Spring 2023
Celebrating 50 Years and Still Exploring Online via Zoom
WomenExplore retains its familiar format. On eight Thursdays via Zoom from 9th March to 11th May expert speakers offer their insights into the some of the issues that WomenExplore has been exploring since it came into existence as the Theological Opportunities Program 50 years ago. Two sessions, on 20th April and 4th May, will be in person.
Focus talk:
To set the issue a WomenExplore participant gives a short talk describing how the day's topic has intersected her life and affected her thinking.
Schedule of Events on Zoom:
11:30 am
Focus talk
12 noon
Main Lecture and questions
1:00 pm
Participatory discussion
See printable program for Spring 2023.Location:
Lectures are online using Zoom.Go here to register.
In-person Events:
20th April A nature walk through Mt Auburn Cemetery
4th May Interactive performances by the True Story Theater
More details about these events will be forthcoming.
Focus lecture: Muna Killingback, Tracey Hurd and Maria Behnke, previous executive directors WomenExplore
The Power of Radically Inclusive Women-Centered Spaces
Timothy Patrick McCarthy
scholar, teacher, activist, Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Kennedy School
MAR
9
Poetry reading: Ival Stratford Kovner, Karen Sheahan, Lindsa Vallee
Aging with Wisdom: Opportunities and Challenges
Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle
writer, therapist and teacher, focusing on elder issues, spirituality and conscious aging, author of Aging with Wisdom
MAR
16
Focus: Ival Stratford Kovner
Nurturing Your Spiritual Self
Janet Cooper Nelson
Chaplain of the University, Director of the Office of Chaplains & Religious Life, faculty member at Brown University
MAR
23
Focus lecture: Barbara Villandry
Feminism’s Gains at Risk: Stemming the Tide
Linda Ai-Yun Liu
lecturer of Sociology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Massachusetts Boston
MAR
30
Focus comments: WomenExplore participants
Inspiring Women Leaders
Muna Killingback
Assistant Program Director, Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy, McCormack Graduate School, UMass Boston; second executive director of WomenExplore
APR
6
Focus lecture: Lindsa Vallee
The Path of Eco-Intimacy and Co-creation: Engaging in Healing of Our World
Peter Wohl
author of Wild Mind, Wild Heart: Discover Your True Self in Nature, Zen Buddhist teacher, registered Maine Guide
APR
13
IN PERSON
Nature Walk Through Mt Auburn Cemetery
Led by MaryMargaret Halsey
a WomenExplore participant and nature expert
APR
20
Focus lecture: Paula Chandoha
Our Home: Taking Care of Earth
Excerpts of online interview(s) with Robin Wall Kimmerer
botanist & founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at SUNY, enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, author of Braiding Sweetgrass
APR
27
Celebrating 50 Years of TOP/WomenExplore
IN PERSON
Performances by True Story Theater
bringing true stories from the audience to life through improvisatory drama. Share your story!
MAY
4
TOP/WomenExplore Story Quilt
A ritual creating a Story Quilt from the personal reflections of audience members
Facilitated by Lindsa Vallee
MAY
11
Spring 2022
Friendship, Distraction, Hardiness: The Complexity of This Moment
Focus lecture: Amy Banks speaks from her personal experience
Friendship
Amy Banks
psychiatrist, neurobiologist, at International Center for Growth in Connection and the Wellesley Centers for Women, author of Wired for Connection: The Surprising Link Between Brain Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships and Four Ways to Click: Rewire Your Brain for Stronger, More Rewarding Relationships and co-author with Isaac Knapper of Fighting Time: Exploring the Social Impact of Wrongful Conviction
MAR
17
Focus lecture: Mary Ann Serra
Wrinkles in Friendship
Roundtable Discussion
Audience members present their own stories and own views.
MAR
24
Focus lecture: Dorianne Low
The Attraction of Distraction
Pam Kristan
teacher, consultant and author of Awakening In Time: Practical Time Management For Those On a Spiritual Path, and The Spirit of Getting Organized
MAR
31
Focus lecture: MaryMargaret Halsey
Finding Balance and Right Relationship
Roundtable Discussion
Audience members present their own stories and own views.
APR
7
Focus lecture: Marcia Boehlke
Hardiness: Women’s Health and Heart
Dee Foley
nurse practitioner specializing in adult health care, former director of nursing at North Shore Community College
and Carla Pepka
previously director of activities at an independent living community, & responsible for overseeing therapeutic activities for those in long term care
APR
14
Focus lecture: Lindsa Vallee
Spiritual Health: Rituals & Practice
Roundtable Discussion
Audience members present their own stories and own views.
APR
21
Focus lecture: Barbara Villandry
Driving the Climate Crisis:To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question
Lizabeth Cohen
in Harvard Dept of History, Howard Mumford Jones Professor of American Studies, author of A Consumers’ Republic: The Politics of Mass Consumption in Postwar America
APR
28
Focus lecture: Susan Nulsen
Becoming a Minimalist
Roundtable Discussion
Audience members present their own stories and own views.
MAY
5
Focus lecture: A WomenExplore participant
Becoming Emotionally and Spiritually Hardy
Janet Cooper Nelson
chaplain at Brown University, supervising a ministry serving a multi-faith, multi-ethnic community
MAY
12
Focus lecture: Paula Chandoha
Taking Action!
Roundtable Discussion
Audience members present their own stories and own views.
MAY
19