“Saying that we can’t have feminism because we should only focus on general human rights is like saying we can’t have oncologists because some doctors are general practitioners.”
—Why Not Say Everyday Humanism Instead of Everyday Feminism? — Everyday Feminism“Instead of wallowing in injustice, let’s finally wake up from the delusion that we have any more time to waste. Rape culture kills. Rehtaeh Parsons is dead and we are in a state of emergency. Organize your neighborhood or school against rape culture: run consent education workshops and recruit participants to pledge their stance against violence. March, demonstrate, to publicly prove to all that those who inflict violence on others will not be supported or included by your community. Every time a publication runs a piece promoting rape culture, write a letter in response. Reject slut-shaming and victim-blaming of all forms. Loudly. Model respect for others’ bodily autonomy and stand up for your own in everyday situations to promote a culture of consent. Intervene if you see a dangerous situation developing, and teach others to do the same. Combat the transmission of rape culture from one generation to the next: teach kids to be better than we are. Don’t invite rapists to your parties (I can’t believe I even have to say that, but I do). Make sure survivors in your area have somewhere to turn for justice and support, and to stop their rapists from re-offending. If this resource doesn’t exist, create it. Refuse to tolerate speech that promotes rape; speak up even–no, especially–when to do so would be rude. Listen to a survivor when no one else will.”
—-Alexandra Brodsky, FeministingSPARKteam Applications are OPEN!
sparksummit.comY’all have been asking us for MONTHS and the time is finally here! From today until May 19th, we’ll be accepting apps to join the SPARKteam. We are looking for:
- girls (including trans girls!) between the ages of 13 and 22
- who are into blogging, activism, and organizing
- who want to join a team of activists making local and national change
- who are located anywhere on this beautiful earth
- who have 15-25 hours a month to dedicate to the cause
We can offer you:
- A supportive environment of girls and women who love to collaborate, communicate ideas and support each other.
- The chance to learn how to plan and execute both local and national activist campaigns.
- Writing experience! You’ll be a published blogger with a repertoire of online work.
- Online trainings and workshops to help you hone your feminist knowledge.
- Real and valuable experience in the world of activism.
- The opportunity to make your voice heard through media appearances, speaking engagements, and more—SPARK girls have given TED talks, testified at the UN, and been on Nick News, among other things.
- Money! We pay $25 per blog/action.
Click through for deets & to apply!
Peace Corps will open applications to same-sex couples
metroweekly.comThe Peace Corps announced yesterday it will now accept applications from same-sex couples who want to serve overseas. Couples will be required to sign an affidavit verifying their relationship and will be placed in countries that are determined safe for LGBT people.
“The Peace Corps has long looked to expand opportunities to serve and reflect the diversity of the United States in its volunteers abroad,” reads a supplemental statement released by the Peace Corps. “In 2009, President Obama directed agencies to take steps, where possible, to expand access and benefits to the LGBT community, and that also drove the development of this policy. The agency has recognized an interest among prospective volunteers and believes same-sex couples will bring new skills and experiences to the field that will benefit the organization.
“… The Peace Corps will only consider placement of same-sex couples in countries where homosexual acts are not criminalized. There are many factors that affect ultimate placements, including applicants’ overall competitiveness, program availability, departure dates, medical accommodations and safety.”
The application process for same-sex couples opens officially on June 3. Woohoo!