August 31, 2012

The Feminist Student Union will prepare for the fall semester during its meetings at the Women’s Center, at 6 p.m. every other Monday.

The organization hopes to host a multitude of events that will spread awareness of the feminist cause.

“The thing I’m most excited about is how many more people have gotten involved already,” FSU member Kaitlyn Ingersoll said.

Some members attended a Planned Parenthood bus rally on Aug. 23 outside the campaign offices of Rep. Mary Still, D-Columbia, to support women’s issues.

FSU later wants to organize a collaborative event with the American Association of University Women, an organization that works to destroy barriers and promote equity for women.

As the presidential election approaches, FSU plans to hand out information on candidates in Speakers Circle to show students which ones support feminist issues. The organization will also invite some female politicians from each side of the campaign to speak.

“If our plans work out, our election events would be really great because they would bring together both parties, women from both sides,” FSU President Nicole Silvestri said.

In March, which is Women’s History Month, the group wants to introduce women in typically-male work positions, inviting some to share their experiences. FSU also proposed a SlutWalk to rally against instances of rape.

“We want to reclaim that word,” Silvestri said. “Ignorance has been showcased. When rape comes up, people are quick to blame the victim.”

FSU will be tabling at the Fall Activities Mart on Wednesday in order to recruit and spread awareness. The group has also been building up its social media presence. Members plan to occupy Speakers Circle frequently to spread the mission of the FSU.

“I hope we get more involvement so people will attend meetings and organize events,” Silvestri said. “Feminism often gets a bad reputation. We want to showcase positive behavior. Feminism is about equality for everyone.”

Formed in 2002, FSU has been quiet on campus for the last few years, Silvestri said.

“Some people forgot this group existed,” Silvestri said. “We want to be a bigger presence on campus to show that we care about causes that affect the less privileged. We want to be a voice for underprivileged communities.”

Members want to spread awareness not only of women’s experiences but also those of minorities and other social justice issues, Silvestri said.

“FSU is a fantastic organization that anyone can be a part of,” FSU Secretary Paul Reeves said. “Much like the feminist movement itself, FSU is not limited to just women, and welcoming to all genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, etc.”

The group’s next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, in the Women’s Center.

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