Weekly Newsletters, Fall 2008-Spring 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Feminism, the OTHER F-Word, March 9th

Hello FORCErs!

So now that everyone's all nice and settled into their schedules, it's time for the first F-Word event of the semester! What is F-Word?

Basically, it's a space to ask and discuss feminism, how we feel about it, and for newbies to come into a safe space to ask any questions that they might have for our facilitator or speaker. Sometimes they follow a theme or topic. As this is the first one of the semester, we will try to touch base with the very basic fundamentals of feminism, and we encourage all nay-sayers and good sports to come and ask questions. After all, we are on a University campus, and if we're not supposed to encourage discussion, then what are we doing?

March 9th, 2009
12:30-1:30pm
Speaker's Platform/Lawns (Across from the 49er bookstore)

As it is lunchtime, you are all encouraged to tote your snacks or lunches around.

Feminist peace and love!
F.O.R.C.E.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Saudi Arabia Names First Woman Minister

Saudi Arabia Names First Woman Minister

2/17/2009 - King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia named Norah Al-Fayez to be the new Deputy Minister for Women's Education and replaced a number of high-ranking government officials last week. Al-Fayez is the first woman to be named to a ministerial post in the country. Advocate Wajeha al-Huwaider told CNN that "I think it's going to be the first step toward the reform that he promised," but that she is skeptical that Al-Fayez will have real power, in part because the country's guardianship system continues to paralyze women.

Al-Fayez said that her appointment "is an honor not only for me but for all Saudi women. In the presence of a comprehensive operational team, I believe I'll be able to face challenges and create positive change," according to the Guardian

Women's rights in Saudi Arabia are currently limited on a number of fronts including marriage rights, freedom to travel, property ownership, education, and work. According to Human Rights Watch, although some human rights laws have been introduced in Saudi Arabia, little implementation or enforcement of these laws has occurred. At a meeting earlier this month, members of the United Nations Human Rights Council urged Saudi Arabia to actively work to end pervasive human rights violations in the country, particularly those against women and children.

Media Resources: The Guardian 2/16/09; Feminist Daily Newswire 2/9/09; Human Rights Watch 2/4/09; CNN 2/15/09, via Feminist.org

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

F.O.R.C.E. Newsletter - 2/2/09-2/8/09

- Week of Welcome
February 4 & 5 (Wednesday and Thursday)
11am-2pm at the Friendship Walk

F.O.R.C.E. will be tabling Wednesday and Thursday at the Student Organization Fair. The purpose is to reach out to CSULB students seeking involvement in campus groups, as well as to get the word out on what our group has done in the past and what we hope to do in the future. We will also sell our Sex Positive Zine and distribute other feminist literature.

We need volunteers to help table! If you are free either day any time during 11-2, email us at force4change@yahoo.com.

- SACA seeks volunteers
The Sexual Assault Crisis Agency’s mission is to provide caring support and advocacy for all survivors of sexual assault and their significant others, and to work toward the elimination of rape and sexual assault by raising community awareness and providing prevention education. SACA is still accepting volunteers for their Winter session of the 45-hour State Certified Rape Crisis Counselor Training. Training begins February 6. If interested, contact Hilda Jimenez Crisis Intervention Specialist at (562) 989-0309 x102 or hilda@sacastoprape.org. Flyer attached.

- S.T.A.R. Diversity Workshop
February 21, 2009 in the Multicultural Center
12pm-6pm / FREE

Dr. James Manseau Sauceda, the MCC’S professional Diversity Trainer, will be conducting the Students Talk About Race Workshop. Sign up before February 18th in the MCC or email Cindy at cschulth@csulb.edu.

- Fem Talk: Virgin/Whore Chicana Feminist Dichotomy
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
7pm-8:30pm at ROYCE 130 at UCLA

Join the Bruin Feminists for Equality for a discussion on the Virgin/Whore dichotomy that exists within Chicana Feminism. They will be looking at the images of the Virgen de Guadalupe and Malintzin (aka Malinche). Through the discussion we can also make bridges to other female figures in history, as well as possible solutions to these stereotypes within history and in society.