Welcome to Fourth Wave!
Who We Are
'Fourth Wave' was started by a group of women interested in feminism and in how to talk about it with people who don't know why it is relevant today. The group began meeting weekly in September 2006. As other people expressed interest in their discussions, they realized it was time to find spaces where more people could be included in this dialogue. A monthly speaker series was started for this purpose.
The term 'Fourth Wave' is a reference to the history of feminism which is often described in first, second, and third (or post) waves. Recognizing the important roles women and people of all genders have played in shaping what feminism is today, adopting the term 'Fourth Wave' was a bold step to envision feminism's revival in a society where it is often misunderstood and assumed to be a thing of the past.
What We Do
The original small group of women still convenes weekly to discuss feminism. Poetry, music, popular culture, local and international news, personal experiences, and feminist research form the topics of conversation. A list of what we are reading can be found under the 'Resources' tab.
The monthly speaker series invites professors and graduate students from the Kingston and surrounding communities to share their interests in feminism. Topics range from an introduction to feminism and its relevance today, to media coverage of women in Latin America, to women's health in academic careers, among others.
How Can I Get Involved?
- Come to the Speaker Series events
- Contribute to the online discussion forum
- Start your own small discussion group
- Recommend speakers, readings and other resources
- Email 'Fourth Wave' your ideas for new initiatives - or start them yourself