The Mission Statement of Artist Leadership Network :
Building close relationships and mutual support in our common purpose of creating infinite possibilities and unlimited thinking as women artists and leaders.
The Artist Leadership Network (AKA “ALN” – formerly known as No Limits for Women in the Arts) is comprised of active groups of creative women in different areas of the United States of America which are committed to meeting on a regular basis – generally every two weeks, or twice a month.
Our primary mode of supporting each other is a developed method of giving one another positive attention which we call active listening. Active listening consists of paying close attention to what the person whose turn it is to speak is saying, without interrupting her with our own ideas, experiences, advice, approval and/or disapproval, etc. This mean not analyzing what she is saying, nor judging, criticizing or “rescuing” her (even silently). No cross-talk, not even an apparently supportive comment such as “I know what you mean,” is allowed when it’s another woman’s turn to speak.
This process was developed because we believe that when we are truly listened to, when we are able to think out loud without the fear of being interrupted or judged, we eventually get to the place where each of us can do her own best thinking – and then act on it! Not believing in our own thinking is one of the biggest ways we’ve been hurt and oppressed as women and as artists; it often creates a lack of confidence in ourselves which may keep us from actively leading in many areas of our lives, including that deep part which is the wellspring of our creativity. Being truly listened to and heard by other artists is a great first step in turning this around and becoming a leader (which is why we’ve used the word Leader in the name of our organization.)
Last but not least, everything which is shared during this listening process at any of our meetings is always completely confidential; this helps us all to have the courage to express our biggest dreams and most creative visions.
The active listening process allows us to expand our thinking and learn to trust in our own intelligence in determining the directions we want to take in our art-making – and ultimately in all aspects of our lives.
