[Sisters] Minutes from Last Week's Meeting

[Charmaine Mack]

Hello ladies,

Last meeting we were joined by prof Kara Lynch to discuss intersectional
identities (Thank you Hira for organizing this!). We touched on many topics,
and felt that we could explore a few things further such as:

Gender- inclusion and exclusions of female bodied Sisters who appear both
feminine and masculine. How can we deconstruct power constraints within these
two identities? i.e. what does it mean to be masculine in a female bodied space
and vice versa?

Classroom dynamics: Ways to have inter-racial discussions without having to feel
like the angry ____ person when talking passionately in class (Feeling like we
must have a Double Consciousness). Where can we find agency to voice our
opinions in the classroom when such moments occur?

And lastly we decided on discussing the affects of internalized sexism,
conscious and unconscious beliefs about the ways men and women should operate
in society, and how this comes into play within our communities at home, Source
and Sisters. The topics mentioned above relate or intersect with internalized
sexism in one or more ways... Are we perceived to be an angry ____ person
because of our gender as well as our race? Masculinity and femininity have
everything to do with sexism.

I am in the process of communicating with Patricia Cardoso, a Umass doctorate
student with a Masters in Social Justice Education, about these topics. It is
highly likely that she will facilitate an inter-group dialogue between Sisters
on Internalized Sexism and the development of leadership skills (attitudes to
counter sexism). This will take place late Novemeber right before Thanks Giving
Break.

I hope to see you all at next week's meeting. Remember Sisters meets faithfully,
Bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 7pm!

Have a great week,

Your signers,

Charmaine, Hira and Ria