Organizer's Starter Kit
We have compiled information about campus feminist organizing based on the experience of campus feminist organizers around the country.
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How to start a club
But should you start a feminist club at your campus? Absolutely. Through the club you will meet amazing people and provide the opportunity for like-minded people to connect. In organizing work power is in the numbers, and the more people are united the stronger the movement will be.
Find other friends that support your idea, or post on different Facebook groups associated with your school and see if there’s interest. Make announcements in classes. We know that this can be freaking daunting, but trust us that it will be worth it. It is better to not feel alone and have others going forward. The application should be very straightforward and explained on your student association’s website clearly. The important stage here is to get to the part where you actually do gather your courage to submit an application. If you need to chat about your application process or need us to look over your application, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Keep in mind that student associations are not immune from oppressive behaviour. The patriarchal notions entrenched in the wider society will be reflected in your student association, including the tendency to suppress women’s voices and limit feminist spaces. It is very common to hear responses that point to the idea that there are already anti-oppressive groups on campus or that your school doesn’t need your group.
Do not lose hope. This is a common response. The important point is, do not despair. Figure out how you can challenge this response and make sure you know exactly on what grounds your club was rejected. Contact the equity commissioner or other people in authority in your school. If you are rejected as a club again, keep in mind that you can most likely exist on campus as an independent group. The important point is, don’t give us, as existence is resistance. Make sure to contact us. We have seen a worrying trend of rejection of feminist group across the country.
Make sure to table at clubs fair and put in a lot of effort into publicity for your club. Make a Facebook page and Twitter
Club structure
There are often two group structures, collective and hierarchical. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Collectives are used to avoid creating power dynamics that disadvantage individuals who may face racism, sexism, homoantagonism, transantagonism or other forms of oppression by dominant groups that prevent them from fully participating in group work. Often times, collectives create more interest in members to fully commit to something that belongs to them. People can join at any time and nobody will miss participation because they did not apply for a position on time, because they were rejected as an authority based on their experience. If you opt for a collective, make sure to not fall into common traps.
In a capitalist, productivity-obsessed society with an oppressive workplace, people justifiably seek resume-filling activities and fancy positions. The word “vice president communication” will most likely look better on a CV than “collective member”. Keep this in mind and understand the level of motivations faced by members. If somebody wishes to use a certain capitalism-friendly word on their resume, discuss it with the group.
In collectives, people often volunteer to do certain tasks. During midterms and finals, people may not volunteer and responsibilities may fall on one person.
Often times, one or a few people with highest motivation and who started the club will be seen as the leaders.
All oppressions are interconnected, and feminism can’t be championed in isolation while ignoring racism, classism, etc. This is in no way to say that a hierarchical structure is going to be intrinsically oppressive. You can work around that and make sure power dynamics are not preventing the full participation of all members.
In a hierarchical structure, having a position and a fancy title is often motivating.
Always keep in mind that people in your group have their own lives going on. As much as it would be great if everybody had all their focus on the club all the time, this is often not the case. Always be mindful and grateful of members’ contribution, as their work is free labour.
How to facilitate anti-oppressive meetings
Holding effective and anti-oppressive meetings is as important as having events.
Before the meeting:
Creating a Facebook group is almost crucial to maintaining communication. Also make good use of Google Drive for sharing documents.
It is a good idea to have rotating facilitators. Facilitator can create a proposed agenda though Google Drive and post it on the Facebook group a few days prior to the meeting to give others the chance to add their input.
Try not to ask members of things prior to the meeting, if it’s not urgent. This is in order to respect members’ time and not misusing their labour
Start by a checkin in the group with names, preferred gender pronouns, energy levels on a scale of 1-10, and a fun question (your favourite dip, favourite superpower, etc).
Make sure to always have snacks. They motivate people to leave their study carrel and come to meeting and keep people energized.
End the meeting with a checkout.
But should you start a feminist club at your campus? Absolutely. Through the club you will meet amazing people and provide the opportunity for like-minded people to connect. In organizing work power is in the numbers, and the more people are united the stronger the movement will be.
Find other friends that support your idea, or post on different Facebook groups associated with your school and see if there’s interest. Make announcements in classes. We know that this can be freaking daunting, but trust us that it will be worth it. It is better to not feel alone and have others going forward. The application should be very straightforward and explained on your student association’s website clearly. The important stage here is to get to the part where you actually do gather your courage to submit an application. If you need to chat about your application process or need us to look over your application, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Keep in mind that student associations are not immune from oppressive behaviour. The patriarchal notions entrenched in the wider society will be reflected in your student association, including the tendency to suppress women’s voices and limit feminist spaces. It is very common to hear responses that point to the idea that there are already anti-oppressive groups on campus or that your school doesn’t need your group.
Do not lose hope. This is a common response. The important point is, do not despair. Figure out how you can challenge this response and make sure you know exactly on what grounds your club was rejected. Contact the equity commissioner or other people in authority in your school. If you are rejected as a club again, keep in mind that you can most likely exist on campus as an independent group. The important point is, don’t give us, as existence is resistance. Make sure to contact us. We have seen a worrying trend of rejection of feminist group across the country.
Make sure to table at clubs fair and put in a lot of effort into publicity for your club. Make a Facebook page and Twitter
Club structure
There are often two group structures, collective and hierarchical. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Collectives are used to avoid creating power dynamics that disadvantage individuals who may face racism, sexism, homoantagonism, transantagonism or other forms of oppression by dominant groups that prevent them from fully participating in group work. Often times, collectives create more interest in members to fully commit to something that belongs to them. People can join at any time and nobody will miss participation because they did not apply for a position on time, because they were rejected as an authority based on their experience. If you opt for a collective, make sure to not fall into common traps.
In a capitalist, productivity-obsessed society with an oppressive workplace, people justifiably seek resume-filling activities and fancy positions. The word “vice president communication” will most likely look better on a CV than “collective member”. Keep this in mind and understand the level of motivations faced by members. If somebody wishes to use a certain capitalism-friendly word on their resume, discuss it with the group.
In collectives, people often volunteer to do certain tasks. During midterms and finals, people may not volunteer and responsibilities may fall on one person.
Often times, one or a few people with highest motivation and who started the club will be seen as the leaders.
All oppressions are interconnected, and feminism can’t be championed in isolation while ignoring racism, classism, etc. This is in no way to say that a hierarchical structure is going to be intrinsically oppressive. You can work around that and make sure power dynamics are not preventing the full participation of all members.
In a hierarchical structure, having a position and a fancy title is often motivating.
Always keep in mind that people in your group have their own lives going on. As much as it would be great if everybody had all their focus on the club all the time, this is often not the case. Always be mindful and grateful of members’ contribution, as their work is free labour.
How to facilitate anti-oppressive meetings
Holding effective and anti-oppressive meetings is as important as having events.
Before the meeting:
Creating a Facebook group is almost crucial to maintaining communication. Also make good use of Google Drive for sharing documents.
It is a good idea to have rotating facilitators. Facilitator can create a proposed agenda though Google Drive and post it on the Facebook group a few days prior to the meeting to give others the chance to add their input.
Try not to ask members of things prior to the meeting, if it’s not urgent. This is in order to respect members’ time and not misusing their labour
Start by a checkin in the group with names, preferred gender pronouns, energy levels on a scale of 1-10, and a fun question (your favourite dip, favourite superpower, etc).
Make sure to always have snacks. They motivate people to leave their study carrel and come to meeting and keep people energized.
End the meeting with a checkout.