NB Rebelles - Fredericton

Rebelles Reader

2011-11-15T13:51:00.001-05:00

Last night I hosted a talk about women and the occupy movement. Later that night the NY camp was dispersed through police intervention. Here are some of the links I've been reading to prepare for our talk.

The f word put together a podcast with my topic in mind. Feminist and Occupy Wall Street.

Racialicious put together a video about the variety of voices at the camp.

Flavorwire displays pictures of common spaces in a variety of occupy locations.

Rabble spoke to indigenous solidarity within the movement, as well as volunteerism.

A word on the "hot chicks" of occupy from sociological images.

Finally I read a deconstruction of the safe women only spaces from xojane.

PEI Reproductive Rights Rally

2011-11-11T10:17:00.001-05:00

http://antichoiceantiawesome.blogspot.com/2011/11/event-pei-reproductive-rights-rally.html

Saturday, November 19 · 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Peace Fountain by Province House on Grafton Street

PRRO - Prince Edward Island Reproductive Rights Organization - is organizing a reproductive rights rally to inform residents of Prince Edward Island what reproductive rights women are entitled to as decreed by the Canadian Government in 1988, but are being denied in Prince Edward Island.

Come out and have some coffee or tea, enjoy some busking, listen to informative speakers, learn something new and support a great cause.

Speaker List to follow.

There will also be a drop-off box for a Women's 'Zine. Please feel free to drop off any creative/ informative pieces you would like to contribute.

For more information about PRRO please visit PRRO's facebook group at:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/155653531197617/

Or the website at: http://www.prro.tk/

Rebelles Reader

2011-11-07T17:41:00.000-05:00

From the google reminder of Marie Curie's 144th birthday to women's presence in the Occupy movement, I feel like women and feminism have been in the news a lot lately. Here's a round up of what I've been reading.

Mommy's little helper for the 21st Century from Jezebel and the NY Times

From Young Feminist Wire, Gender and the G20

FRIDA, the young feminist fund launches

Here's an excerpt on men and feminism from feministing

Bitch Media helps us with a twitter round up

A birth control pill was linked to blood clots

Online feminism has been a particularly hot topic:

NY Mag did a feature on feminist blogging

Someone started a feminist photo blog

The Nation takes on online feminism

Feministing provides a review of the same article

A local feminist from a male perspective

Rabble talks about progressive feminism in neoliberal times

Our own P. Cooke takes a moment to talk gratitude

No news day is complete without something something 72 day marriage

On Occupy; rabble talks about Feminism and Occupy specifically, they have an interview with Michael Parenti, and Racialicious takes on diversity and the movement

As a side note, I'll be hosting a discussion group next Monday November 14th about women and the Occupy movement. Please pass it on to any Londonites you may be in contact with.

Updates from London On

2011-10-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

Friends!

I miss hosting the Rebelles meetings so much that I've started a discussion group in my new city, London On.

Check out the facebook invite. Please feel free to invite anyone you know in or around London. Invite yourselves for support. Be motivated to start your own discussion group in your city. Use my invite as a starting point.

For this group, I decided to put the address, rather than encourage people to email for details. It's no Feminist HQ, it's just a discussion at my house.

"Please attend to an informal discussion group about feminism. This week, I'll lead a discussion titled, Feminism in My Life. I'll talk for about 15 minutes and then open the floor to a round table discussion. Feel free to say whatever you like, in a safe way, in a safe space.

Also, the more the merrier! Not a feminist? Come anyway! Not a lady? Come anyway! Think you have nothing to say? Come anyway! Not invited? Come anyway! No pressure to contribute or participate.

There will be tea. It might be delicious.

In the future, we can do this again with someone else leading the talk. Previous topics have included: Lady Gaga, Feminist? Women in Politics, Women and Head Coverings, History of Western Feminism, Traditional Gender Roles. We can talk about other options on Sunday. If this sounds fun and/or anyone actually participates, I'll make this a group with a weekly update."

I'll be thinking of NB every time the doorbell rings and we shout "Come in! Please don't let the cat(s) out!"

Rebelles Reader

2011-10-05T12:28:00.000-04:00

Here's a round up of old submissions,

From the NY Times:

When Chocolate and Chakras Collide

Exercise: In Women, Training for a Sharper Mind

Why Can't Middle-Aged Women Have Long Hair?

How DNA Testing is Changing Fatherhood

Feminist of the Future Relies on Men

On Road to Recovery, Past Adversary Provides a Map

From the Huffington Post:

Families use Social Media to Respond to Gardasil Side Effects

The 7 Weirdest things Women do to Their Privates

What Does it Mean to Be A Good Man?

Does Being Por Choice Mean I Have to Support Michelle Duggar?

Does My Religion Make Me Look Fat? The Connection Between Piety and Body Image

Feminism: A Moral Compass for Change?

Porn as Performance Art

From Canada:

Women Only Food Sites Open in Hati

Alcohol Ranked Most Harmful Drug

Youth Dating Violence Remains Problem

Rebelles Reader

2011-10-01T16:53:00.000-04:00

From the Globe and Mail: Why Feminists Have Better Sex

SLUTWALK Fredericton - Because we've had enough!

2011-08-09T12:36:00.001-04:00

SLUTWALK Fredericton is here! August 12th, 2011. We'll be meeting in the Tannery shortly before 8pm for the walk.

But why?
On January 24th 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police Force gave the public insight to how they really feel about victims of sexual assault by stating women should "avoid dressing like sluts".

Historically the term "slut" has held negative connotations and been used to shame women (and men) for their sexual practices. And whether it has been used as a serious insult of character, or an everyday insult among friends, the intent behind the word is malicious, so we're taking it back. We are re-claiming "slut".

We live in a society where we teach young women to protect themselves against rape, and to expect sexual assault at every corner. Our strategies need to change. The dialogue needs to switch from "don't get raped" to "do not rape". Young women need to be taught "it's OK to say no".

Slutwalk is a demonstration, a way for us (men and women alike) to take back the word "slut", to not feel pressured into sex because of what we're wearing. A low cut top is not an invitation.

Let's put an end to "slut-shaming."

Slutwalk is an anti-bullying, anti-rape demonstration. It's about educating people to respect boundaries.

It's about freedom of expression, it's about feeling safe when you're out at the club having fun. It's about freedom of choice and sexuality.

The facebook event page can be found here.

Thank you

2011-06-30T08:42:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post a brief update about the rally yesterday.

About 13 people were in attendance including Dominic Cardy the provincial NDP leader, Bill Frasier, the MLA for Miramichi and Nick Scott from AIDS NB. WE were able to speak to a media representative who took statements and pictures from the event.

The Liberal oppsoition released the following statement after the event:

June 29, 2011

Status of Women advocacy needed now more than ever: Liberals

FREDERICTON – As women gather outside the provincial Legislature to protest the loss of sexual health clinic services for those ages 20-24, it’s clear that an independent, arms’ length advocacy group for women is needed now more than ever, Victor Boudreau, Leader of the Official Opposition Liberals, says.

“If ever we’ve needed the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, it is now,” Boudreau commented. “The Status of Women council was that independent organization that could speak out on behalf of women against the government when it took the wrong path, as the Alward government did when it cut sexual health services to the age group that most needs those services.”

Opposition Health Critic Bill Fraser broke the news of the changes in sexual health services during the main estimates of the Department of Health during the last Legislative session. At that time, New Brunswickers learned that, despite what the Minister of Health described as an “epidemic” of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the government was eliminating sexual health services to women ages 20-24.

The Legislative Assembly also heard that three out of four doctors practising at a Fredericton sexual health clinic had resigned their positions in protest of the cut to services.

The interim Liberal leader suggests that had the Status of Women advisory council still been in existence, pressure could have been applied to avoid this bad decision from happening. The advisory council was eliminated by David Alward, despite his promise in his election platform to work with the group that he eliminated at the first opportunity.

“By eliminating the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, this government sought to silence the voices of women,” Boudreau charged.

“If the Status of Women council was still around, women would have a strong voice on this issue,” he added. “This is a prime example of why we’ve been calling on Minister (Margaret-Ann) Blaney to immediately reinstate funding to the Advisory Council.”

-30-

Media Contact: Hillary Casey, Office of the Official Opposition, (506) 453-2548, hillary.casey@gnb.ca

Rally in Support of Sexual Health Clinics

2011-06-28T07:21:00.000-04:00

Where: In front of the legislative assembly house

What date: Wednesday, June 29

When: 8:00 am

Added details: The provincial government has decided to decrease access to sexual health clinics in NB. This week the health minister is meeting with experts to discuss the ramifications of this decision at the provincial legislature in Fredericton. We hope to show the publicly discuss these same consequences and show support for these much needed, underfunded cornerstones of our health care system.

ACSW Rally Today!

2011-05-06T07:32:00.001-04:00

A march from Officers Square to the Legislature.

