From NWSA President Beverly Guy-Sheftall

Dear Colleagues,

My work as president and program co-chair has been extremely satisfying.  I am especially pleased by the changes underway in NWSA as we strive to be the central organization for sharing the latest intersectional feminist scholarship and continue to advance our commitment to building a vibrant multi-racial, multi-ethnic feminist community.  Help us grow the leading feminist academic network and intellectual community by joining or renewing your NWSA membership today. 

Here’s why I hope you will commit or recommit to membership in the National Women's Studies Association.  I’d like to share some of the things I have been hearing and reading about NWSA and the 2009 “Difficult Dialogues’ conference in Atlanta.:

• I will join and I will invite other men to join. Rudolph P. Byrd, Emory University

• (speaking) As a Ph.D. student in Gender & Women's Studies, the NWSA annual conference is an important opportunity for professional development- to network and collaborate with colleagues, learn about the exciting feminist research going on around the globe, and get necessary feedback on my own interdisciplinary research. Erin Leigh Durban, University of Arizona

• The diversity of culture and age—in both audience members and speakers—was exciting, inspiring. NWSA is positioned to be an agent for change in our society. Judy Johnston, Ryder University

• This conference was one of the most inspiring experiences in my young academic/professional life.  I had a weekend-long glimpse of what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Now, it sometimes keeps me up at night—filled with excitement—just knowing that there is a place for me.  M. Shelly Conner, University of Illinois at Chicago

First time attendees told us this was the best conference they had ever attended, those who had not been for several years reignited their passion for NWSA, and those who have been long-term, dedicated members were delighted with the attendance and quality of this year’s program. 

All are indications that the NWSA conference is not only the sole national conference dedicated to feminist scholarship, but also that NWSA is the organization of choice for feminist thought leaders and emerging scholars. 

Renew your membership to NWSA today and contribute to our ongoing development.  As a member, you can help us continue to grow our feminist intellectual community by:

1. Renewing your membership today online www.nwsa.org/membership/
2. Inviting a colleague or a friend to join.  Forward them the link and tell them why you are joining.
3. Sharing the importance of NWSA with your department chair and dean and encourage your institution to join.
4. Making a contribution to NWSA in addition to your membership payment.
5. Telling us what you need and want from NWSA by emailing nwsaoffice@nwsa.org

Mark your calendars now for the November 11-14, 2010 for our next national conference in Denver, Colorado and watch for more news on the Call for Proposals.  I remain excited about the future of NWSA and the role you can play in its evolution.

Sincerely,

Beverly Guy-Sheftall
NWSA President and Anna Julia Cooper Professor of Women’s Studies, Spelman College

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The NWSA annual conference is intended to provide a forum conducive to dialogue and collective action among women dedicated to feminist education and changes. The gatherings include plenaries which feature a diversity of leading scholars and activists, small sessions and workshops proposed by NWSA members, as well as cultural events and feminist entertainment.

Click here to visit the NWSA Conference website