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Jan/Feb 2025 | Vol. 82 No. 1

Genuine Spiritual Fellowship

By Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan
2024-2026 International President

hile working with the traditions, and unconventional career paths that can
WBylaws Revision Task lead to an educational career. So why do some members
Force on the revision of our oppose discussions about diversity, inclusion, equity,
governing documents, I found and accessibility (DEIA) in relationship to membership?
myself pondering the meaning The opposition often stems from fear — fear of change,
of ‘genuine spiritual fellowship’ fear of the unfamiliar, and fear of exclusion.
outlined in purpose one: To Fear of change. When confronted with the
unite women educators of the unknown, our minds often gravitate toward negative

world in a genuine spiritual fellowship. What does outcomes, leading to feelings of anxiety. This fear can
genuine spiritual fellowship truly mean and what does be heightened in diverse environments, where cultural
it look like? differences, language barriers, and varying social
Is genuine spiritual fellowship the unity that arises norms can create discomfort and misunderstandings.
from shared beliefs and convictions? Is it a personal For some, the presence of diversity challenges long-
relationship with something larger than oneself, such held beliefs and assumptions, resulting in a sense of
as a connection to the world? Is it actively uplifting vulnerability. While it is understandable to fear change,

and supporting one another through challenges? Is especially in the face of diversity, it is crucial to confront
it the close bonds formed from shared values that these fears to fully appreciate the benefits of a diverse
go beyond casual social interaction? Is it networking membership. By promoting education, dialogue, and
across geographical and generational boundaries? supportive leadership, we can transform anxiety into
Genuine spiritual fellowship encompasses all these acceptance and fear into opportunity. Embracing
aspects and more. It also involves authenticity and diversity not only enriches our lives but also paves the
inclusivity. Members should feel encouraged to be way for a more innovative and resilient future.
their authentic selves, sharing their journeys without Fear of unfamiliarity. Diversity introduces new
fear of judgment. This authenticity fosters trust and languages, customs, and perspectives. For those

openness, allowing for deeper connections. unaccustomed to these differences, the unknown can
Women often encounter unique challenges in both feel overwhelming. Different cultural backgrounds
their professional and personal lives. Creating a safe often lead to varying communication styles; what
space for sharing experiences, offering encouragement, is considered direct in one culture may be viewed
and building networks leads to a greater sense of as rude in another. This misalignment can cause
belonging. Genuine spiritual fellowship embraces misunderstandings and conflict, leading to fears that
inclusivity and diversity, welcoming individuals from collaboration will be hindered. We must interact, listen,

various backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, thereby and be open to learning from one another.
enriching membership and broadening perspectives. Fear of exclusion. It is important not to fear that
It is crucial to understand that diversity is not including others will diminish our experiences or
limited to race, gender, or age; it includes a wide range opportunities. In fact, the goal of inclusion is to broaden
of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, different our environment, allowing everyone to contribute and
ways of thinking, cultural variances, languages, benefit from shared experiences. See PRES p. 3

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