group host / statement of purpose

[iverglas]

This discussion thread was locked by Neoma (a host of the Feminists group).

It was pointed out in the other thread that the discussion had become a little obscure, so here's a new thread.


1. The proposals for host/co-hosts are as follows:

La Lioness Priyanka
PeaceNikki
BlueIris
seabeyond
iverglas
redqueen

My understanding is that each is willing or can be persuaded -- anyone not willing, speak today or forever hold your peace! If I have left anyone out whose name has been mentioned, forgive me, let me know and I will edit.

Shall we state our preference for host, and (I would suggest) two co-hosts whom the host would then appoint?


2. Statement of purpose

It would be pinned on the board by the co-host.

I will reproduce the SoP from the old DU group, and can we say whether we agree with retaining it?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=341x1

The purpose of the DU Feminists Group is to provide a safe and non-threatening community where all those interested in discussing and trying to resolve the problems that are inherent to women in society can come and work together free from defending the basic premise that issues do exist which specifically affect and limit women, their rights and their potential.

We believe that women do not start on the same rung as men on the ladder of success; that misogyny and sexism do indeed exist in America circa 2005; and that the progress made for women's rights is being seriously and immediately threatened by this administration.

The goal of this group is to understand the problems (and how they affect women), identify the myriad causes (and how they can limit a woman's vision and opportunity) and propose solutions (and how we can bring those solutions in a meaningful way out into the greater community).

About this Group

- This is not a group to discuss gender, class or sexual orientation rights and issues. It is specifically to discuss women's rights and issues as they affect women from a woman's perspective and experience.

- If, for example, you believe that women have already achieved "full participation in the mainstream of American society..., exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men... in all aspects of citizenship, public service, employment, education, and family life,"* then this is not the group for you.

- If, for example, you believe that women who have concerns about the prevalance of pornography in our society are uptight, sexually-repressed prudes who need to be enlightened to the "facts" and "realities" of the sex industry, this is not the group for you.

- The terms "feminist/feminism" and "misogyny" have established meanings in the context of women's history. While terminology may be debated, the denigration of these relevant terms will not be allowed.

- Attempts to minimize or dismiss women and/or the issues being discussed are not welcome.

- Like-minded DUers of all genders are encouraged to participate.

* Excerpted from NOW's "Statement of Purpose". http://www.now.org/organization/bylaws.html#ArticleII