Today, Friday May 6th at 2:30 pm

Meeting Tomorrow

2011-05-03T19:33:00.001-04:00

Meeting Wednesday May 4th at 7pm.

email us at nbrebelles@gmail.com for details.

Meeting Tonight!

2011-04-27T13:02:00.002-04:00

Reminder:

Meeting tonight, April 27, Feminist HQ. Email nbrebelles@gmail.com for details.

We're planning the upcoming benefit at BOOM! and our trip to Winnipeg in May.

See you there.

ACSW March Planned

2011-04-26T11:14:00.002-04:00

Where: A march from Officers Square to the Legislature

What date: Friday May 6th

When: 2:30 pm

Who: Organized by CUPE 2745

Added details: We will be bringing our bras and maybe doing a symbolic "Burning of the Bras" in protest.

Meeting Tomorrow

2011-04-12T12:39:00.001-04:00

We're meeting tomorrow to talk about fund raising for our upcoming trip to Winnipeg.

Email nbrebeles@gmail.com for details.

See you at 7pm at Feminist HQ.

Support from CUPW

2011-04-12T07:35:00.003-04:00

ACSW Rally

2011-04-08T08:45:00.002-04:00

TODAY!

10:15 to 10:45 - rally to support the ACSW at the Legislature in Fredericton.

Check out the blog here.

See you there.

Time change to ACSW rally

2011-04-04T16:05:00.002-04:00

The time of the rally has been changed to 10:15am to 10:45am

Same date, Friday April 8th.

See you there!

Upcoming rally for the ACSW

2011-04-03T12:53:00.002-04:00

Where: In front of the Legislative Assembly

What date: Friday April 8

When: 11:30 to 12pm

Who: Organized by CUPE - NB Division

Join the facebook event here.

Recent media RE closing the NB ACSW

2011-04-02T16:30:00.003-04:00

From the NB Media Co-Op

From the Feminist Media Collective

CBC

Fredericton's Daily Gleaner

And finally, updates can always be found on Save our Advisory Council blog

2011-03-31T20:21:00.000-04:00

Video from today's protest from Global Maritime news

Reminder!

2011-03-31T09:24:00.000-04:00

Protest TODAY at NOON outside the legislature.

Come and be seen by the people who want to silence us.

Protest today in Moncton

2011-03-30T12:19:00.002-04:00

Where: Moncton City Hall

What date: Wednesday March 3o, 2011

When: 4:30 to 5:30 pm

The Alward government has abolished the N.B. Advisory Council for the Status of Women, and on Thursday there is a vote in the legislature to get it back! So we need to get as many females and supportive males to come out and show their support.

Our plan to is have women wearing bandannas over their mouths with a sign saying "N.B. women gagged/silenced by Alward" and the men to be holding signs saying "In Solidarity with N.B. women." If you don't live near Moncton, plan a simultaneous protest in your community!

SO do your part! Show up, Invite people and Support NB Women!

http://advisoryactioncoseil.wordpress.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_108606645888020&notif_t=group_r2j for more info on this issue!

Nous songeons à mettre sur pied une manifestation pacifique devant l’Hôtel de Ville de Moncton ce mercredi 30 mars entre 16 h 30 et 17 h 30 (heure de pointe!) Nous avons choisi cette date parce que c’est l’avant-dernière journée du CCCF du NB et le jour précédent un vote sur une motion voulant réinstaurer le CCCF du NB à l’Assemblée législative.

Nous envisageons des gens debout à l’extérieur avec la bouche bâillonnée avec des mouchoirs; les femmes porteront des enseignes disant : « Les femmes du Nouveau-Brunswick bâillonnées par Alward. » et les hommes porteront des enseignes disant : « Nous appuyons les femmes du NB. » Nous ferons face à la circulation, et ce, en silence pour montrer notre appui pour le CCCF du NB en souhaitant d’avoir une couverture médiatique.

Nous allons aussi faire des brassards que les manifestants pourront porter. Nous allons couper des languettes de tissu bleu (la couleur du logo du CCCF) et on y appliquera le logo du CCCF du NB également. Nous distribuerons ces items à la manifestation et les gens sont encouragés à faire leur propre brassard également.

Vous pouvez organiser une manifestation dans différentes villes au même moment!

Merci!

Meeting tonight!

2011-03-30T10:36:00.002-04:00

The Rebelles are meeting tonight at 7pm. Please join us to discuss the elimination of the Advisory Council and the protest being held Thursday at 12 noon outside the legislature. We will also be available to take pictures of women interested in the photo protest and will send them to the Save our Advisory Council blog on your behalf. Other topics include fund raising for the national Rebelles conference in Winnipeg this May.

Email us at nbrebelles@gmail.com for details.

Hope to see you tonight!

Protest the Elimination of the Advisory Council

2011-03-29T22:18:00.002-04:00

Where: Outside the legislature

What date: Thursday March 31, 2011

When: 12 Noon

Help us show the New Brunswick government how important the Advisory Council is by gathering in solidarity outside the legislature on Thursday before the motion to reinstate the Advisory Council on the Status of Women is read.

Save the Advisory Council

2011-03-27T20:29:00.004-04:00

The Fredericton NB Rebelles want to support the protest of the elimination of the ACSW by encouraging the people of New Brunswick to show the Alward government the faces of the people that they've attempted to silence.

Self identified women can take their own pictures with tape over their mouths with the word "Alward" written across it.

"Part of the unique mandate of the ACSW is to analyze the impact of government action and inaction on the status of women and to bring it to the attention of the public and decision-makers." This important voice is being silenced by the Alward government; now it's time for them to look into the faces of the women they are silencing.

Please help support our initiative and the ACSW by posting a picture of yourself with tape on your mouth. Preferably the picture would be looking with disapproval at the camera, challenging this elimination of women's voices, perspectives and insight in New Brunswick government.

The Fredericton Rebelles are hosting a meeting this Wednesday March 30th at Feminist HQ in Fredericton to take pictures for women. Please feel free to email us at nbrebelles@gmail.com for details.

We will post these pictures on the facebook action page, and will also email them to David Alward at david.alward@gnb.ca. The Advisory council's blog has more information about who else you can contact about your outrage and they suggest the media as well as your local MLA:
http://advisoryactionconseil.wordpress.com/what-to-do-quoi-faire/who-to-contact-qui-contacter/

Hope to see you angry,
Tania D'Aluisio-Tyler
on behalf of the Fredericton NB Rebelles

Example photos:

Meeting This Week!

2011-02-08T08:34:00.002-05:00

Greetings Feminist Friends!

We will be meeting on Wednesday, Feb 9th, at Feminist HQ.
Email the gmail (nbrebelles@gmail.com) if you're in need of directions.

Be there or be square!*

*It's okay if you're square. Feminism accepts all types.

No meeting this week!

2011-02-02T15:09:00.001-05:00

Greetings Feminist Friends,

There will be no meeting tonight folks, but if you're interested in joining us for a lively discussion next week send us an email at nbrebelles@gmail.com for more information. All are welcome.

Have fun shoveling yourselves out in the morning and we'll see you at Feminist Headquarters next week!

Next Meeting!

2011-01-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

Greetings Feminist Friends!

The NB Rebelles - Fredericton would like to invite you to our first meeting of 2011!

Please join us at 7pm on Wednesday, January 19th, at Feminist HQ for a discussion group (topic: dating while feminist) and general meeting where we'll be discussing our ideas for the new year!

All are welcome!

Email nbrebelles@gmail.com for the location.

Hope to see you there!

The Future of the NB Rebelles!

2010-11-08T15:59:00.002-05:00

Greetings Friends,
Due to hectic schedules, the NB Rebelles will be taking an intermission from our weekly meetings!

That being said, we are planning a potluck on December 8th starting at 6pm in Feminist HQ. Please RSVP by emailing nbrebelles @ gmail.com
We hope to see you there!

In January, we plan to switch to Wednesday nights. Our first meeting will be on the 12th, where we'll plan a small recruitment drive (posters, etc), and then our first real meeting of the year will be on Wednesday, January 19th. The discussion topic will be Dating While Feminist.

After January 19th, we plan to meet every two weeks. A subcommittee will be formed for those who plan to go to the May 2011 Rebelles Conference in Winnipeg. We have a lot of fundraising to do!

Thanks again for your membership and support! We hope to see you on the 8th.

love and rage
NB Rebelles - Fredericton

Pro-Choice Call to Action

2010-10-20T09:58:00.001-04:00

Dear Pro-choice Supporters,

Please send a letter to your MP asking them to vote against the private member's bill C-510, "an act to amend the Criminal Code (coerced abortion)." The bill was introduced in April and is scheduled for 2nd Reading vote on Nov 1.

Please check out the following link to some media coverage:
"Abortion vote inevitable, MP says"
For more info on the bill, see the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada's press release in:

English, and
Français

How you can help defend women's rights?

