Women Weaving Worlds

Last night I had the great fortune to attend a benefit gala for the Women's Earth Alliance - an incredible organization that (in their word) "unites women on the front lines of environmental causes coordinating resources, training & networks to support thriving women, communities and earth."

The theme of the event - Women Weaving Worlds - could not have been more appropriate as WEA is a true alliance - born as and out of a network of collaboration and embodied through a collaborative network. And their rapid and substantial growth reflects the network effect. Just as WEA is a living embodiment of the spirit of interdependent connectedness, the event was like moving through a warm, rich tapestry of music, food, drink, beauty, conversation, and the radiant energy of purpose, passion, and action. As you may detect, it was highly inspiring, as were the people who attended.

The metaphor of Women Weaving Worlds is one I am coming to understand and deeply appreciate as I spend more time working with women on "women's issues." In late April, I had my first meeting with both Amira and Melinda (I had briefly met Melinda before), with three other women. Our meeting was a long hike to and from the beach, punctuated by a "meeting" on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

This weekend I head to Austin for Accelerating Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) meetings with FLOW colleagues, Nitsan Gordon of Beyond Words-Women in the Center in Israel, Joyce and Ken Beck of the Crossings, and others, for a couple days of "women Weaving Worlds." And the following week I travel to Vancouver at the invitation of Laura Mack of the International Leadership Association, Women of Worth, and more, who - in collaboration with other women who support women - is convening a progression of meetings to explore collaboration in the context of AWE, that reflects this same spirit of Women Weaving Worlds.

I must say I am delighted to be invited into these tapestries and find great inspiration and joy working with powerful, purposeful women. I am also delighted that my 10-year-old daughter Meryl Fé will be accompanying me on the trips to Austin and Vancouver and, while she will be occupied with play mates her age, I trust she will feel the power of the fabric and will learn much from the experiences and this is a very good thing!

Here's to women weaving worlds. May we all join in the process and create a beautiful, sustainable, and gigantic web.

Yours in Working for Good,

Jeff