The driving spirit
We have been inspired by the feminist practice in which the process of organizing is as important as the event itself. The principle behind the gathering's organization is that we, as young women, are in the best position to organize a gathering that responds to our needs and reflects who we are. It's the principle of by and for: by young feminists, for young feminists. The organizing process is meant to be a collective and participatory affair that empowers all the women who participate in organizing and mobilizing for the event, and, of course, in the event itself.
The first stages
Since the original idea for the pan-Canadian young feminist gathering, Waves of Resistance, came from Québec, the first stage, in 2007, consisted of setting up an organizing committee made up of Québecoise women. The next step was to conduct a major inventory of the groups and organizations in each province that might be interested in getting involved in the project. Then we issued calls for mobilization to groups and networks across the country. As women began responding to our call, we gradually constituted a list of groups and individuals who were interested in the gathering. The Waves of Resistance list now has over 2000 subscribers.
The provinces and territories self- organize
Parallel to this, an organizing process was set up in each province and territory by women interested in telling their community about the project and becoming involved in its organization and mobilizing efforts. In April 2008, women known as "provincial mobilizers" held consultation meetings to share and build a collective vision of the gathering. Women were asked to answer three questions in this consultation: what are your dreams and aspirations for the gathering; what are the priority issues and themes for discussion; and how should we address the issue of resisting the rise of conservative and chauvinist ideologies in Canada? Participants' views were then represented by democratically appointed provincial delegates to the pan-Canadian Consulta.
The Consulta The Consulta, a meeting of representatives of the provinces and territories and members of the organizing committee, took place near Ottawa in May 2008. At this meeting, women shared the results of the discussions held around the country; constructed a common vision of the gathering; and set guidelines for the organizing committee based on the dreams, wishes and aspirations of young feminists from every province and territory in Canada. The organizing committee is taking into account discussions held during the Consulta, among other things, as it drafts the agenda for the gathering.
The role of provincial mobilizers
The Consulta also gave provincial mobilizers an opportunity to gather information and tools to aid their mobilizing and fundraising efforts, to ensure that as many young women and feminists from each province and territory can come to the gathering. We hope that young feminists from each province and territory will be involved in facilitating workshops, plenary sessions and other activities during the gathering. We especially want young women of diverse social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and socio-economic conditions to mobilize and participate, so that the gathering reflects the diversity of young feminists in Canada.
Get involved!
Those of you who are dying to give a hand with the organizing and mobilization can check the Let’s mobilize section.
Make your voice heard, participate in the discussion forum!
