The Feminist Poetry Slam hosted by the Women’s Centre is a highly anticipated event each term in the community. It’s a platform for performers to express their identities and struggles through words, and an opportunity for the audience to dive into the themes like never before. To most, the Slam is like a warm embrace; it’s what feels like home.
During the Fall 2017 term, the Feminist Poetry Slam was organized by three talented execs from the Women’s Centre: Midori Matthew, Amanda Singh, and Alyssa Ozaruk! Midori and Alyssa were kind enough to reflect on their volunteer experiences.
Midori: I’m in my 4A term of Health Studies with a minor in Legal Studies.
Alyssa: I’m currently in my 5A term with a Social Development Studies major, and a double minor in Legal Studies and Women’s Studies!
M: I started volunteering with the Centre in Spring 2016, amid the din of several high-profile sexual assault cases in the news (R v. Ghomeshi here in Canada as well as the Brock Turner case). As with many other individuals, I was incensed by the way the legal system treated these victims and wanted to connect with like-minded people to do something to combat further injustices. In joining the Centre, not only have I been able to make connections with intelligent, passionate, and socially aware people, but I’ve had the opportunity to exercise my voice on a variety of fundamental social justice issues.
A: I’ve been interested in advocating for women’s rights - and human rights at large - for years. However, I wasn’t sure how I could do that while I was busy working, going to school, and trying to figure out my future. I liked that by joining the Women’s Centre I could do something local and have the chance to see people in real time. When students come to events, drop in at the office, and come to peer support, it motivates me to volunteer every new semester.
M: Essentially, it’s a platform where people may be heard on a number of experiences that we don’t necessarily talk extensively about in everyday life. Artists talk about their struggles, different facets of identity, or the events that shaped them into the people they are today. The performances are empowering, heartbreaking, inspiring, and joyous all in one. It’s truly a one of a kind event on campus.
A: Everyone from an amateur to an expert can perform, and you’ll feel the audience's support as people always snap, clap, cheer or laugh during the pieces. If you haven’t come to a Slam yet, I strongly encourage it! Plus, Bomber’s hashtag fries are amazing!
M: At the Slam, people tend to free the most vulnerable parts of themselves through their art. When people are open about some of their hardest and most personal experiences in life, the whole room becomes like a family. The audience is always super supportive and engaged with each performer, which is incredible to see in a venue as big as the Bomber!M and A: Yes - Love Your Body Week is happening from November 6-10. It comprises a series of fantastic body positive events. There’s a great mix of education, arts and crafts, and relaxation!
We are also hosting Women in Geek Culture in collaboration with the Games Institute on November 22. We're featuring Betsy Brey from First Person Scholar's as our guest speaker! There will be a Kahoot game regarding tropes on stereotypes in the gaming world, followed by everyone engaging in a casual, fun game at the end!
There’s definitely something for everyone, so please come by and check our events out!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Women’s Centre, see their page on Feds for additional resources.
