This season’s Christian women’s leadership luncheons begin

National WMU (Women’s Missionary Union) kicked-off this semester’s Christian Women’s Leadership luncheons Feb. 4 with guest speaker Toni Robinson.

Robinson shared her passion for inclusive language with attendees of the luncheon by speaking on The Power of Words: Speaking Inclusively. She began with the common saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” She added that the phrase is incorrect, and that everyone knows that words can hurt.

Through examples of exclusive language and scenarios based on race, age and weight, Robinson explained the difference between low and high-risk language. She also made the distinction between intentions and results, stating that sometimes we say hurtful things without realizing it. Jargon can even be considered exclusive language for those who don’t understand it.

“Living in a culture of inclusion is our goal, it’s my goal,” Robinson said. “We want to except that there are differences, and differences in perspective about language.”

The Christian Women’s Leadership Center luncheons were developed as a way to explore characteristics of leadership while networking with other Christian leaders in the Birmingham area. The next luncheon, Can We All Get Along, will be March 4 and will focus on understanding generational differences. The April 1 luncheon’s theme is Been There, Done That: Learning from Experienced Leaders, and the May 6 luncheon It’s Kind of Fun to Do the Impossible focused on lessons of leadership and creativity from the American icon Walt Disney.

Luncheons start at 11:30 a.m. at the National MMU building, 100 Missionary Ridge. Cost is $7. For more information or to register, visit wmu.com/cwlc or call 991-4064. Register by noon the Tuesday before the luncheon.