When I was a child, Exponent II meant pin up parties, left over blue pencils and graph paper scattered throughout our house—the remnants of my mother’s hard work and dedication to the paper. Exponent women were my mother’s tribe—they spent hours together working, talking, and laughing. My Exponent mothers were amazing role models to me: in them I saw personal strength and perseverance, determination in achieving intellectual and professional pursuits, service, and deep loyalty. I felt encouraged, supported and loved by them and from them I learned how important it is to seek out and surround myself with strong women throughout my life.
When I was a teenager in the late-80s/early-90s, EX2 was tackling “controversial” issues: homosexuality, abuse, adoption and others. In the pages of the paper I discovered Mormon women’s life experiences that were often shocking, inspiring, or sad. This early exposure to different points of view helped me to develop empathy for others’ diverse experiences within Mormonism: I learned that not everyone’s lives fit the goals and outcomes prescribed by my Personal Progress book. Exponent started me on a path of questioning convention while also developing my faith.
As an adult, EX2 has meant finding my own tribe within Mormonism. I count the retreats as spiritual highlights of my year as we share in an open and loving forum that is often described as “the way Relief Society ought to be.” I devour the paper each time it arrives at my house and am moved and inspired by the writing, art, and poetry of my EX2 sisters.
I support Exponent II not only because it has enriched my personal and spiritual life. As Mormon feminists, our voices are both promoted and preserved through this organization. This week, we ask you to join us by sharing what #myexponent2 means to you and supporting our work through your donation. Click here for more information and a list of prizes for those who donate.
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Growing up at that same time, I often wondered what it would be like to be in the house where those papers were created. Thank you so much for sharing this, Margaret!