Below is a sample letter that you can copy and paste into an email or a letter. Feel free to edit the letter or write your own. Address your email to your MP.

Look up your MP HERE.
________________________________
Sample Letter/Email:

Subject: Please vote against Bill C-510

Dear [insert your MP's name]

I'm writing to ask you to please vote against Bill C-510, an act to prohibit "coerced abortion", which is slated for a 2nd reading vote in Parliament on Nov 1.

Bill C510 is a private member's bill that would amend the Criminal Code to prohibit coercing a woman into an abortion via physical or financial threats, illegal acts, or through “argumentative and rancorous badgering or importunity”. It was introduced on April 15 by anti-abortion Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge (Winnipeg South), who chairs the Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus.

I'm pro-choice and part of Canada's pro-choice majority. I believe this is an unnecessary bill that promotes abortion stigma, paternalizes women, and puts providers at risk. The bill is redundant because threats and illegal acts are already illegal under the Criminal Code, and counselors at clinics already screen for possible coercion in women seeking abortion. However, the anti-choice movement falsely believes that clinics coerce women into abortions, so we fear this bill may encourage frivolous charges against providers, as well as harassment and violence. The bill patronizes women by implying they are frequently coerced into abortion, but the vast majority of women make their own decision to have an abortion and take responsibility for it. If the intent is really to protect women from abusive partners, we need better and more comprehensive solutions than this bill.

The bill is supported and promoted by Canada's anti-abortion movement. It represents their latest attempt to get a foot in the door towards recriminalizing abortion. The bill refers to a fetus as a “child,” making it another Trojan Horse for smuggling fetal rights into law. As you may recall, the "Unborn Victims of Crime Act" from 2008 (Bill C484) passed 2nd reading
because its deceptive language fooled a number of pro-choice MPs.

Thank you in advance for voting against Bill C510.

Sincerely,

Next Meeting

2010-08-13T15:37:00.001-04:00

Join us for our next meeting - 7pm on Monday, July 16th, at Feminist HQ. Email us for more info and directions: nbrebelles@gmail.com.

Everyone is welcome!

NB Rebelles Reader

2010-08-10T16:56:00.003-04:00

Reversing abortion options in Korea

More signs we're 'asking for it' - carrying condoms

Constructing the gender of a 4 year old

Constructing the gender of an adult trans person

Sex work and men, in Nevada

The evolving role of mother:
in Germany

in The US (and wives)

In a globally warming world, how our politics impact our relationships

Not to forget our relationships with our sister-friends

International adoption and problems with Haiti

Haitian adoptions and Moncton

Tent cities, idealized

Finally, a Review of the Patti Smith memoir

Feminist Fun Double-Header!

2010-07-21T13:38:00.003-04:00

Feminists! Are you ready for an awesome time?

On Sunday, July 25th, the NB Rebelles are organizing an informal and completely awesome tubing excursion. What's tubing? THIS AWESOME THING. It's BYOB (no glass bottles!) and pay for your own tube ($10 each), but we will arrange the carpool and also pay for a tube for the cooler. So if you feel like floating down the Nashwaak with a bunch of feminists, please RSVP by email (nbrebelles@gmail.com) by Thursday, July 22nd. Let us know if you need a drive or can provide some.

ALSO, our next meeting is on Monday, July 26th and it's kind of a big deal! It's Peggy's last meeting. There will be baked goods. We will probably go out afterwards! Come join the feminist discussion, planning and good times. As always, new people are welcome! Join us at 7pm at Feminist HQ (contact us for directions).

Next Meeting

2010-07-17T15:02:00.001-04:00

Join us for our next meeting - Monday, July 19th at 7pm, at Feminist HQ. Email us for more info and directions: nbrebelles@gmail.com.

Everyone is welcome!

Feminist Night Out

2010-07-14T09:41:00.003-04:00

Come on out and join us this Friday, July 16th for a big feminist PARTY! The NB Rebelles are hosting this extravaganza of good times, awesome drinks and musical acts featuring ladies and lady-friendly types! Hosted by boom! (474 Queen Street).

Check out performances by Chloe Albert and Emma Cook, the NB Rebelles Gumboot Troupe, slam poetry from El Jones, the boom! Circus dancers, maybe some other awesome stuff!

You don't have to be a feminist to come, but you might be one by the time you leave because we are JUST THAT AWESOME.

The show is from 8pm to 11pm, and then everyone is invited to stay for the amazing dance party that is boom! Cover is $5.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Next Meeting

2010-07-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

Ok feminists! Our next meeting is this Monday, July 12th at 7pm. For more information or directions to Feminist HQ, email us at nbrebelles@gmail.com.

See you there!

Yard Sale!

2010-07-07T12:48:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! The NB Rebelles are having a GIANT YARD SALE this Saturday, July 10th from 8:00am to 1:00pm! Come join us at 598 Palmer Street (in Fredericton) for tons of awesome stuff. We will also be selling Rebelles merch and I heard a rumour there will be baked goods, maybe! Spread the word!

Also if you have items to donate to the sale, email us: nbrebelles@gmail.com

The proceeds of the yard sale will support getting young New Brunswick women to the next Waves of Resistance conference in Winnipeg. This is our first official fundraiser for the conference - please help us to make it a success!

Feminist Discussion

2010-07-02T13:27:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! Don't forget to join us for our next feminist discussion/NB Rebelles meeting. This week's topic is Masturbation.

Join us at 7pm on Monday, July 5th. We meet weekly at Feminist HQ (email us for directions: nbrebelles@gmail.com).

See you there!

Next Meeting

2010-06-23T11:30:00.002-04:00

Feminists! Our next NB Rebelles meeting will be this Monday, June 28 at 7pm. Come join us at Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions) for feminist discussion, good company and maybe snacks - but most certainly tea!

New faces are always welcome!

Screen Printing Night!

2010-06-09T09:43:00.006-04:00

The NB Rebelles will be doing some screen printing this week, at our regular meeting time and place (email us for info). Please join us - the more people we have to help, the easier (and more fun!) it will be.

If you are unable to come but you have an item of clothing that you would like screen printed with one of our three logos (designed for us by Angela Black of Random Paper and Fabric), we will do it for you for $10. Please contact us to arrange a drop off or pick up of your item(s).

See you Monday night!

Our logos:

Gumboot

Feminist fist

Rebelles fist

Next NB Rebelles Meeting

2010-06-04T10:41:00.001-04:00

Feminists! Don't forget to join us for our next meeting:

Monday, June 7th at 7pm
Feminist HQ (email us for directions)

We love to see new faces!

NB Rebelles Reader

2010-05-26T16:36:00.007-04:00

In utter grossness, high school boys make a contest out of trying to have sex with Grade 8 girls

When do these titles apply? Single, unmarried, getting your MRS

New and improved ways to test your trust: male birth control options

The choice is always complicated, synthetic estrogen

This cuts to the core of community responsibility and how your acts affect others. Disturbing ant violence video

Shaving revisited, in the new summer heat/mainstream

Science is always thinking about us, HIV and women

Or are they? Who else is missing from heath trials?

New ways to acknowledge selling your body. Sex work as socializing work

In the region: maternity health a problem

For our musical contribution:
Feminist playlist take one

Feminist playlist take two

Next Meeting

2010-05-26T07:50:00.002-04:00

Rebelles are back! Join us this Monday, May 31st for feminist discussion and a meeting. This week the topic is "Performing Femininity" and will be based on this article.

Join us at 7pm on Monday at Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions).

No Meeting Next Week

2010-05-18T21:27:00.001-04:00

IMPORTANT: There is no NB Rebelles meeting this coming Monday, May 24th: enjoy the long weekend!

We will be meeting again on Monday, May 31st at 7pm. Contact nbrebelles@gmail.com for more details.

Feminist Discussion

2010-05-11T15:30:00.002-04:00

Rebelles and those who wish they were! We are returning to our format of feminist discussion followed by NB Rebelles meeting. Exciting! Our topic for this coming discussion is Privilege and Safety, and will draw heavily from this article. Read it! Ponder it! Bring your thoughts to share with other feminists thusly:

Monday, May 17th @ 7pm
Feminist HQ (email us for directions: nbrebelles@gmail.com)

See you there!

What is up, Rebelles?

2010-05-05T15:42:00.003-04:00

Why, I'm so glad you asked! First of all, our next meeting (on Monday) is going to be a brainstormin' extravaganza, so please do come if you can! We will be mapping out our summer activities and we need all the ideas we can get. There will be high fives!

In case you're wondering, that's Monday, May 10th at 7pm at Feminist HQ. Email us for address and directions - nbrebelles@gmail.com.

ALSO, I bet you're wondering how you can get your hands on some sweet NB Rebelles merch (t-shirts AND buttons!). Well, wonder no more, and click on over to our brand spankin' new Etsy shop!

