I’m away this week, off in Utah speaking at a conference and flexing my brain muscles.
I’m really excited about the panels I’m participating in, but I also signed myself up for a crazy amount of work.
Thursday August 5th:
11:15 – 12:45
ARE WE MOVING TOWARD WHOLENESS? WOMEN AND THE FEMININE IN MORMONISM
Wholeness, balance, and inclusiveness characterize maturity. This panel will consider the relationship of both the masculine and the feminine and women and men in the LDS Church. Are feminine and masculine principles, values, and perspectives balanced in Church teachings and structures? Does the Church encourage and provide resources for the spiritual development of both men and women? Do men and women receive equal opportunities to develop their talents and serve in the Church? Do the governing structures of the Church reflect and work toward wholeness, balance, and inclusiveness?
2:15 – 3:15
LINE UPON LINE: HOW THE NEW PERSONAL PROGRESS/DUTY TO GOD PROGRAMS ARE DEFINING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
I* will compare and contrast the new Personal Progress/Duty to God programs and discuss how the requirements, suggested goals, and reading assignments are similar/different for the girls and boys. I will also explore how the Proclamation on the Family has been integrated into the Primary program, discuss what seems to be the most quoted portion of the Proclamation, and examine the possible ramifications based on the rather narrow way it is quoted/used in Primary/YM/YW.
*[I’ll be responding to this author’s paper – RD]
4:45 – 6:15
THE STORIES WE TELL: HOW AN UNPLEASANT TRUTH CAN BE MORE INSPIRATIONAL THAN A PLEASANT FICTION
The stories found in most LDS publications almost always result in a predictably happy ending, but life doesn’t usually wrap up so tidily. Divorce, addiction, abuse, disability–they happen to the best of us no matter how righteous we are, and many of us feel the impulse to hide tragedy in our lives. While it can be terrifying to open up about heartbreaks and disappointments, there are surprising benefits to be found, both for those who share and those who listen. Join a panel of bloggers as they discuss why they share and what the results have been.
Saturday August 6th
2:15 – 3:15
THE ROLE OF FEMINISTMORMONHOUSEWIVES.ORG IN THE “MATURING” OF MORMON FEMINISM
The Salt Lake Tribune religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack asked, “Where have the Mormon feminists gone?” The answer came back: to the Internet. But does online feminism translate to change in the real world? What strides have we made, and how far do we still have to go? Is discussing gender concerns in a public forum causing more harm than good? What does Mormon feminism look like today? A panel of women from the Feminist Mormon Housewives blog share their stories and take your questions.
So while I’m off consorting with some of the most brilliant people I’ve ever even heard of and trying to keep up, Atti will be playing with Grandma, eating ice cream for every meal and breaking every rule I’ve set.
See you all next week!