The W3 Planning Committee has changed its name to W3+: Waterloo Womxn and Nonbinary Wednesdays (pronounced “W three plus”). The change in spelling from women to womxn signals that feminist spaces have historically excluded racialized women; and the plus reflects the gender and sexual fluidity of their membership as inspired by LGBTQIA2S+ and the countless ways in which people self-identify. Like an atom that has lost an electron, a positively charged W3+ strives to create space for its members against the negativity of all forms of oppression.
“We don’t just talk about gender; that’s the environment, not the focus” shares Laura, a member of the W3+ planning committee. Topics of conversation range from nutrition and yoga to conflict management and the mystery of prime numbers.
In February of 2019, W3+ hosted a Research Symposium exclusively for women-identified and non-binary attendees and presenters. This was a full day of panels, posters and networking. After the symposium, the W3+ team did a follow-up survey to receive feedback from participants on the value they received from the conference. One participant shared, “The energy was different. I did not feel policed for being who I am. It felt so much more relaxed, but that may be the UWaterloo environment as I enjoyed the teaching conference in a similar way. I can see huge benefits for such a space to discuss gender-based violence and trauma without having to submit proof over and over again.”
During the 2020 February reading week, W3+ hosted a writing retreat including a creative writing workshop. Participants shared openly and had vulnerable conversations. “We heard from participants that there was value in having a safe space where you can speak freely,” shared Andrea, a member of the W3+ planning committee.
You don’t need to know all the right language and terms to be part of the community. We strive to be an inclusive and supportive environment.
Prior to the pandemic, women and nonbinary grad students, post docs, staff and faculty across disciplines would connect on the last Wednesday of each month. Currently, W3+ has ongoing conversations online through their MS Teams channels. Participants talk about everything from equity issues to pandemic parenting, share their accomplishments, and post pictures of their plants.
One of the channels is called “Work Accountabili-Buddies”, moderated by Andrea. Sharing her goals publicly, and hearing what others are working towards in any given week, keeps her motivated.
Laura’s channel “Keep Moving”, gives reminders to take breaks to move your body throughout the day, as well as great resources for ways to be active.
What’s absent in your life? Do you need space to share in this environment? Andrea admitted that she didn’t realize the value of the W3+ community until after joining. The best way to get involved is by joining the Microsoft Team to stay up-to-date about events and to share your own campus events, news, and questions with other members. You can also join the W3+ Facebook group or mailing list and do the same things there!