Don't forget, if you want to get our meeting minutes in your inbox, just send us an email. :)

Next Rebelles Meeting

2010-04-29T08:08:00.001-04:00

Feminists in Fredericton! Our next NB Rebelles meeting will take place this coming Monday, May 3rd at 7pm. Join us at Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for the address/directions) to talk about what is next for the Rebelles!

Next Meeting/Feminist Discussion

2010-04-16T14:50:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed our little hiatus last week, and that all the students among us got a chance to breathe.

We are back to business as usual this week: our next meeting is Monday, April 19th at 7pm at Feminist HQ (email us for directions!). The discussion topic is Vegetarianism/Veganism in a Feminist Context, and it will be led by me (Peggy)! The discussion will be followed by a brief NB Rebelles meeting for which you are welcome but not obligated to attend.

See you there!

A new BLOG CONTRIBUTOR is in town!!!!

2010-04-13T11:04:00.009-04:00

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen...

I have decided to do the regular blogging duties from now on based on all the interesting, shocking, lovely, necessary news that we all find relevant and informative and hopefully always with a good feminist dosage/edge.

My name is Laura Vollrath and currently I live in Fredericton, New Brunswick and I was the 'Laura' that led the discussion in the previous week about Menstruation. Unfortunantly, not many of you lovely creatures could make it to the meeting that day but thats part of the reason why this blog exists! You didn't miss a thing I will be posting my whole presentation on here and would love to hear all of your feedback and thoughts on the bloody subject.

Let's get some good brainage going, shall we??

Menstruation!!!!

‘The Rag’, ‘swimming in the red ocean’, ‘My Period’, ‘Are you seeing red?’, ‘At high tide’, ‘Attracting the lesbian vampires’, ‘Bloody Mary’, ‘Bloody Beast’, ‘Bloody snot’, ‘Blowing a fuse’, ‘Closed for maintenance’ and so on…

Basic Facts:

1. Eumenorrhea expresses normal, regular menstruation that lasts for a few days (usually 3 to 5 days, but anywhere from 2 to 7 days is considered normal).[2] The average blood loss during menstruation is 35 millilitres with 10-80 mL considered normal;[3]

I ask:

What is your relationship to blood????

- Does it differ how women and men feel about blood?

- Why does something so natural usually end up feeling so ‘dirty’ for some women?

- Would you stop bleeding if you could? (How important is fertility to us as women today?)

Sex

-More horny or less?

(While searching on the internet, blogs and discussion areas I found that most people don’t care whether the girl is on the period or not, they keep on tickling and licking)

Dr.Laura also thinks Sex is probably the best cramp reliever there is!!!

Alternative Menstrual Products

There are several web-sites where you can purchase reusable pads, Diva cups and various other more environmentally consciouss menstrual products.

www.gladrags.com

www.lunapads.com

Biodegradable Wysi Wipes are the perfect solution for emergency period moments or cleaning your DivaCup or Pstyle while on the road. Moisten these mint-sized pellets with a bit of water and watch them expand into a 9"x9" (24x24cm) moist towelette. Made from plant fibres, they are not only biodegradable, but can also be reused a few times if they aren't too soiled. Measuring only 1cm thick and 2cm wide, keep a few in all of your carry bags. Great for diaper bags too! Watch our video to learn more. 

Greener

Like recycling bottles and newspapers, washing Lunapads or rinsing out the DivaCup is a little more work than throwing away your used pads and tampons. But with over 14 billion pads, tampons and applicators going into North American landfills every year, it’s a small but important way of taking personal responsibility for a massive environmental problem.

Next Feminist Discussion

2010-03-24T13:31:00.002-04:00

Friends, our next feminist discussion will be on MENSTRUATION (scary! exciting! you're a lady! and so on). It will be led by the incomparably awesome Laura. You are all invited!

Join us on Monday, March 29 @ 7pm. Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions or more info). The discussion will be followed by a brief meeting.

Everyone is welcome and we love to meet new people!

The 4th Annual RAWA Benefit....how you can help!

2010-03-17T15:59:00.002-04:00

This Saturday (March 20) is the 4th Annual RAWA Benefit Variety Show (and silent auction!). It will be at the SUB Ballroom (UNB campus in Fredericton) at 7:00pm, and tickets are $10 ($7 for students). Get your tickets at the door or in advance at Westminster Books or the SUB Welcome Centre.

This is going to be an awesome event, my friends. Performers include Kaylee Hopkins, Saa Andrew, General Strike, Nepalese dancers, and MANY OTHERS. Including, of course, our very own gumboot troupe! Rock sauce.

Where does the money go? Check out RAWA. They are so important and so amazing.

How can you help? Well, go to the event, for one! It is going to be an excellent time and I heard a rumour that there will be punch. But ALSO, if you have something to donate to the silent auction, let us know! The NB Rebelles are collecting donations to auction off. All proceeds will go to RAWA, and if you are a business, the name of your business will be prominently featured. It's win win! We can pick up your donation or you can drop it off - just email us at nbrebelles@gmail.com

See you there!

We're going on a field trip to learn about popular theatre!

2010-03-09T13:00:00.003-05:00

Monday, March 15th, we'll be meeting at Conserver House (180 St. John Street) at 7:00pm to hear from Daniel Rocha how popular theatre is being used in Columbia to empower victims of armed violence. We will have a brief post-presentation Rebelles meeting and discussion.

Daniel directs a popular theatre project in Bogota and is part of the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation. The event is being co-hosted by theFredericton Peace Coalition, NB Public Interest Research Group (NBPIRG), NB Media Co-op, Canadian Union of Postal Workers - Fredericton and UNB International Development Studies Program.

See you there!

Next NB Rebelles Meeting

2010-03-06T17:01:00.003-05:00

Lovely feminists, we will be holding our next meeting this Monday (March 8) at 7pm. It is International Women's Day! Come celebrate by chatting with some fantastic feminists. No discussion topic yet, so come with your ideas.

Email nbrebelles@gmail.com for more details.

Don't forget the IWD potluck on Sunday, March 7th at 12 noon at Renaissance College (811 Charlotte Street). Bring a dish and get some info on the women's groups that are active in Fredericton and across the province.

Rebelles on Break!

2010-03-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

Feminists, there will be no discussion or meeting this week, as it is March Break. Join us next week for more feminism!!

Next NB Rebelles Discussion/Meeting

2010-02-17T13:48:00.001-05:00

Our next discussion will be on the topic: "Lady Gaga: Feminist?". I know you won't want to miss it! As always, the discussion will be followed by a meeting for which you are welcome, but not obligated, to stay.

Monday, February 22nd at 7pm.
Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions).

Everyone is welcome, and we love to see new faces!

Next NB Rebelles Discussion Night/Meeting

2010-02-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

Lovely feminists,

Our next discussion night will be held on Monday, February 15th. The topic is Women in Politics.

The discussion will be followed by a meeting, for which you are encouraged (but not obligated) to stay. We love to see new faces; everyone is welcome!

Monday, Feb. 15 @ 7pm
Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions)

See you there!

Next NB Rebelles Discussion Night/Meeting

2010-02-02T22:11:00.003-05:00

Friends!

Our next discussion night will be held on Monday, February 8th. The topic is Harper & the Ladies (regarding Stephen Harper's recent pledge to help women and children around the world). Some background!

The discussion will be followed by a meeting, for which you are encouraged (but not obligated) to stay. We love to see new faces; everyone is welcome!

Monday, Feb. 8 @ 7pm
Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions)

See you there!

Feminist Panel Discussion and Film Screening

2010-01-27T14:50:00.001-05:00

The NB Rebelles invite you to a screening of Rebelles: The Documentary, followed by a panel discussion on Emerging Feminism in Canada.

Saturday, January 30
2:30pm
Edmund Casey Hall Room 120 (STU Campus)
FREE!

The event includes a 40 minute film on the Montreal conference where over five hundred young women met on women's issues, with twenty women from Fredericton attending.

The speakers on the panel include St. Thomas Women's Studies faculty Dr. Jo-Anne Elder, Tania D'Aluisio-Tyler (Rebelles member and St. Thomas student), Bill Patrick (Gender Justice Collaborative), and Joyce Arthur (Executive Director, ARCC). Samantha Molen (of the NB Rebelles) will be moderating.

This event is co-sponsored by the Women's Studies and Gender Studies Programme at St. Thomas University, the UNB Women's Studies Programme, the UNB/STU Women's Centre and the Fredericton Peace Coalition. It is free to attend, and all members of the community are welcome!

Next Meeting

2010-01-25T11:10:00.001-05:00

Hi friends! Our next meeting is TONIGHT!

Monday, Jan. 25th at 7pm
Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for directions).

Hope to see you there!

