Visionary Women

Visionary Women is an intergenerational program engaging issues at the intersection of religion, gender, race, and social justice concerns. As we move to create a group that is culturally, religiously, and ideologically diverse – we encourage participation in this experiential dialogue. Participants do not need to identify with a religious tradition or be a member of a congregation to enroll. This program welcomes all 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.

*Please note that each participant is placed in a small dialogue group of diverse participants, which will meet at every session. Therefore, attendance is essential to ensure that small groups can form meaningful relationships and participate in dialogue. Applicants should have no more than one known date conflict with the program.

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

Introduction to sacred space or gathering place
Paired Conversation
Panel of diverse voices of leadership from the featured faith community
Dialogue in small groups
Closing

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the VW session/gathering?

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.

What is the goal of the program?

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.

Why would we want to learn about other faiths if we are happy in our own faith?

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.

What happens after Visionary Women ends?

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.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?

Contact Kes Messinger at [email protected]

Or Bronwen Mayer Henry at [email protected]