Currently, Feminist Oasis is an experimental, exploratory, pop-up entity. We have a vision for what we will become in the future, but we are allowing ourselves the freedom to explore and learn alongside our community as we gain clarity on that vision. This mission and these values are things that we believe in, and which we expect may evolve as we listen to and collaborate with our community.
Mission
We organize to cultivate feminist community and explore feminist values in action.
Values
Our values start with our four key areas of focus: Solidarity, Reslience, Sustainability and Systemic Justice. We believe all of these must be in balance with each other, so these four key areas are where we begin with events, member benefits, etc.
Solidarity
We lift each other up. We recognize that we are not the first or the only to do this work. We honor and elevate the historical leaders on whose shoulders we stand. We celebrate and root for each others’ successes. #ShineTheory (credit: Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman)
Resilience
We prioritize long-term individual and institutional resilience. We incorporate “self-care” in a way that is community-initiated, community-driven and community-accountable.
Sustainability
Starting with ourselves, we are building a movement that is sustainable. We nurture the mental, emotional, physical, environmental, social and financial well being of ourselves, our members and our community.
Systemic Justice
We work towards systemic justice. This starts with dismantling white supremacist, capitalist patriarchy and decolonizing our selves, our work and our community.
As a reflection of our focus on solidarity and systemic justice, we specifically strive to embody:
Inclusivity
Our feminism is intersectional and inclusive. We recognize the unique experiences of those whose multiple marginalized identities intersect, and work to include and welcome all people committed to systemic justice and equality.
Accessibility
We offer many ways to be involved, regardless of ability, financial situation or socioeconomic background and we welcome and strive to honor any accessibility requests.
Goals
- to organize spaces and experiences that advance intersectional feminism
- to lift each other up
- to honor and elevate the work of historic feminist leaders and movements, and to learn from them and build upon them
- to explore alternative business and economic practices that promote systemic justice and dismantle white supremacist, capitalist patriarchy
- to create opportunities to learn about feminism, feminist community, feminist history and feminist ways of doing business
Our definition of “Feminism”
We adapt our definition of feminism from that of feminist theorist bell hooks: feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression… to want for all people, female and male [and all genders], liberation from sexist role patterns, domination and oppression.
Our ongoing commitment to feminism is not one that seeks to reverse roles of oppression, but rather to dismantle oppression in service of a more equitable community for all.
Want to learn more about feminism?
How We Show Up
“Yes, And!”
This is a concept from the improv world, but it succinctly captures our attitude that there are not binary answers to all things, and there are many great solutions to any problem. We are exploring what the best approach is for our unique group of humans to address these issues and show up in the world. That doesn’t mean we reject the way you approach the same issue, or how you choose to show up in the world! “Yes, And!”
Intersectional and Inclusive
Our feminism is intersectional and inclusive. We strive to include to those of all races, genders, abilities, identities and socioeconomic backgrounds. We recognize our own privilege and amplify the voices of those whose oppression is different from our own. We work to enact policies and practices that are as inclusive as possible.
Beyond Binary
We don’t subscribe to the paradigm of binary. In gender, as in many other things, we recognize a full and diverse spectrum, not two, pre-defined options. We look beyond false binaries in how we work, how we communicate and how we show up.
We believe in
- Building Alternatives — We focus on building alternatives and will proudly use our voices to speak out for what we believe in. We don’t define ourselves by fighting against stuff, nor will we give up our political voice or shirk our responsibility to resist hatred and violence.
- Questioning Cultural Assumptions — We question the inevitability of unhealthy power structures and the cultural assumptions that come with them. We make physical objects and have in-person meetings where possible. We think twice before using colloquialisms. As often as we can, we step back, and ask: “Is this real?”
- First, Calling in — It is sometimes necessary to call out problematic behavior. We seek to first “call in” — assuming best intentions and responding to differing viewpoints by acknowledging personal experiences, sharing information and creating an opportunity to learn from each other.
- A feminism that transcends gender and political party — We invite individuals and representatives of all genders and political parties to join us in this movement — as long as they are committed to practicing or learning more about feminism as an ongoing commitment. We do not believe that one’s gender or party excludes them from a commitment to feminism and feminist practices, policies and goals.
- Holding ourselves and other accountable — We are accountable to our vision, for our words and for our actions. We welcome criticism and the opportunity to learn and grow. We use our privilege and our voice to inform those in positions of power (including those elected by us or profiting from us) of their responsibility to justice, and to hold them accountable to that responsibility.
We strive to embody these attributes:
- Inclusion
- Curiosity
- Equity
- Truthfulness
- Accessibility
- Respect
- Transparency
- Teachability
We believe that feminist issues include, but are not limited to:
- Racial justice
- Trans inclusivity
- LGBTQ equality
- Environmental justice
- Political representation
- Economic empowerment
- Bodily autonomy
- Reproductive freedom
- Refugee and immigrant rights
- Gender equality
Check back often — we expect this to be a work in progress. As always, we welcome your polite, engaged feedback* — contact us with your thoughts! *”As always, we welcome your polite, engaged feedback” is a line from the introduction of the podcast Queery. Thanks, Cameron!