Next Discussion/Meeting

2010-01-14T13:59:00.002-05:00

Hi friends! This week we will be discussing Emerging Feminism, in order to get our feet wet for our upcoming public panel discussion on that very topic. We will also be meeting to plan the film screening, bake sale and big feminist party. Lots of good stuff on the horizon - hope to see you there!

Monday, January 18th at 7pm.
Feminist HQ

For more info and directions, email nbrebelles@gmail.com.

NB Rebelles 2009: Year in Review

2010-01-12T16:29:00.002-05:00

In case you're wondering who these Rebelles are and what they get up to, here is a little recap of our activities in the past year.

We held the following events:

Thank-You Brunch (February)
We hosted a brunch for all the "second wave" women who sponsored us to attend the Rebelles Gathering in Montreal. We have many wonderful supporters and allies in Fredericton to whom we are very grateful!

RAWA Benefit (March)
For this event, which was put on by a collection of groups (organized by the Fredericton Peace Coalition), the NB Rebelles organized a silent auction to benefit the Revoluntionary Association of Women of Afghanistan. A total of $1900 was raised.

International Women's Day Potluck (March)
The NB Rebelles sent several representatives to a potluck brunch for International Women's Day, which was attended by many Fredericton- and New Brunswick-based womens' groups.

Waves of Resistance Evaluation and Planning Meeting (March)
The NB Rebelles sent a representative to the evaluation and planning meeting that followed the Rebelles Gathering.

Dialogue Session on Poverty (March)
We hosted a dialogue session on poverty and gender for a provincial government initiative on povery reduction.

Feminist Retreat (March)
Maybe our favourite event so far - the NB Rebelles hosted a one-day feminist retreat for Fredericton feminists to come together and discuss everything from body image to capitalism. We were so happy with the attendance and there were a lot of different perspectives to mull over. We even recruited new members!

Pay Equity Action (May)
The NB Rebelles, with the help of the NB Coalition on Pay Equity, arranged a May Day action on pay equity. We encouraged New Brunswickers to email the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women (Mary Schryer) demanding immediate action. We were very impressed with the number of people who took part!

Health Minister Resignation Action (May)
Flush with the success of our Pay Equity action, we arranged a similar email campaign demanding the resignation of then-Health Minister Michael Murphy, because of his unethical handling of reproductive rights for the women of New Brunswick.

Yard Sale (June)
The NB Rebelles held a fundraising yard sale to benefit the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre. We raised over $200.

Vigil for Dr. Tiller (June)
We organized a candlelight vigil for murder abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. A personal reflection on Dr. Tiller by Dr. Henry Morgentaler was read at the event.

Women's Festival (August)
Most of our time and energy over the summer went into organizing the Fredericton Women's Festival. We collected female artists, craftspeople, vendors and musicians to join us in putting on a free festival to celebrate women and the work they do. We were very pleased with the turnout and are hoping to make this an annual Fredericton event.

Cinema Politica: Abortion (October)
The NB Rebelles co-sponsored a Fredericton Cinema Politica event with the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, to present two documentaries on abortion. Rebelle and ARCC representative Peggy Cooke led the post-film discussion.

Andrea Gibson (November)
The NB Rebelles joined the Fredericton Peace Coalition, the Fredericton Sexual Assaul Crisis Centre, and many other groups to bring slam poet and activist Andrea Gibson to Fredericton to perform. The event had a sell-out crowd and Andrea donated her fee to RAWA.

We've been working on some cool side projects:

NB Rebelles Gumboot Troupe
We currently have a five-member gumboot troupe that has performed our self-taught routine at several different venues and events, from art openings to conferences, to a December 6th memorial service. The troupe has incorporated lines from the Manifesto into our routine to present a powerful anti-patriarchy message that has been surprisingly well-received. The gumbooters can be reached at gumbooters@gmail.com.

NB Rebelles - Fredericton Merchandise
The NB Rebelles hired a local artist, Angela Black, to design three logos for us. We then used these to create t-shirts which are on sale on our website. All the shirts are pre-worn, hand-screened and made with love. We are also selling feminist buttons (in ten different designs) and will soon have hand-screened tote bags as well. The sale of these items is an ongoing fundraiser for the NB Rebelles.

Book Exchange
We are working on a book exchange; unfortunately with no central location this has proven difficult, but the idea is still in the beginning stages and we are confident we can find a way to make it work. Suggestions are welcome!

Coalitions
One of the main goals of the NB Rebelles - Fredericton is to connect with other local groups who are working in feminism and social justice, and to donate our time, money and energy to causes that fit within our mandate. Over the last year we have joined the Fredericton Peace Coalition, the NB Coalition on Pay Equity and the Olympic Resistance Network. We have also worked with many groups including the Fredericton YMCA, Cinema Politica, the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, and many others. We look forward to expanding our circle of allies in the following year.

And we've kept our web presence strong in the following ways:

Our website, which is updated regularly and features a weekly feminist reader, weekly feminist photo, updates on meeting times and locations, upcoming events, and much more.

You can follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FtonRebelles

We have both a Facebook group and fan page, and we can always be reached by email at nbrebelles@gmail.com

What we have planned for 2010:

In January we are looking forward to hosting a screening of the Rebelles documentary, followed by a panel discussion featuring Joyce Arthur of ARCC, among other fabulous feminists. We have plans for another feminist retreat in the spring, and are in the early stages of planning a big feminist party in the spirit of the Rebelles conference in Montreal. We hope to start forming better connections with Rebelles across the country and building the movement together. Feminism lives!

Nb Rebelles Reader

2010-01-11T14:56:00.003-05:00

The first Rebelles Reader of the year is themed for your convenience.

Marriage and Family:

Polygamy is hot
The Boss blows me away again
Marriage is complicated
Cornwall report on abused children in Ontario
Daycare in Ontario improving

Emerging Feminist Theory:

Patients elude us all
A closer look at Italian television
Gender based activism

Body Politics:

Euthanasia in Quebec
Ireland and abortion
Hair pulling: particularly offensive unsportsmanlike conduct

Fashion:

High heals are oppressive
Saturation of negative body images
Things that can be improved with feminism: Titanic edition

Technology:

We've learned all there is to know about some things, it seems
Research on women's bodies? More shocking than this story

Montreal Massacre:

In remembrance/in outrage

Next Meeting

2010-01-11T14:43:00.001-05:00

Just to let everyone know, the first NB Rebelles meeting of the year will be tonight:

Monday, January 11th, 2010
7:00pm
Feminist HQ (email nbrebelles@gmail.com for the address).

See you there!

Happy Holidays from the Rebelles!

2009-12-29T09:23:00.003-05:00

Lovely feminists! I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. The NB Rebelles have been MIA for the last couple weeks, taking a well-deserved rest and bidding goodbye to 2009. However, we will be back at it shortly! (It being feminism). Keep your eyes on this space for news of our first meeting of the new year, as well as all the usual commentary, pictures and general feminist internet merriment.

Solidarity!

Feminist Discussion Night

2009-12-07T12:25:00.002-05:00

Hi folks! It's that time of the week again - on Wednesday night (Dec. 9th) at 7pm, the NB Rebelles will be hosting a feminist discussion at Feminist HQ in Fredericton (email us for the location and directions: nbrebelles@gmail.com).

This week's topic will be how to balance "bandaid activism" (ie working within the system to make change) with dismantling the patriarchy. Everyone is welcome to come, and the discussion will be followed by a brief NB Rebelles meeting which you are welcome (but under no obligation) to attend.

See you there!

20 Years Ago (and today)

2009-12-06T16:08:00.017-05:00

A link round-up with quotes:

Nathalie Provost, a Dec 6th Survivor (link):

Nathalie Provost yelled "We are not feminists" as Marc Lépine sprayed her and her classmates with bullets. Today, the engineer and mother of four says: "I realized many years later that in my life and actions, of course I was a feminist. I was a woman studying engineering and I held my head up."

A speech delivered by Megan Leslie, Halifax MP, last year (link, via):

But the question we don’t let ourselves ask is what.

What is it about our culture that made the shooter blame “feminists” for all his troubles?
What is it going to take to change things?
What can I do?

The answer to these questions is unsettling, because it makes us face uncomfortable facts:
We live in a culture of casual misogyny.
We live in a culture that pays attention to women most often when it wants to berate us, blame us, or compare us to each other.
And we don’t do enough to fight it.
Like when hundreds of Aboriginal women go missing.
When the word “equality” is taken out of the Status of Women mandate.
[...]
When victims of violence are referred to in the media as “hookers” and “junkies” rather than “women” or even “people”.
[...]
We need to do better than this.
We need to call out sexist behavior, even if it causes social friction to do so.
We need to support women who are working to create and reflect a culture of non-violence and possibility.
We need to tell the media that they won’t talk us into hating ourselves and each other.
We need to remind our government that women count.
We need to look after each other, and ourselves.

