The Feminist Cafe

Feminist Cafe Questions

On July 1, 2006, forty-five feminists visited my garden and talked about the advancement of women.  Women and men sat at cafe tables, drank their favorite libation and talked about the advancement of women.  It was my first of many Feminist Cafes. 

Some guests may have expected it to just be coffee klatch but, upon entering the garden, it was instantly evident it was more than that.  The Cafe was an interesting set of 30 minute rounds talking with a group of people, most of whom you don't know, focusing on a specific set of questions.

1. Round ~ Feminism, What is it?  Are you a feminist?  Do you/we need it?
2. Round ~ USA Feminism.  Is there a relationship between states?  What can we offer women around the globe?
3. Round ~ What would it take for American women to achieve full equality in opportunity, responsibility & representation? 

Admittedly, I had no idea if they would like the formal, structured and timed rounds of talk.  It is a Virgo's delight but not everyone likes that level of detail and planned architecture.  In my obsessive planning, I had imagined that these three rounds would be plenty, and then, when they ended, a woman asked for a fourth round - "What is the Feminist response to the condition of the earth and her inhabitants?"  I was so happy that people were ready for more and wanted to stay.  I tell you that so you can know two things; 1) people really liked the structure and took to it easily and 2) my anxiety was entirely self-conscious and unwarranted. 

I had a terrific time and I think most of the guests did too.  You should consider doing this for your company or organization.  The book, The World Cafe, is so easy to follow.  Directions are clear and simple.  What made it irresistible for me is believing that we really do want to communicate with one another.  We really do want to talk about things that matter.  We really do want to be heard.  It was more than I had hoped for.  Contact me if you would like me to put on a cafe for you and your guests. 

Full Frontal Feminism

Stop reading this review, go directly to the Feminist Cafe Bookstore, go to the Feminism page and buy three copies. Give one to an older feminist, give one to a younger feminist, read one yourself and make a luncheon reservation for the conversation of the year.

This is fun, smart, young, fresh and, mostly, THE book women who think that "the women's movement is dead," need to read. Yes, she is bawdy and may drink a few cocktails but she is not uptight, out of touch or holier than thou. Wow - and don't ever say feminists have no sense of humor.

She is the very woman we marched for and then she went some extra miles.  I am proud of her blog, proud of this book and proud of Jessica.

The First Feminist Cafe

Last summer I held a Feminist Cafe.  I stood in the center of 45 feminists who spent the sunny afternoon defining feminism.  I think what I am coming to is that feminism is dynamic, organic and profoundly responsive.  It moves with culture.  It unfolds as humans advance.  I was there when Betty called lesbians the lavender menace and when she apologized.  I was there when women stormed out of the California NOW state conference because no one was addressing racism and these days NOW is both integrated and a leader fighting racism.  Feminism grows and changes and wakes up and finds courage and takes a nap and marches on again.  Feminism is alive in me and you and all people who know (not believe) that gender equality is the minimum required to evolve.

Here is my invitation ~

Imagine a world where women and men have equal opportunity, representation, responsibility and balance.  How did we get there?  What did each of us do to achieve it?  Where can we begin?

Spend an exciting afternoon defining feminism for the future and work on a plan for it happen!  Invite anyone you think wants to be a part of the fun. You can forward this evite so they can RSVP too and we can have a seat for them.

Bring an index card with your definition of feminism and a plate of sweets to share.  Lemonade, coffee and tea provided.  Casual dress; shoes optional; hats admired; nothing required.