New FMF Intern Blogger!

Hola Choices Campus blog, me llamo Victoria! For those of you who do not understand Spanish, please forgive me, I am known for resorting to my first language, Español. My name is Victoria, and I am one of the summer interns here at the Feminist Majority Foundation.

10 Things About Me:

1. I attend a small Women's college in the District of Columbia, where I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Women's Studies.
2. I was born and raised in Maryland, but my parents are from El Salvador.
   
3. I lead a feminist group on campus called The Women's Student Action Coalition.
4. I am passionate about issues regarding abortion and violence against women.
5. This summer I am working with the Campus Organizers, and Web Team at FMF.
6. I love lemon cupcakes. *mmm Georgetown Cupcakes*
7. The feminist authors that have influenced me the most are bell hooks and Gloria Steinem.
8. I first knew I was a feminist when I was: Sometime in High School after reading Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti
9. I have a twin sister, but ironically we are nothing alike.
10. On my free time I enjoy listening to Bob...Marley that is, while doing some pilates.
    

I hope you all enjoy my newbie blogging, I am open to friendly suggestions.

Until next time!
Vicky

Photo credit to clevercupcakes on Flickr.com

FMF staff meets the great Gloria Steinem

Upon graduating college, a longtime friend said "this is a favorite book of mine, I wanted to give it to someone who I thought would appreciate it" and then gave me Gloria Steinem’s Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions. She couldn't have been more right. I finished the collection of articles in a heartbeat, never putting it down, reading it on my commute, my walk to work, my lunch hour, etc... It forced me to evaluate the various facets of feminism past, present and future and my role in them.

Three years later, I’m here at the Feminist Majority, doing what I love and getting the privilege of sitting in on the Women, Money, Power Summit’s "Power Luncheon Celebrating Gloria Steinem." The luncheon included moving introductions from FM powerhouses like Kathy Spillar, Peg Yorkin and Eleanor Smeal, as well as an encouraging speech by the energetic co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, Dolores Huerta.

Following Ms. Huerta's speech, which reminded attendees of their personal political potential and the power of “si se puede/yes we can," came a number of selected Ms. magazine letters, read by volunteers of all ages, to Gloria Steinem. Each letter poured with gratitude for Gloria's courage, inspirational activism and feminist voice.

When it was Gloria's turn to speak, it quickly became evident why she is at the top of the pack. She not only spoke on women's rights, particularly concerning the current health care debate, but then powered through to the next issue by talking about gun control. Her sincere warmth, wit and doggedness in constantly challenging society lived up to her legend.

When meeting her (where my mature self turned into a 12 year old *nsync/jonas brother fan, pick your poison depending on your age bracket,) she, without being asked, told me, "There is no such thing as 'should do.' You shouldn't have to do anything. Go with your heart."

Per Gloria, I'm signing off this blog entry with the phrase "No home is safe with a gun."

Campus Organizers meet Gloria Steinem

So the east coast organizers went downtown for the Women, Money, and Power Summit Luncheon, sponsored by our sister organization, the Feminist Majority. The luncheon was great, and it was great to hear Gloria Steinem speak. She had a lot to say about gun ownership and violence in society, and we really enjoyed her analysis - thanks so much to FM and to Gloria for a great luncheon!

Additionally, we were super stoked to get a photo with her following her speech! So here it is, your 5 east coast campus organizers with the one and only Gloria Steinem!


Special kudos to Norma Gattsek, Government Relations Director, for snagging us the opportunity and taking the photo. Thanks Norma!

Raffle results - free Ms. membership!

Val and I raffled a free year's membership to Ms. Magazine at the aforementioned CLPP conference last weekend. We're proud to announce Jeanne from Hampshire College was the winner! We've let Jeanne know, so she should receive our new spring issue in a few weeks.

Ms. is the oldest, largest, independent feminist publication in the country. Gloria Steinem started the magazine in 1972, and FMF is now the publisher for Ms. The magazine covers politics, current events, arts, and pop culture from a feminist lens, and we don't accept any corporate ads.

A year's membership is ordinarily $25, or $12.50 for students in campus feminist organizations. Want to sign up at the $12.50 rate? Contact campusteam@feminist.org and we can hook you up.

So thanks to everyone who entered the raffle and signed up for FMF news and alerts. We're building a global feminist network, so if you aren't yet plugged in, sign up today!