Young Feminist Idols: Learning Stations

Overview:

Introduction to some young feminists who are doing interesting and diverse work. A discussion on their work and how girls in the group could do something similar. A larger discussion to wrap up, looking at how young women can make major change happen through diverse actions.

Plan:

Set up 4-6 stations (can be more/less, depending on co-facilitators) within the room: each station will focus on one young feminist/group of young feminists and the work they've done. I chose the following young feminists idols:

Tavi Gevinson: 14 year old style blogger

Jessica Yee: Indigenous activist, founder of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network

Shameless Magazine/Sheila Sampath: amazing Toronto-based young women's mag

Mariatu Kamara: childhood war survivor who told her story in her book, The Bite of the Mango; founder of the Mariatu Foundation.

In each station, discuss the young feminist & their work. If possible, show the website and a video or some materials for each example.

Ideas for action can include -

Making a blog (how-to, examples of blogs and blog promotion).

Starting an organization/doing activist work (small-scale ideas for how to make a group, create a petition, or just starting the discussion about what each girl wants to see happen in her community)

Making a small magazine/zine (how-to and examples of feminist zines)

Keeping track of life-stories, looking at the stories in our communities.

Discussion Questions:

Why did this young woman take on these roles?

How was she able to accomplish her goals?

How might have her age affected her actions and goals?

What are the commonalities between all these women?

What is something similar you could do?

What is important enough for you that you would want to make a magazine or start an organization?