Building Quote by Bernice Johnson Reagon
“Today whenever women gather together it is not necessarily nurturing. It is coalition building. And if you feel the strain, you may be doing some good work.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Speech at Women’s Collective Conference, 1995
Women’s gatherings can be strategic alliances, not just nurturing spaces, and the effort involved may indicate meaningful impact.
In simple terms: Women’s groups can be strategic, not just nurturing.
Recognize the purpose behind group dynamics.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- community organizing
- leadership development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance nurturing with strategic goals?
- What signs show a group is doing good work?
Such gatherings may also exclude or marginalize dissenting voices.