The Process of Change
It is easy to forget that we are part of an evolution. When the news and personal logistics fill our days with worry and preparation, it is easy to think the present tense in our individual lives is all that matters.
Sometimes it is a shock to be reminded that we are inextricably connected to everyone and everything else, past and future. An unexpected death, the birth of a child, an intimate touch — these all have a way of arresting our attention and reminding us that we are impacted by a continuously changing series of moments.
This evolution is constant. At the micro level, our cells are transforming. At the societal level, our narratives are shifting. At the cosmic level, our universe is expanding.
I believe we need to spend less time focused on ourselves, our identities, and our worldview in opposition to others. Rather, we need to remind each other that we all are embedded in a process — influenced by imagination, memory, expectation, fear, hope — that shapes everything around us.
The women featured in this issue — and at our December5 Changemakers Gala — are recognized for their accomplishments. Yet I don’t think any of them believe their changemaking has been done in isolation.
Together, the women in these pages are contributing to a world that treats everyone — students in lunchrooms, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, people with hearing loss — as human beings who deserve respect, dignity, support, and access to what others might take for granted.
None of us are isolated thinkers and doers who discover and act on our own. Instead, we share our minds and energies in never-ending partnership. It is social interactions, over generations, that help us achieve and evolve as part of a collective process.
We are making change together every day.
We are all part of the ongoing story of the universe.
What Do You See With 20/20 Vision?
Minnesota Women’s Press is embarking on a powerful year of storytelling in these pages, on our website, and at several forums in 2020. We will share stories that help us see the world in a different way. Our first-ever Changemakers Gala on December 5 is designed to build our Storyteller Fund and expand our distribution. If you are not able to attend, please consider a donation so that we can offer discounted tickets to others: tinyurl.com/MWPGala2019
Special guests to be honored at the Gala
Entertainment by Sara Thomsen and the Tiumba African Dance Group drummers, plus games and giveaways.
January Topic: Origins
Our Tapestry section asks readers to respond to this question: What is your story about a starting place, or roots, that led you to who you are today? Send up to 300 words to editor@womenspress.com by December 4.
December Contents
(highlighted text will take you to the story)
Remembering — In Honor of Kari Larson
In the News — Local Election Results, ERA, Prison Reform
GoSeeDo — Women’s Art Festival, Black Nativity, Suffragists
Changemakers
Sarah Park Dahlen: Of Mirrors and Windows
Daniela R. Montoya-Barthelemy: Putting the Healthy Into Sexuality
Kim Norton: Building Sustainable Community
Valerie Shirley: Hearing in Community
Laura Connelly: Tapping Into Human Potential
Valerie Castile: Turning Tragedy Into Action
Elaine Wynne: Perseverance for Veterans
Antoinette Smith: Creator of New Data
Jill Ahlberg Yohe and Teri Greeves: Reclaiming Native Art
Joy Dolo: Creating Joy
Perspective —Tess Mertens-Johnson: Change on Turtle Bay
Spirituality — Pamela Ayo Yetunde: The Women of Seminary
Holiday — Lacey Squier: My Slowdown in the Kitchen
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