Judy Rebick reflects and calls for action (link):

... while there is a societal consensus against male violence against women today, that violence goes on unabated particularly against marginalized women like those disappeared on the downtown east side in Vancouver or the hundreds of aboriginal women who are disappeared and murdered without much attention from police, or the virtual slavery of desperate women trafficked into prostitution on a global scale.

The best way to remember these fourteen women is recommit ourselves, women and men, to the fight for women’s liberation and an end to violence against women. On Sunday there will once against be vigils across the country. Remember them and then organize.

Jessica Yee, The next generation - and what women sometimes forget - on December 6th (link):

Yes, I’m from the next generation of women who were too young to remember when the murders actually took place, but I suppose I belong to the current generation of women who identify themselves with feminist politics and have heard from the foremothers of this movement in Canada about the significance of remembering the day, and to never forget it. They say, “Women Won’t Forget” on December 6th. But as a young, sex working, multiracial, bisexual, two-spirited, Aboriginal woman, I think that sometimes, especially at these December 6th type events, women DO forget a few things.

Sometimes women forget that as Aboriginal women, we are five times more likely to die of violence than any other race of women in Canada, and that women have been going missing and have been murdered in our communities by the thousands, for hundreds of years.

Women forget that while we show up to vigils and talk up a nice speech about some “poor prostitute” who died on the streets, we simultaneously judge, shun, and degrade current sex workers and speak against decriminalization - something that might actually help to protect us.

Sometimes, women forget that same-sex violence should be taken as seriously as man to woman violence and that we really don’t talk about violence in the queer community as often as we could.

Women forget that Elder violence is very real and is happening, but also that a lot of it is committed against young women, who deserve the opportunity to speak for ourselves as youth, not be spoken for by yet another generation of first or second wave feminists who don’t want to give up their power from the old days yet.
.........
As a response to the Montreal Massacre, the federal government set up a gun registry, and now:

Stephen Hume, Scrapping long-gun registry is pandering to vocal minority (link):

Will Canadians ignore the irony of Parliament scrapping the long-gun registry ... The biggest risk for Harper's Conservatives will be how women react, since women are predominantly victims of murder by long gun, a fact conveniently overlooked in mostly male anger over the registry.

[...] statistics show clearly that women are more likely to be murdered with a long gun than with a handgun.
[...]

These statistics tell us that the decision by parliamentarians to scrap the long-gun registry is ideologically based pandering to a self-serving myth held by a minority of Conservatives and amplified by intense lobbying from a special interest group.

NB Rebelles Reader

2009-12-04T08:04:00.003-05:00

Even though it was the American Thanksgiving last week, there was plenty of appalling news to keep the reader going

Anti Feminists are all around us. I learned at the Montreal Rebelles meeting that many anti groups have roots in past feminists endeavors. Men being disenfranchised? I imagine that would be infuriating enough to lash out at, not that women know anything about that

Speaking of lashing out, Andrea Gibson eloquently put emotions into words when she was in Fredericton last month. A St. Thomas journalism student produced this piece on the event

Also locally, at the Morgantaller clinic, a protester has often tried to convince the escorts that the face of Jesus is visible in the plastic bag of a photograph he has. One crazy can often find another

Something from a perspective I hadn't considered, hugging as body politics. Good thing we have cuddle parties to help us learn about consent and comfortable touch

Finally, for this week's dose of fun culture, cat apartments

Call for Pro-Choice Activists' Stories

2009-12-03T11:38:00.002-05:00

Feminist friends! Are you a pro-choice activist? My good buds over at Feminists for Choice need you!

Feminists For Choice is seeking essays or narratives from feminists about what drives them to activism. Pro-choice activists of all ages, gender identities, races, and experience levels are encouraged to contribute. The essays are being compiled into an e-book (fancy!) that will be available for download (ooooh!).

Scurry on over there and check it out - the deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2010.

No NB Rebelles - Fredericton meeting this week

2009-11-24T22:45:00.003-05:00

Greetings Friends,
We won't be holding a meeting this week due to the vast number of other events going on.

Let me tell you about them!

1) Working towards Peace for Women - A community Discussion, from 6:30-9:00 pm at Renaissance College (811 Charlotte Street) with our own Peggy Cooke!
2) A public lecture by Dr. Michael Parenti at 7pm on campus (link)
3) A public lecture by John Ralston Saul at 7pm at the art gallery (facebook link)

Various group members hope to see you at the various events :)

20 Days 20 Ways

2009-11-23T21:24:00.008-05:00

Oh goodness, did you know about the postcard campaign that is being put on right now by the Canadian Labour Congress?

I sure hope so.
If not, it looks something like this:

They're asking Canadians to send 20 postcards in 20 days to Stephen Harper, telling him to take action to end violence against women (click here for more info). They're doing it now because on December 6th it will be 20 years since fourteen women were murdered in Montreal.

Cool initiative, right?

"But wait," you say, "the campaign has already started, and I'm behind, and I don't even have a package of postcards to do this with."

Good news!
It's all online. Everyday, instead of mailing a postcard, you can fill out a page on the internet that will send the message for you. There is even a spot for you to add your own words on the subject. And sure this started on November 16th, but hey, better late than never.

Today's message was "Funding for shelters must be substantially increased." Yes! It does. What will tomorrow's message be? Why not see for yourself, at their website:
Canadianlabour.ca

Let's work together. A lot is being done across the country on these issues, but it would be nice to unite, even if it's just in postcard form. I got my postcard package yesterday and shoved seven cards in the mail. Please do the same!

NB Rebelles Reader

2009-11-23T10:41:00.003-05:00

language was everywhere this week. not to be overshadowed by facebook, douchebag seemed to be the term people were talking most about

also, we might want to reconsider the implications of our online lives

plants are good for our socializing and their own

students and sex workers have a say about labour conditions and rights

while we fight for equality, some women are living day to day

U.S. health care update from the Huffington Post, and breast cancer research news

to end on a lighter note, in fashion, androgyny is in, and so is Emily Blunt

and in music, Julie Fader was in the Maritimes this week, catch her and Brian Borcherdt tonight in Moncton

ooh, and this made me laugh

Candlelight vigil for Hilary Bonnell

2009-11-20T13:17:00.007-05:00

From stu.ca (link):
-----

In the wake of the tragic finding of Hilary Bonnell there will be a candlelight vigil November 21st at 5:30 p.m. at the Exhibition Grounds in downtown Fredericton.

The procession will head down Smythe Street, up King Street, and make it's way to City Hall where there will be speakers. There will be a representative from the Muriel McQueen Ferguson Foundation, the [Fredericton Sexual Assault] Crisis Center, and Gignoo House.

Remember to bring a candle, your prayers, and your support.

STU Native Student Council

-----

The NB Rebelles - Fredericton, in solidarity with the aforementioned groups, hope to see you at the vigil tomorrow.

In the last issue of The Brief there was an article about the disappearance of Hilary Bonnell, discussing "what role racism, colonialism, and misogyny have played in the low level of the media coverage and slow pace of the police investigation," thus linking this murder to the over 500 Aboriginal women who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada.

Click here to read the article.

For more resources, visit
-Amnesty International Canada's Stolen Sisters page
-www.missingnativewomen.org
-www.missingjustice.ca

Leave more links/resources in the comments if you have them.

NB Rebelles Reader

2009-11-15T10:01:00.002-05:00

The introduction for this story tells me everything I need to know. Tricky bitches will get themselves pregnant and then make you pay for it

This week, the NY Times was on fire:
Editorial on the ban on abortion coverage
One woman show about the state of heath care in the US
Fashion, on the cheap
Chemicals in our food and bodies
Transgender pianist

This week's great top ten list

Claims rise while action is stagnant

Classic case of more money than brains

And the competing head scratchers:
Before we were sure the needy were getting what's essentially a hand out
And after, we rejoyce that our tax for the poor really does go back to the needy. Arg

Remembering: the Day After

2009-11-14T14:54:00.003-05:00

For those who don't know, the NB Rebelles are against the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and proud members of the Olympics Resistance Network.

I just came across this amazing piece on the militarism of Remembrance Day, patriotism, war, and how it connects to what is about to descend on Vancouver. Definitely check it out, it is short, powerful and worth the read.

In case you missed Andrea Gibson on Thursday night, here is a great poem of hers along the same (anti-war) theme.

Tonight!

2009-11-12T10:34:00.003-05:00

Don't forget, tonight, Andrea Gibson, Kaylee Hopkins and our very own NB Rebelles Gumbooters will be preforming at the SUB Ballroom. Tickets are $10, $7 for students.

Check out some of Andrea's work here

See you there!

Weekly Feminist Photo

2009-11-10T10:38:00.007-05:00

Ok friends, I'm going to get it all out of my system right now!

More Wonder Women!

For the full comic (which I highly recommend), please visit Kate Beaton's website!
Take some time and go through the archives - she rocks a historical focus which often puts the spotlight on ladies of the past who we all know and love.

