Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Envisage Year 3

It’s that time again: Envisage 365, a daily photo project blog run by and for women, is gearing up for its—can you believe it?—third year, and is opening up the roster for participants once again.

You can see for yourself how Envisage works by visiting the current year’s website here: Envisage 2009-2010 or get more info about the details of participation by emailing Sarah, the project founder and leader, at submitenvisage@gmail.com.

Like a fine wine, this project just keeps getting better over the years! Don’t miss out on what is going to be our best year yet; if you’re female-identified and interested in participating for the 2010-2011 go-round, send your inquiries to Sarah at the above email address by August 20, 2010 and prepare to start sending your photos in starting September 1, 2010. We look forward to “meeting” you!

Many of you now that I am involved with this project, and have been since the first year. I hope to continue into year 3, given my workload and other life situations. 


I have exclaimed my love of this project frequently. In a time when women can say that they don't identify as "Feminist", I can think of nothing more empowering than watching a group of women - virtual strangers - in their lives over the course of a year.  It is, possibly, the most feminist project I have seen run in a longitudinal manner. 


In substance, most of us have nothing in common.Different cultures,  Different races, Different sexual orientations, Different educational backgrounds and income levels. Some are married, some divorced, some happily Not married at all. Some have kids at home, others have adult kids and some have "fur babies". 


It is not a rah-rah club for stereotypes about women. It is not a contest to prove who is better at parenting or losing weight. It is a raw and at times painfully honest look at the lives of women. 


I won't lie. We sometimes get into tiffs on the group - especially in the first months of every new year. I told Sarah it is the "growing pains' of new members of our family coming in. Yes, Some photos bother some members. Some members are more comfortable with their sexuality and it's various expressions than others. We try to listen to each other and work a middle path that does not censor anyone's voice, while still discussing things we need to talk about. Some people choose to leave the project, and that is OK. It's not for everyone.


There is very little that is considered off limits, but disrespect is one of them. If you can't accept that other women do not live their lives like you do - be that sexuality, religion, marital status, politics or any other label and role that a women fills - than this is not the project for you. If you are ready to perhaps be challenged as to Who Women Are, than by all means, please join us.


Oh, and if you have not read Danielle's AMAZING post about why she identifies as a Feminist, do it.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am an American male and have followed this site for a while. To say it hasn't helped me would be a lie. The link to the feminist article is over-the-top. You don't need to be a feminist to fight for civil rights. There was a line in there about how being a mother has been criminalized. She should look in the mirror. Further, and I am no fan of Sarah Palin, the feminists were no shows when she was attacked. They were around for Geraldine Ferraro. I don't see feminists protesting the mutilation of women by radical islamic nations, around the world. Their silence is deafening. So please, stop with the political stuff and stick with the relationship issues.

Dawn said...

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

Your likening Sarah Palin to anything remotely feminist shows that you now jack shit about feminism.

Just because we have similar genitalia doesn't mean I support stupidity - in either gender.

Furthermore, since I run the site, I can link to whatever I damn well want.

If you don't care for it, don't visit. But don't you dare to tell me what to "stick to"...

I respectfully say "Fuck you" to that.

Anonymous said...

Intelligent response. I brought up more than Sarah Palin. In your anger, you chose to hone in on one point. But since you brought that point up, I'll bite. What I am getting at is that feminism has been hi-jacked. Feminists now have an agenda, a liberal agenda. Allowing a successful woman to be torn down by the media shows your bias. True feminists would have come to her defense, regardless of her politics. You denigrate her in your response, showing your true colors. Further, and like I said, your silence on the brutalization of women, around the world, is deafening. That's a shame.

Chickadee said...

Ummm, Sarah Palin was never attacked for being a woman. She was attacked for being a dangerous sociopathic assole.

Dawn said...

Oh, I wasn't angry. I was merely pointing out that this is My blog, ergo I can post what I like, regardless of your feelings on feminism, feminists or anything else.

I don't need to defend my political beliefs to you, nor do I have to prove my credibility as woman, a feminist, a mother or any other role I may choose to play.

Suffice it to say: You don't know me. You don't know the work I have done in tandem with low income women of all ages and races for all of my adult life.

You see, I don't just get to say pretty words, or anonymously poke at people. I walk the talk. I live the life. I do the work.

And if I wasn't clear the first time, you are welcome to go elsewhere if my views or beliefs or choice of links offend you.

You are not attempting to engage in a rational discussion. Therefore, I don't have to participate further.

Anonymous said...

Chickadee, how exactly is she a dangerous sociopathic asshole? I love the name calling. As for the hostess, I think this site is great. I compare myself to those men who have zero respect for their woman. As for a rational discussion/pretty words, you still have not spoken about the silence feminists have exhibited over the mutilation of women, dare I say, girls. Clitorectomy ring a bell? You still have not addressed the issue about how nobody came to Palin's defense, regardless of her politics. As for walking the walk, I think that's great. I have been walking a similar walk, just not as angry and I am not blinded by emotion as you, apparently, are. Anyway, thanks for the site, I will keep looking at it and when something is there worth posting, I will, like I have in the past and today.