who practice different beliefs and being able to ask questions.”
“I loved meeting in a small group. We had such thoughtful and insightful conversations. I feel very connected to them. I bonded with several women who were not in my group. I made new friends.”
“It was inspiring to have interaction with other women who are looking to learn about each other with open minds and open hearts. There is more that brings us together than divides us if we just take the time to listen to each other.”
Contact Us
Tell us more about your needs by completing our intake form.
A team member will reach out to you within two business days to set up a time to talk or meet.
