[Wamvan] Let Us In! A Forum on Sexism in Politics

[WAM! Vancouver]

Hi everyone,

One of the things WAM! members have suggested in the past is working on
issues around media portrayals of women in politics. With the municipal
elections coming up in November and the issues raised by Parks Board
candidate Trish Kelly's resignation earlier this summer, we thought now
would be a good time to take that on.

We're planning on seeking input from you and other community members to
come up with a practical list of tips and suggestions for local journalists
to learn from to avoid sexist election coverage.

As part of that we'll be hosting a table at an upcoming non-partisan forum
on sexism in politics hosted by Trish Kelly. The event is free but you need
to reserve tickets in advance (see below).

We'll also be looking at scheduling another Monday Media Mutiny
specifically around this task. Details to be announced. Feel free to give
us your suggestions for venues that are accessible, inclusive and share our
values as much as possible.

Hope to see you at the forum and/or the Monday Media Mutiny! And as always
you can send thoughts and feedback via the listserv or directly to
wamvancouver at gmail.com.

If you're looking for some resources to inspire you:

- *Name It. Change It. *A non-partisan American campaign working to end
media sexism against women in politics: http://www.nameitchangeit.org/
*- Equal Voice:* http://www.equalvoice.ca/
*- Canadian Women Voterss Congress:* http://womenvoters.ca/
*- http://madampremier.tumblr.com/ <http://madampremier.tumblr.com/>*
*- "Why Appearance Focus Fuels Sexism in the Media"* by Ngaire Donaghue:
http://theconversation.com/gender-bias-why-appearance-focus-fuels-sexism-in-media-13325
*- "Does Media Sexism Hurt Female Candidates?"* by Linda Loewen:
http://womensissues.about.com/od/thepoliticalarena/a/Media-Sexism-Does-Media-Sexism-Hurt-Female-Candidates.htm

And here's the info on the forum:

*Let Us In! A Forum on Sexism in Politics *- October 3 at SFU Harbour
Centre, Room 1900
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/events/830652786968652/

"Earlier this year, local activist Trish Kelly’s run for public office was
cut short when a video of a sex positive monologue she performed in 2000
surfaced and called in to question her suitability as a candidate. How does
systemic sexism discourage or prevent women from taking leadership roles
and entering public life? Join Trish Kelly and a line up of energetic
presenters discussing the barriers to women entering politics."

Speakers Include:

Lyndsay Poaps- Electoral engagment specialist, passionate about local
government and getting young women elected. Lyndsay is a past Vancouver
Park Board Commissioner.

Hanna Cho- Erstwhile policy wonk with an interest in Civic Engagement.
Hanna is Curator of Engagement & Dialogue at Museum of Vancouver

Gwen Haworth- A Grand Marshal of this year's Pride Parade, a trans*
filmmaker and activist, Gwen helped the Park Board develop its trans* and
gender variant inclusion plan.

More presenters to be confirmed!

With thanks to the The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG).

Free, but please reserve your space through Eventbrite:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/let-us-in-a-forum-on-sexism-in-politics-tickets-12816748239?aff=efbevent

Thanks!

Your WAM! Van Core Organizing Group
Joanna, Natalie and Jarrah

-- 
*Women, Action, & the Media (WAM!) Vancouver*
www.womenactionmedia.org
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