February 2005 | From the Editor
Honest Voices Among Us
by Bob Condor
About a year ago, I enjoyed an introductory lunch with Kris Steinnes, founder of the Women of Wisdom Conference, now in its 13th year (this month’s dates are Feb. 16 to 21 at Sand Point Magnuson Park, call 206-782-3363 or visit www.womenofwisdom.org). One of Evergreen Monthly’s advertising representatives, Sandy Fox, set up the lunch for Kris, Sandy and me to talk about the conference. We covered that ground, of course, including the terrific mix of lectures, concerts and feel-it-yourself workshops that draw some 1,000 participants.
Then we moved into deeper, more personal waters. We were suddenly three people talking about relationships (no names, just feelings) and the challenge of speaking up for ourselves. Kris explained how she still has to catch herself from holding back her comments or emotions when around men.
I took this comment to heart and the shower, where I get some of my best ideas. How could a woman so much the leader, whose job is seeking out the inspiring stories of women, still hesitate, even a bit, around men?
Probably because she is honest. We all stifle our true selves in some context: work, family members (especially the ones from our childhood), you name it.
Kris’ comment stuck with me. When we were planning this February issue, I asked contributing writer Heather Nordell if she would gather an “EM Roundtable” of local women, strong leaders all, to talk about voice. To the point, I was asking Heather to gather women to talk about whether they felt their voices were heard in their lives.
I felt self-conscious making the assignment. I framed the idea, then waited for Heather to either like the idea or politely tell me I was being sexist, like, hey, buddy this is 2005, of course women make themselves heard in all walks of life.
Heather paused a minute before answering. I made a mental note to try out my next female-angled story on a woman colleague or two before braving the assignment call.
“That sounds like a good idea,” said Heather, who planned and executed an enlightening group that gathered over brunch one Saturday morning at the Library Bistro in the Alexis Hotel. More woman power: Wanda Benvenutti, one of the Roundtable participants and the photographer who shot our first EM cover in January 2004, contributed the photos for the piece.
It’s fitting, with voice and women filling the cover story slot this month, that we introduce Silja J.A. Talvi as our new EM columnist. Silja has contributed four cover stories since last May, plus several other insightful articles.
“I believe strongly in being a voice for people who would not otherwise have as easy a time getting a voice in the media,” says Silja. “ I see evidence every day that the quality of life in the greater Seattle area—while great for some folks—has eroded for a large segment of our society here in terms of income distribution, affordable housing, environmental health, and access to education and jobs.
“I’m interested in the root causes, and what can be done proactively to improve the lives of people who have chosen to make this beautiful part of the country their home.”
Coming through strong and clear, Silja.
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