We\u27re paid to take care of the movement. The movement ain\u27t paid to take care of us: The Promise and Challenges of Workplace Strategies of Black Feminist Organizations

Reproductive justice is a social justice movement based on black feminist principles that is also a direct response to women of color\u27s invisibility within white mainstream feminist organizations and workplaces. This ethnographic case study of WomenUnited, a woman of color reproductive justice organization, demonstrates that a key difference between black feminist and white feminist workplace cultures is black workplace\u27s centralization of and emphasis on their intersectional identities in their definitions of work and the ways they enact emotional labor. I find that identity within black feminist workplaces is managed differently as the organizations: (1) embrace alternative standards of beauty through dress and presentation of self; (2) create a safe work environment where the stress of racialized and gendered impression management is limited; and (3) accept care and emotional labor as integral parts of their work. However, emotional suppression similar to mainstream organizations is still necessary in order to combat exogenous stereotypes about black women and their perceived inefficiency. These perceptions adversely impact the marketability and funding sources for WU. Though healthy emotional labor is central to the health and emotional well-being of the organization\u27s workers, it does not fit well into foundations\u27 and mainstream reproductive health actors\u27 expectations for approaching reproductive health issues

Appalachian Transition Fellowship Program: Opportunities for Regional Transitions

The Appalachian Transition Fellowship Program presents opportunities for regional transformation for individuals, institutions and communities. Come hear more about the program and discuss how universities, organizations and potential fellows can be involved. Also come ready to discuss economic and social transition and the role that you and your institutions can play! Let’s then talk about how our vision and ideas for economic and social transition imbed into the fellowship program and how it can best be of service to your community. This program was created by and for the region and we need you to make this program and economic transition a success!