July 2025 WATERritual
“Intergen
erational, International, Incredible Women* Changing the World” *including non-binary and gender non-conforming people
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 7:30 pm ET
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83285953460
Preparation: Choose a symbol—a book, a piece of art or jewelry, clothing or fabric— that reminds you of a powerful woman in your life or makes you feel more empowered as a person.
Welcome
This month, we celebrate influential women of our time. Let us come together to learn about them and appreciate their great work in social justice, education, science, sports, and other areas of life. Let’s honor these women and continue their legacy by making a positive difference around the world.
Keep in mind that you are one of these women who inspire your friends, colleagues, family members, and even interns at WATER! Every action you take carries the weight and strength of being a woman, a courageous one who resists, insists, and persists for a better world. When we embrace who we are, we inspire young people to do the same. Together as women, let’s create, foster change, and encourage others to do the same.
Song: “Listen to the Voices” by Holly Near with Emma’s Revolution, We Came to Sing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAWKXIV0tvU&list=PLXgL-DoP6h9wUu79Oi4_-YDn-ZGOKbhr3
Listen to the voices of the first nations (x2)
Calling out the messages of the Earth and sky
Telling us what we need to know in order to survive
Listen to the voices of the first nations
Listen to the voices of the old women (x2)
Calling out the messages of the moon and sea
Telling us what we need to know in order to be free
Listen to the voices of the old women
Listen to the voices of the young children (x2)
Calling out the messages of the heart and soul
Telling us what we used to know before the lies were told
Listen to the voices of the young children
Listen to the voices of young children
Listen to the voices of the old women
Listen to the voices of the first nations
Listen to the voices of the living
Inspirational Quotes from Empowered Women
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXBPvXikVNc
Poem: “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou
As we listen to “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou, hold your symbol of choice. Remember how strong we are as women. Think about Maya Angelou, and how her poems and writings encourage people to be resilient, to be confident in their identity, and to fight for truth and social justice.
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Reflection/ Group Sharing
. What women have changed your life’s trajectory in big and small ways?
. Tell a story about a time when you felt empowered.
. How did and do you contribute to making this world a better place for women and nonbinary people?
A Poem of Empowerment: Dear Young Woman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adUToRtRkaY
Take Action for Empowerment
- Educate yourself! Read articles and books recommended by WATER (see https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/fltn-meeting-2025-follow-up-part-two/).
- Watch videos of WATER’s feminist programs on our website https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/.
- Keep in touch with the incredible women you know.
- Share your wisdom with the younger generation to ensure intergenerational exchange and growth.
- Follow and support women’s sports teams. Encourage others to do the same.
- Write a letter or send an email to a woman who has guided you.
- Take a wise woman out to dinner or cook a festive meal for or with her.
- Diversify the literature, news, and social media content you consume.
Sending Forth with a Blessing
I wish you enough.
Don’t be afraid to take up space.
Don’t let others dim your light.
Be an incredible woman or person willing to change the world.
Be kind to yourself and others.
Trust yourself to make bold decisions.
You are beautiful and strong inside and out.
I wish you enough.
Closing Song: “I’m beautiful” by Simone Heights
Every morning when I rise up
Looking at myself I see truth
Society tried to judge me
But now I know what I must do
My strength comes from deep within me
My beauty shines from my soul
No one else can define me
I’m the one who makes me whole
I’m beautiful and strong in every way
(So beautiful)
My Confidence builds every day
(stronger)
No one can take this feeling away
I’m a beautiful woman
(in every single way)
My sisters walk right beside me
Teaching me to stand up tall
When we come together mighty
Nothing can make us fall
Every sister is a blessing
Every woman holds her crown
Sharing wisdom, sharing lessons
Lifting each other up from the ground
(I can feel it)
Can you feel your power?
(I can feel it rising)
Are you getting stronger?
(Getting stronger daily)
Show me what you’re made of
Beautiful and mighty
(Watch us rising higher)
I’m beautiful and strong in every way
(So beautiful)
My Confidence builds every day
(stronger)
No one can take this feeling away
I’m a beautiful woman
(in every single way)
Now I walk with pure conviction
Head held high and spirit free
Every step’s a benediction
To the queen I’m meant to be
Time to spread this message
To my sisters far and wide
Beauty flows through generations
Power surging with our pride
I’m beautiful and strong in every way
(So beautiful)
My Confidence builds every day
(stronger)
No one can take this feeling away
I’m a beautiful woman
(in every single way)
© 2025 Diann L. Neu, co-director of WATER with Magdalena Mueller and Wed Naji, dneu@hers.com, www.waterwomensalliance.org
