World Pulse at 20: Celebrating a Revolutionary Community
Apr 6, 2024
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Jill Langhus
United States of America
Oct 11
Joined Nov 11, 2016
Happy 20th Anniversary World Pulse!
I’m not sure if I will be able to express the depth of my gratitude and how much difference World Pulse has made in my life, but it would be a shame to not weigh in on this momentous 20th anniversary occasion.
My story started out in either 2009 or 2010 when I read Half the Sky and World Pulse stood out as a viable option for me to pursue that really inspired and resonated with me to join. After being on the sidelines, like I was taught to do for so long, so well, and just reading the newsletters and wondering and dreaming about how I could possibly be even remotely close to all the inspiring trailblazing sisters who were mentioned on these, I decided to join as a member in November of 2016. After signing up to be a graphic design volunteer, I was told there wasn’t a current need for that but I was now an Encourager.
As quite a few of you are already aware, this practice was a pivotal point in my life. I don’t mean that lightly, either. When I joined the community I felt too inferior really to weigh in on other’s posts but I felt so compelled to ensure everyone's voices were heard and that they felt supported. That desire overrode the inferiority complex. I also really wanted to make a difference. After a couple of months, I believe I got a message from Jensine asking me if I wanted to join their board meeting. I don’t recall that many details, but I remember wondering if I was in trouble for writing responses to so many stories. Ha. Little did I know that I was being seen and heard by the World Pulse staff and I was asked what I wanted during the meeting. I wasn't sure, but said something like a badge would be nice:-)
Well, after that I think I commented on every story on the platform for three years. I have to say I got quite burnt out doing it. I don't think I'd recommend anyone doing this, to be honest. I think before the new site that we currently are using was active the old site logged 8000 comments that I’d made. But, I don’t regret it for one minute because I felt like I really made a difference, a real difference. Not making another person’s mission and/or business a reality and being treated like yet another number, like I did in all my previous positions. I have a whole lovely folder with testimonials from people saying about how much of a difference I made in their lives. I valued and do value it so much. Sometimes, I remember to go these when I'm down or feeling inferior as a reminder of what I'm trying to accomplish and who I am.
That was the first gift I received from World Pulse, my voice. I finally found somewhere where I felt safe, among like-minded women, where I could be vulnerable, authentic, compassionate, and, basically, me. I hadn’t seen or had that before.
The second gift is being able to find and hone in on my purpose and mission in life. I knew that it would be focused on compassion and possibly fashion (yet to be realized) but I couldn’t figure out how it was going to happen and what exactly that meant in reality. After having been on the platform for a short while, I was specifically called to the posts that involved trafficking survivors as I am deeply empathetic to those that have endured the most heinous forms of abuse and marginalization. I felt that trafficking was under this category as I can't imagine a more vulnerable and deep crime against humanity than being sexually violated repeatedly, and I could relate to the abuse, too, from my own childhood abuse. As a result, I formed preliminary partnerships with Awah Francisca Mbuli from Survivors Network (Cameroon) and the late Vweta Chadwick from Project ASHA. This is when I founded Liluye in late 2018, which is a non-profit that is a global, collaborative community of trafficking survivors, allies, and workshops committed to empowering people.
The third gift is being part of a safe, global network of amazing women and advocates of women that are like-minded in their quest for peace, equality, and the betterment of the world through their impactful stories and advocacy work. I’ve met so many people that are doing phenomenal work in specific areas that are deeply personal to them. There are too many to mention here.
I would like to shout out, however, to the indomitable, unforgettable, and truly amazing leader, Jensine, who I had the distinct privilege of meeting in person last spring. It was such a wonderful honor to finally meet her after so many years. I’m not sure if I remembered to personally thank her for honoring her voice and calling and for all that’s she created in the lives of so many through World Pulse, and I’m sure beyond. She’s such a humble, authentic person who has undoubtedly inspired numerous girls, women, and men.
Also, I would love to mention my Encourager and Mentoring Coach bosses while I was part of the Liluye team. They were Molly Gates, Hannah Bohart, Dawn Arteaga, and Kirthi Jayakumar. I would also like to mention the bond that I have with Karen (Kaye) Axalan who was my World Pulse colleague (and is sa dear friend) for her beautiful disposition and spirit that deeply touches everyone she meets. As well as my lovely, bestie Regina Young and my colleague, Kristin Vaughn, who I had the privilege to meet through the forum.
That’s the short list. I could literally spend a day highlighting all my soul sisters, and a few brothers, who I have had the honor and privilege of being introduced to in this profound community. Please don't think just because I didn't personally mention you that our connection hasn't made a significant difference in my life.
I hope this conveys some of how I feel about being part of the World Pulse family and safe haven. I couldn’t let the opportunity pass without weighing in. I hope World Pulse, and all the brainchild’s and impactful organizations that are created from being a part of it may live on forever, creating more peace, love, and abundance than the world can possibly imagine. Now, that’s what I want to continue to be a part of!
Namaste and viva la World Pulse and all of its members. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!