You can leave it to luck and hit "random" on her website, or go to her archives page (here) and look for titles of interest. Keep your eyes peeled for numerous Jane Austin comics!

My favourites:
Her comic on "girl jokes" and also Suffragettes In The City.

--
Have an excellent Tuesday, friends, and if you're in town: go get your tickets for the Andrea Gibson show! Goodness!

NB Rebelles Reader

2009-11-09T19:24:00.001-05:00

This week I couldn't help but read about the potential sale of NB Power. Even Rick Mercer was making fun of us. Living so close to an NDP province makes us look even worse

In cute animal news, NB lions can't keep their emotions in check

Wall Street success story?

I like the idea of the German Chancellor's quiet revolution

This one speaks for itself, what if we did as much to prevent rape as we did to prevent H1N1?

I like lists, particularly the ones challenging us to think about equality and how we can be active in it

Speaking of gender, famous people make everything more interesting

Women's history is only in it's 4th decade. This is beautiful and horrific all at the same time somehow

More shock, medical horror stories, this time with vaginas

Sometimes I think things are getting better. Then I read something like this

Finally, if you were able to catch any of Silver Wave Film Festival this weekend, you were sure to hear about the amazing short, Broke. Nominated for Best Original Music, Best New Brunswick Short Drama, Best Screenwriting, and winner of Best Actress in a Short Drama

Next Discussion and Meeting

2009-11-09T15:44:00.002-05:00

Fredericton feminists! Our next feminist discussion night is this Wednesday, November 11th at 7pm.

We will be discussing different types of feminism. The discussion is very informal, and will be followed by a brief NB Rebelles meeting (for which everyone is welcome, but not obligated, to stay).

Feminist HQ is 698 Charlotte Street. For more information, feel free to email us! nbrebelles@gmail.com

Andrea Gibson in Fredericton on Nov 12th!

2009-11-06T07:40:00.005-05:00

The NB Rebelles have been helping to organize a very exciting upcoming event! Andrea Gibson, one of America’s most admired slam poets, will be making her first Atlantic Canadian performance on Thursday, November 12 in Fredericton at the Student Union Building Ballroom on UNB's campus.

The show starts at 8:00 pm with opening acts by local artist Kaylee Hopkins and our very own NB RebELLEs Gumbooting Troupe!

All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Afghan women’s rights group – RAWA – the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan.

Tickets are $10 each ($7 for students) and can be found at the Westminster Bookstore on King Street, the Alden Nowlan Grad House on Windsor Street or by contacting info@frederictonpeace.org

The event is hosted by the Fredericton Peace Coalition, the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, NB RebELLEs, the University Women’s Centre, the UNB Sexuality Centre, the NB Public Interest Research Group and Broken Jaw Press.

Check out Andrea’s poetry at www.andreagibson.org and find her videos on youtube!

NB RebElles Reader

2009-11-03T12:16:00.001-05:00

This week's Reader ranges from the infuriatingly pejorative to the absurdly ill prepared:

Seriously? "Police said they first offered help to the prostitutes to try to get them off the streets, but when it didn't work, they started making arrests"

On abortion, some things never change? Ancient style and Canadian struggles

Bill Maher suggested we hear more about Dick Cheney these days than when he was VP. I think he was right

Speaking of Mr. Maher, tired of reading about H1N1 shots on your facebook feed? I know I am

I do like to read anything with feminism in the title that isn't in a feminist publication, though. Nona Willis profile

Don't forget to vote for the Bucky Awards. Check out Hannah Georgas while you're at it

Finally, I wonder where they thought people would go? Or if anyone considered that people would have to go at all

Feminist Film Screening: Menocracy

2009-11-02T15:48:00.002-05:00

Friends! Come check out Gretchen Kelbaugh's film Menocracy, which is being shown in Fredericton this Saturday (Nov. 7) at 3pm, at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Here is a synopsis:

Governments in Canada, the USA and the UK do not fairly represent the views of women.

Pushed by the spirit of her great-aunt, Militant Suffragette Gert Harding, Gretchen Kelbaugh searches for ways to elect more women. Leading political scientists and Rt Hon Kim Campbell, the only woman to be head of government in North America, offer many solutions.

In the end, Gretchen and the sassy spirit learn the surprising truth: not only does our rotten democracy fail women; it fails almost everyone. And the secret kept by top politicians: most other democracies have fixed the problem long ago.

And if you prefer to let 'nature' take its course, know this: At our current rate, it'll be well over 200 years before half our politicians are women.

See you there!

It's certainly too late: Feminist Halloween Costumes

2009-10-31T16:28:00.000-04:00

Check out some excellent feminist halloween costumes that bitch blogs have up (link).

Perhaps it's too late to use now, but Jezebel linked to an excellent pumpkin carving stencil at pinkraygun:

... on second thought, as long as there are pumpkins, perhaps it's never too late for such things.

Feminist Discussion

2009-10-29T11:22:00.003-04:00

Friends in Fredericton, please join us for some informal feminist discussion next Wednesday. This week's topic will be abortion in New Brunswick, and if it goes well we will continue to host discussions on a range of topics related to feminism. Everyone is welcome!

Afterwards we will be having our usual meeting, for which you are always welcome to stay!

Topic: Abortion in New Brunswick
Where: Feminist HQ (698 Charlotte Street)
When: Wednesday, Nov. 4th
Time: 7:00pm

Hope to see you there!

NB RebElles Reader

2009-10-26T11:18:00.004-04:00

First off this week, we're reminded by Feministing how amazing and positive it is to have men like Michael Kimmel speaking about equality and language

He also mentions Mad Men as his current, favourite tv show. Check out Elisabeth Moss's interview about her character's feminism here

In reproductive rights this week, a New Brunswick update, offering a compassionate perspective to the 40 days of 'life' (I can overuse quotations too) protesters in Fredericton.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, access to birth control becomes more and more restricted leaving women with difficult choices (surprise!)

Apparently Catholic numbers are so low, Anglicans are welcome again

In body politics, North Americans discuss male circumcision

And in competing parental advice, crazy parents vs. screaming parents

Finally, The Pack A.D. were in Halifax this weekend and there were not nearly enough people rocking out. Making Gestures

Weekly Feminist Photo

2009-10-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

Here is another picture-postcard from Antigone Magazine's Dreams For Women posted on Confabulous:

They're all wonderful, check em out (link).

There are so many great things happening this week!

2009-10-21T08:40:00.004-04:00

The NB Rebelles - Fredericton won't be meeting tonight (Wed, Oct 21st) because there are two very excellent events happening -

Check out:

The 6:30pm Pay Equity workshop at Renaissance College (811 Charlotte Street). It is free and everyone is welcome to attend!

or

Dr. Thomas King speaking on Quick and Slick: Why narrative will not save the world, at 7pm in Kinsella Auditorium (McCain Hall), on the campus of St. Thomas University. All are welcome and admission is free.
___

More Events!

On Thursday night there will be a wonderful show at The Capital featuring Olenka & the Autumn Lovers, an amazing band with three incredible female vocalists!

On Friday at noon Helen Lenskyj is speaking about Challenging the Olympic Industry in Brian Mulroney Hall, room 102. Again, it's free, so come on up.

And people say nothing happens in Fredericton!

Weekly Feminist Photo

2009-10-20T15:41:00.007-04:00

Oh hello!

At some point, alongside the wonderful Rebelles Reader posts, I'd like to do a shout out to all the feminist blogs that Rebelles - Fredericton members read.

Right now I'm just going to mention one: Shakesville. You've probably already experienced how excellent it is but if not, please do check it out!

While all contributors at Shakesville write excellent and important posts, I always look forward to reading pretty much anything that Melissa McEwan has to say (or draw).

Yesterday she posted something that still has me reeling.

As a reaction to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton using the word "she" to describe a hypothetical farmer,* Melissa compiled and posted a photo essay of female farmers from various parts of the world. You need to see these!

These are three of my favourites, though I have many many more:

Ukraine

Cambodia

Germany
(a dairy farmer protesting milk prices)

Which ones get to you?

*The word 'farmer' often conjures an image of a man, even though women make up the majority of our world's farmers.

NB RebElles Reader

2009-10-18T12:37:00.002-04:00

That Cool Young Woman Who Won an Emmy for Writing Mad Men Got Fired

Pasta as an expression of feminine art

Barbara Ehrenreich reflects on Feminism

Cougar talk makes me uncomfortable

21st Century Babies

In abortion news: "In almost all developed countries, abortion is safe and legal."
and that same study, reported by the BBC

NB's vaccine choice

Finally, a Slovak woman works to understand menstruation. Watch the trailer here

NB RebElles Reader

2009-10-09T20:22:00.003-04:00

How Nonsense Sharpens Intellect from the Times

The BBC brings us, Anti-obesity ads shock New Yorkers

Outrageous. Provincial neglect sees mentally ill jailed: Federal Minister.

