create we must ~ join the

Womyn's Solidarity Writing Project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Introduction
Living in a patriarchal world where womyn are systematically and relentlessly degraded and debased, it seems counterintuitive for us, as womyn, to take part in this degradation and debasement. However, all-too-often our interactions are laced with competition, coupled with the futile attempt to elevate our own positions by devaluing each other. This scenario is to be expected given the patriarchal landscapes we all navigate. We are often times denied acknowledgment based on anything but our bodies, and if this type of recognition fails, we are denied an existence all together. To get the recognition we so desperately desire, to be individuals in our own right, or subjective selves, we viciously cut each other down. This is exactly how the divisive power of patriarchy plays out. By first addressing this behavior in my own life, and then asking the womyn I know to contribute their thoughts and experiences on the subject, I’m hoping we can constructively address this divisive and harmful behavior. I’m hoping we can collectively put forward a discussion that allows us to think about how we can start putting into practice daily actions that will enable us to be supportive of each other, and our shared human condition. Most importantly, I hope we can transcend the destructive models of behavior that we have been socialized to emulate. I’ve termed behavior that is supportive of womyn and that allows us to identify with womyn as womyn’s solidarity. I want to know what womyn’s solidarity means for my life, your life, our shared lives. What difference is possible in our collective existence if we start acting in ways that support each other? I’m hoping this collection of writing will allow us to explore the endless possibilities, and give us the space to speak about our experiences. It’s not always easy in the worlds we navigate to be there for each other, but as I’ve discovered, it’s instrumental to my survival. I hope it’s instrumental to your survival, as well.
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a) what does womyn's solidarity mean to you?
b) why is it important in your life?
c) how have you come to this conciousness?
d) what have been your struggles in creating solidarity?
e) how have you done it, and what are your successes?

'Guidelines'

The questions posed are a guideline ~ none of us are restricted to these ~ be your own artist! Speaking of art, artwork is definitely encouraged, as are postcards, stickers, journals entries, e-mail and handwritten correspondence, poetry, pictures, essays, etc. ~ the idea is to make this into a scrapbook ~ let's put some life into it!

Anonymous submissions are completely fine, and encouraged if you feel more comfortable contributing this way ~ just specify this request on your contribution.

If you want or need help editing or with ideas, contact me at womynsolidarity@gmail.com, and I'll help anyway I can!
Send submissions via e-mail to womynsolidarity@gmail.com, or for a physical address, e-mail me and I'll give you one.

If you are so inclined, include a picture/pictures ~ of you, your friends, family, whatever you think ~ with your contribution so we can create a collage of images of OUR choosing.

Don't forget to invite your friends to participate, and, definitely don't forget your passion ~ yo!

~ Carissa
womynsoldiary@gmail.com