We Are Changed By the People We Love, and Other Feminist News

Greetings, my dear friends in the feminist giving community and beyond. I’m here to talk to you today about a very serious problem: editors and publishers who will not allow women to have their own voice.

The Everyday Feminist, by Latanya Mapp Frett, will be released for publication on March 8,2023. (Image credit: Wiley Books)

I think part of the issue comes down to the fact that we are changed by the people we love. Along with being changed by the people we love, I also believe we are changed by writing that impacts us emotionally. In the editorial world, that translates into being changed by a piece of writing because it is written in a new way and does not adhere to outdated concepts. Margaret Atwood is famous for saying something to the effect of, “if your writing is not making anyone angry, you’re not really writing,” and I tend to agree. Real writing makes both friends and enemies because real writing can change the game. It can cause people to think differently, to make new connections in how their thoughts align with their behaviors day-to-day.

But as it stands now, it’s still a very a real problem for most women to assert their authority when they write and get their voice published. The problem relates to the fact that women are rarely valued on their own authority or their authority backed up by other women. Women are often valued because powerful men value them. This adds extra layers to the struggle every day to my process of getting the word out about gender lens approaches to social change, which include ecofeminist and intersectional approaches. And it likely adds extra layers of struggle even greater than mine to those further marginalized by society.

So I ask you, editors of every gender, to consider adding more women’s voices in your coverage, and to consider the value of allowing a woman to control the narrative for her own article. There is so much pushback and willful silence from editors and publishers about feminist approaches to social change. However, we do break through here and there. As you know, Candid’s Lauren Brathwaite did a thorough review of the Feminist Giving and shares many of the book’s main arguments in her piece.

And now, here are 5 notable events happening in the feminist giving realm.

Number 1: Latanya Mapp Frett Writes New Book: The Everyday Feminist

The need is great for more philanthropy narratives that tell of how feminist ideas integrate into every day life. Now Global Fund for Women CEO Latanya Mapp Frett has written a new book that argues that it shouldn’t be this way, and shows us different models for empowering women and girls. Her book, The Everyday Feminist: The Key to Sustainable Social Impact–Driving Movements We Need Now is due out from Wiley on March 8th, 2023. The book includes exclusive interviews with Tarana Burke and Loretta Ross, and also spotlights many of the women we don’t know about, women doing work that is transforming our communities for women and girls. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy, and you can too by following the link above.

Number 2: David Cicilline Will Step Down from Congress to Head Rhode Island Foundation

While this might not seem like a gender lens headline, David Cicilline is one of the few openly gay members of Congress, and is likely to bring a much more inclusive agenda to The Rhode Island Foundation, the state’s largest community foundation. Hopefully, his leadership will also bring a renewed interest in gender equality for the state, as we grapple with making our state more inclusive and just. AND, it might also now be possible for Rhode Island to elect a woman to its congressional delegation. Here’s hoping. And here’s more news on Cicilline’s resignation, which will take place on June 1. A special election will be held.

Number 3: Dove Chocolate Continues its $10,000 Grants for Women Entrepreneurs

This Instagrant program was rolled out last year by Dove Chocolate, and due its success, they are doing it again this year. More information on the grants, who got them, and how to apply, is here.

Number 4: Alternatives for Girls Will Build $17 Million in New Housing for Detroit

Alternatives For Girls, a Detroit-based nonprofit that aims to help high-risk young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation, has announced that it will develop the Dr. Maya Angelou Village, a new housing project that will serve those at risk of homelessness. More information about this project is here.

Number 5: Judith Mayzel Supports Global Oncology with New Dr. Lifang Hou Research Fund

One of our subscribers, Judith Mayzel, had some exciting news to share. Mayzel is supporting a new research fund to help address cancer around the globe. The fund will be directed by a female MD, Dr. Lifang Hou. Mayzel continues to be a strong advocate for the advancement of women at Northwestern University, particularly in their school of medicine. More information about Mayzel and the new fund is available here.

Related:

We’re #1, and Other Exciting Feminist Giving News and Updates

Surging Philanthropy for Women and Girls? Not So Much

Percentage of Female State Legislators is Highest It Has Ever Been

WPI’s Newest Research Shows a Rise in Funding For Employment

Buy Feminist Giving as an ebook with over 240 links related to feminist giving resources. For those who prefer a traditional book, the book is also available in hardcover.

Author: Kiersten Marek

Kiersten Marek, LICSW, is the founder of Philanthropy Women. She practices clinical social work and writes about how women donors and their allies are advancing social change.

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