I knew it.

From NY fashion week

Why anger is good

Little boxes should freak you out

The YMCA Fredericton ran an offensive girls camp this summer. Coincidence?

A continued struggle

And since there isn't a postsecret this week, here's some Sam Brown at Exploding Dog

NB RebElles Reader

2009-10-04T11:24:00.004-04:00

Can the Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control? From the NY Times.

From Feministing: Ant Colony Reproduces Without Men.

Icons of the New Iran. From The Nation.

And because it's happening and I can't stop reading about it, The Halifax Pop Explosion is this month.

Weekly Feminist Photo(s)

2009-10-01T08:27:00.006-04:00

Greetings,
This weeks photo comes from the Girls Are Not Chicks colouring book created by Julie Novak (of Guitars and Hearts) and Jacinta Bunnell in 2003.

In 2006 they took the book on the road as part of "The Sparkle Kids Action Network Chorus of Crayons Tour" which featured a make your own gender-defying Colouring Book Workshop. Then, in the spring of '07, Neko Case asked Jacinta to join in on her tour, promoting the colouring books by presenting a Live Coloring Stage Show.

Are you kidding me? Neko Case! What? YES!

In other news (nope, it's the same news), I just bought this colouring book on Etsy. I do believe that there are two left, plus copies of another colouring book available.

In real other news, Etsy has a local search option so that you can see what those in your area are making.

Did you know that there is a local maker/seller of cloth menstrual pads in Fredericton? Amazing! Check out Rosie's stuff at the RCD Boutique. If you see something you like, contact her through Etsy and make some pickup arrangements.

Oh goodness, there's nothing I like more than practical crafts!

NB Rebelles Reader

2009-09-27T20:50:00.007-04:00

The Feminist Veil on the Afghanistan Occupation

Scientists create test-tube sperm

John Harris: A world without men? That's not the real ethical issue here

Why Michelle Obama's Hair Matters

A Conference for 'Butches'

Saving Mothers, One at a Time

Why, hello there

2009-09-26T18:01:00.003-04:00

Our hiatus is finally over and now the NB Rebelles - Fredericton are back to meeting again.
Until January, unless otherwise noted, our meetings will be taking place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the downtown Fredericton area.

Please do come to a meeting or email nbrebelles@gmail.com if you're interested in joining the group or if you're interested in joining the feminist gumbooting troupe.
Same goes if you want to receive our email news letter (it's excellent, trust me).

Other than that, I just wanted to post this glorious comic to make up for all of the Weekly Feminist Photos that were missed during the hiatus.

Hope to see you soon,
Enjoy the autumn air!

Pay Equity Workshop

2009-09-17T09:54:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity has very graciously offered to host a workshop in Fredericton next week. The NB Rebelles would like to invite you to join us there! It's free!

Is there a hole in your pay cheque? Do you work in a predominantly female job and feel you are paid less than you should be? This workshop is for you! Learn about PAY EQUITY tools!

Pay equity is: "Equal pay for work of equal value".

Tuesday, September 22nd, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
UNB: Alumni Memorial Building, The President's Room (13 Bailey Rd.)

Registration: NB Coalition for Pay Equity
Phone: 506-855-0002
Fax: 506-854-9728
rachel.leblanc@nb.aibn.com
www.equite-equity.com

Don't sideline women's reproductive health care

2009-09-03T12:12:00.002-04:00

For those of you who have been following the health care reform debate in the states, and thinking it's crazy, have a gander at this person's take on how it will affect women.

"Myths and misinformation are flying in the fight over health-care reform... One of the harshest and loudest promoters of this negative campaign is Rush Limbaugh, who recently said on his radio program, "Reproductive health care is abortion.""

And for those of you who may be thinking "Pfewf! SO glad we have public healthcare!", I had to pay $40 yesterday to see a doctor at a private walk-in clinic in Ottawa because they do not accept NB coverage - meaning if I couldn't pay, I would have to make my way to the hospital (no where near where I am) or not see a doctor. New Brunswick cannot afford private healthcare.

Misogyny, up close and personal

2009-08-27T09:29:00.002-04:00

I came across this excellent article about everyday misogyny and I think it pretty much hits the nail on the head. You should all probaby check it out.

A couple of my favourite bits:

"My mistrust is not, as one might expect, primarily a result of the violent acts done on my body, nor the vicious humiliations done to my dignity. It is, instead, born of the multitude of mundane betrayals that mark my every relationship with a man: the casual rape joke, the use of a female slur, the careless demonising of the feminine in everyday conversation[...]"

"There are the occasions that men – intellectual men, clever men, engaged men – insist on playing devil's advocate, desirous of a debate on some aspect of feminist theory or reproductive rights or some other subject generally filed under the heading Women's Issues. These intellectual, clever, engaged men want to endlessly probe my argument for weaknesses, wrestle over details, argue just for fun. And they wonder, these intellectual, clever, engaged men, why my voice keeps rising and why my face is flushed and why, after an hour of fighting my corner, hot tears burn the corners of my eyes.

Why do you have to take this stuff so personally? ask the intellectual, clever, and engaged men, who have never considered that the content of the abstract exercise that's so much fun for them is the stuff of my life."

Yes. This.

Woman who posed as man to become judo champ finally gets gold - 50 years after being stripped of it

2009-08-25T17:23:00.001-04:00

"It was very demeaning, painful," she said.

"It was a horrible feeling - like I did something wrong by being a woman."

The event changed Kanokogi's life.

She later mortgaged her home to fund the first female judo world championships in 1980 and almost single-handedly got women's judo into the 1988 Olympics after threatening to sue the International Olympic Committee.

WAGE GAP INITIATIVE REPORT: GAP WIDENS AGAIN

2009-08-24T07:27:00.003-04:00

"N.B.’s 3rd progress report about its 5-yr plan to eliminate wage inequality shows the wage gap increased in 2008, with men earning 14.1% more than women, up from 12.6% in 2007. "I'd like to see that we be able to bring it back down to where we started in 2006 within the next couple of years,” said Mary Schryer, minister for the status of women. Schryer said one reason the wage disparity continues to grow is because so much government stimulus money is going to the construction industry... Critics say the widening pay gap is a sign the government should legislate pay equity in the private sector. Schryer said it would be expensive to monitor. The Liberal government passed a law for public-sector employees… Former Tory minister Margaret-Ann Blaney, who launched the 5-yr action plan, opposed legislating pay equity when she was in government but has changed her view… Blaney said legislating pay equity is her personal view, not party policy."

Excerpts, N.B. wage gap, 18 Aug 2009, CBC News via NBWomen's News - August 24, 2009 a service of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women

100-year-old activist tells friends she's dying

2009-08-21T07:48:00.000-04:00

"Legendary peace activist Muriel Duckworth has told friends she is “going now," accepting what appears to be the imminent end of a long life of striving for social change.

The 100-year-old, whose advocacy earned her honorary degrees and the Order of Canada, had a serious fall recently at her cottage in Magog, Que. She is receiving palliative care and does not expect to recover...

Ms. Duckworth, a practising Quaker and founding member of protest group The Raging Grannies, was born in Quebec and moved to Nova Scotia in 1947. She and her late husband, Jack, raised three children in the province while dedicating themselves to the cause of social justice.

A founding member of the provincial branch of Voice of Women, Ms. Duckworth served as national president for four years. She helped establish the anti-poverty Canadian Council for International Co-operation, and was one of the first women in Nova Scotia to run for provincial office. She was always strongly opposed to war, a stand that went back more than half a century, and did not recognize popular distinctions between “good" and “bad" conflicts.

She was able to hold onto hope of a better future even as fighting continued around the world, Ms. Franklin said, who noted that social attitudes have slowly changed for the better. Citing the less authoritarian ways people relate in the family, the workplace and at school, Ms. Franklin said the challenge is to extend these new approaches to the international sphere.

But that task will soon be left to the next generation."

We need fewer barriers to abortion, not more

2009-08-15T08:31:00.004-04:00

"In recent days, a number of private clinics in Quebec – including the legendary Morgentaler clinic – have said they will stop performing abortions.

That access to abortion should be threatened, after decades of battles in the courts, is a shocking development.

It is also a reminder that the battle for reproductive rights is never done because there are a cruelly endless number of ways to undermine access. Prince Edward Island still offers no abortion services at all. New Brunswick requires referrals from two doctors. Women in rural areas of the country often have to travel hundreds of kilometres for care. Some provinces cover only the cost of abortions performed in hospitals, creating a financial barrier."

As Atlantic Canadian feminists, the struggle for access to abortion is not a new story to us, but the recent developments in Quebec have been a slap in the face for many women's rights advocates who thought we had permanently gained some ground. I am hoping this dismay continues and draws some more attention to the appauling lack of access in our provinces.