Communities

"This Program is devoted to recapturing the history of women, helping them move forward to be all they can be—in leadership roles—by empowering them...The research by the WSRP scholars will improve our lot in life as women, our daughters lives, and society in general."

-Arlene Hirschfeld, Denver, Colorado

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

Women throughout the country have responded to the scholarship promoted by the WSRP. In many parts of the country these women come together, drawn by their shared interest in the importance of the work that is fostered by the program. It is their belief that the scholarship must be promoted beyond the academic audience. They hold discussions of recently published books, host presentations by WSRP scholars that brings the scholarship to a larger informed lay audience, and help develop financial support.

The Colorado Story

The headline in the article in Women's Philanthropy reads "Colorado women raise $1 million for Women’s Studies in Religion Scholar." This is a marvelous story about a group of Colorado women who took it upon themselves to endow one of the five visiting scholar positions. Asked why they support a program at Harvard, where few have a connection other than the WSRP, the answer is invariably because the scholarship promoted through the WSRP "will improve our lot in life as women, our daughters' lives, and society in general."

Religion can be used to oppress women or to liberate women. It makes a difference who tells the story. The scholars in the WSRP tell a story that will help liberate women.

National Leadership Conference

This meeting held annually in Cambridge provides an unusual opportunity to merge the ground-breaking findings of the program's scholars with the experiences of women leaders in the professions, philanthropy, and civic affairs.

The conference includes panel discussions, presentations by the visiting scholars, keynote addresses by women leaders in business and philanthropy and renowned women scholars, and interactive round table discussion with all participants. Supporters of the program who have given $5,000 or more, or who wish to do so now and join the National Leadership Committee, are invited.

WSRP Director's Council

Overview

The Director's Council consists of women leaders who appreciate the synergy between feminism and faith. Members are committed to expanding women's roles in faith communities, countering negative stereotyping of women in patriarchal religion, and creating and sustaining scholarship that advances the equality of women.

The role of the WSRP Director's Council is to advise the director on matters of outreach, communication, visibility, and fundraising in order to develop an international network of support for women's research and writing in feminist theology, history, and faith-based identity.

Mission Statement

To advance the public knowledge and understanding of the roles women have played and continue to play in faith traditions, and the significance of those traditions in determining women's role in society. To encourage the inclusion of feminist scholars in public debates about religious teachings on the role of women and their implications for public policy.

Membership Criteria (some combination of the following)

• Interest in the confluence between women's issues and religious discourse and practice
• Contribute or raise $10,000 annually in support of the WSRP
• Capacity to advise the director and staff of the WSRP, based on experience and professional or technical competence
• Networking potential
• A passion for transforming sexist institutions

Members are invited to attend:

• Annual Director's Council Meeting
• Annual WSRP January National Leadership Conference (see above)—An annual conference at which WSRP leadership have an opportunity to interact with scholars and hear presentations of their most recent research
• Dean's Weekend—In-depth, thematically based exploration of scholarship taking place at HDS

Members are invited to advise on:

• Conference planning
• Suggest applicants for WSRP Visiting Scholar appointments
• Suggest appropriate additional board members
• Outreach activities to increase access to new constituencies