9 Responses to “Fem2.0 Conference Program - DRAFT 2”  

1. 1 Ananda Leeke on Jan 23rd, 2009 said:

   Thanks for more information. I am glad that the story of women session is being offered.

2. 2 DJ Nelson on Jan 24th, 2009 said:

   So the starting time has changed from 9:30am to 9:00am?

3. 3 BR on Jan 24th, 2009 said:

   My first reaction: too many of the same voices, same people always doing the talking. That means the conversation doesn’t move forward far enough, fast enough. Need fresh perspectives, people on the outside of the movement still looking in, people who are hungrier for change. Need to make room for more listening and collaboration, less talking and less paneling (though not an unconference or similar - structure is good, just don’t over-do it). Finally, what about men? I realize the focus of the event is feminism, but breaking down barriers and changing the world takes everyone. Find a few men, enlightened, who share the commitment, who understand the challenges - and can either share their wisdom and experience or help bridge the gap that still (inexplicably) exists with the men who don’t get it.

   Or not, and have an event where the same people speak, few people are heard, little of what is discussed is new, and the learning and impact that the event sparks is limited.

4. 4 Amanda Marcotte on Jan 24th, 2009 said:

   Phew! A lunch break!

   J/K. I’m for it so far. and starting at 9:30 instead of 9 is a minor blessing for those flying in from other time zones.

5. 5 Jessica Solomon on Jan 25th, 2009 said:

   I appreciate the transparency of the entire conference planning process. Kudos to the planning committee. I’m curious about how the conference will close out after such a powerful day. I hope there will be some kind of call to action. I am really looking forward to learning from and collaborating with everyone!

6. 6 Cynthia Corby on Jan 26th, 2009 said:

   What is the lunch plan? I would love to lunch with other attendees…

7. 7 Courtney on Jan 26th, 2009 said:

   I was hoping that more academic voices would be heard. I think that feminist in the academic community could learn a lot from some of those who practice feminism, and vice versa.

8. 8 Feminism2.0 on Jan 26th, 2009 said:

   DR and Amanda, the day is quite full, which is why we’re starting earlier. But we’re waiting for a couple of other pieces to fall into place, and if we can, we’ll move the start back to 9:30. Stay tuned.

   BR, thanks for the detailed comment. Yes, it’s many well-known people doing the talking, which I supposed translates into “too many of the same voices, same people always doing the talking,” but the exciting thing here is that they have not had many — if any — opportunities to interact WITH EACH OTHER. We totally aspire to reach out to new voices (including men), but it’s our inaugural conference, being put together by grassroots volunteers with no organizational funding behind it at all. We just didn’t have the bandwidth for the level of outreach it would have taken to create the conference of our dreams. We’ll do better next time! But, to be clear, from the beginning we have been very welcoming of men. There will be a few men at the conference. And check out this blog post from a dude, Loren Crippen, “Why Men Should Be Interested in Fem2.0.” http://www.fem2pt0.com/?p=291

   Cynthia, you will absolutely be able to lunch with other attendees. Our space at the Marvin Center at GW is not really good for a contained catered lunch - people would have to stand on line and then go off and find a place to eat elsewhere. So to make it easier for everyone, we will be using a voucher system for the food court right outside the Betts theater, which means less time on lines, and people can just grab a table in the very nice public eating space.

   Courtney, you are not the first to make the point about academics and feminism. While we do not have an entire session for this topic this time, there will be academics participating in general (including you?), though not as many as we’d like. Going forward, we’ll definitely put more focus on bringing more academics to the Fem2.0 table - just couldn’t manage it this time.

9. 9 MadamaAmbi on Jan 27th, 2009 said:

   I think BR makes important points, but I’m not wagging my finger at the organizers of Fem2.0. I do think there is a danger in having the same presenters over and over, and panels ad nauseum. I’m interested in interactive media and meetings, plus reaching out to women who are typically unable to attend such a conference. However, for those who can attend, it is an inauguration of Fem2.0 as an entity, a coming out, a celebration of those who are already on the same page, and so, in that respect, I’m glad they’re waving the flag.

   My own limitations of chronic pain/fatigue force me to organize online and to use online communication platforms, and I’m gearing up now for several visibility projects associated with Feminist Advisory Board for Obama (on Facebook). But, my plan also involves being a connector/cross-pollinator with all other feminists/feminist orgz. People do not only what has been done, or what people expect, but also what matches their skill set. Maybe we need to talk about what our skill sets are and how we can best use them. What I’m saying is that maybe we are imitating a patriarchal structure and a patriarchal “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” by structuring our conferences into speakers and panels.

   Anyway, online interactivity is where I’m headed, and that’s where my skill set takes me. And I hope that all feminists and feminist organizers will keep the dialogue going. I’m encouraging members of FAB to go to the conference and then to do interviews with me, either by phone or video, so that I can be a part of unifying the femisphere. It’s vitally important that we support one another, listen to one another, think together, and show a united power base. So, with that, go Fem2.0!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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