Welcome to VOF Week 4: The Divine Feminine

Click here to access Week Four Assignment and Learning Material

Dear Beloved Applicants,

A year ago Voices of Our Future was just an idea. Jensine had a vision of a network of global Correspondents. Women who would learn to speak to the world in order to advance their dreams for social change and transformation in their lives and in their communities.

\"World Pulse gives me a new life because I can freely raise my voice. Yesterday my neighbors didn't want to hear anything from me but today the world is waiting for my voice. It is not just a dream, but it is also a power of revolution for me.

-Sunita, Nepal, young microfinance leader

As we started development of this program, we knew right away that we wanted something that was different than any program we had ever experienced. In a twist to traditional competitions, we encouraged you to support each other via feedback and problem-solving during the application process.

“Even if I am not chosen as one of the 30 correspondents, just participating in this process is a privilege and once in a life time chance that will impact me and my immediate community for a long time.”

–Ntowett, Kenya

We dared to remove the wo-man behind the curtain by making the evaluation process as transparent as possible. We strove to break down traditional roles of Applicants and Evaluators by weaving Web 2.0 into the evaluation process as well. Listeners were asked to introduce themselves to you and give transparent feedback about assignments, with a focus on voice, vision, and solutions.

The goal of the application has been to not only to select our Correspondents, but to also place us – women of varying backgrounds and education – on more equal footing. We've introduced the political landscape of media and women's empowerment, Web 2.0 concepts, opportunities provided by new media, the basics of blogging, tools for maintaining online security.

Together we are gaining self-awareness, confidence, and empowered leadership; improving our Internet Communication, writing, decision-making, and networking skills; nurturing collaborative relationships with each other, and our allies, across the globe; and increased visibility and resources for issues and challenges we face.

“I am motivated by the many girls and women who have wanted to speak out but have no space for this. I am in a position to amplify their voices and give them feedback. I will therefore be failing in my duty as an ambassador of women’s rights if I didn’t not grab the opportunity to be part of the ‘voices of future’. This is a step in fulfilling my personal vision of a community where women and girls are visible actors and agents of change.”

–Sophie, Young Women's Leadership Institute, Kenya

Week four is about the power of the Divine Feminine and expressing your unique vision for change. Don't hold back. We're listening.

Your Program Developers,
Elsie, Scott, and Jennifer

PS Click here to access Week Four Assignment and Learning Material