We ask that presenters read these goals and understand their role in supporting the creation of the conference space in their presentations.
In addition, we ask presenters to consider trending topics that center gender/gender identity and that use feminist, queer, transnational, decolonial, intersectional and social justice frameworks in their discussion of consciousness raising, knowledge production and/or ways of being. Sessions will be selected based on the proposal and session criteria below:
Proposal Criteria- Explain why the topic is relevant, timely, and meets the framework, theme, and goals of the conference.
- Clearly identify learning outcomes for the session (what should participants get out of it)
- Demonstrate viable strategy for engaging participants
- Identify any needed technological support or other materials to assure successful learning and engagement for participants
PREVIOUS CONFERENCE THEMES, SPEAKERS, AND PERFORMERS
2024 – Rooted and Blooming | Keynote: check back soon
2020 – Keynote: Afrosexology
2019 – A World Without Feminism is Like a World Without Bees | Keynote: Locatora Radio
2018 – Planting the Flowers of Resistance | Keynote: Amal Kassir – Poet
2017- Speaking Out, Breaking Out, and Redefining | Keynote: Jessica Chavez Salazar – Lawyer for the Attorney General, State of Colorado
2016- Taking time to Empower & Accept yourself and others (TEA) | Keynote: Sheila Katz- Hillel’s Vice President for Social Entrepreneurship
2015- Unity at the Intersections: Celebrating the Diversity of Women’s Lives | Keynote: Zerlina Maxwell- Political Analyst, Writer, Speaker, Commentator
2014- Looking Back, Reaching Forward | Keynote: Katrina L. Rodriguez, PhD- Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students at University of Northern Colorado
2013- Communities in Action, Strength Through Knowledge | Keynote: Akiba Solomon- Colorline’s Gender Matters blogger & Special Guest Ari Belathar- Mexican Poet and Playwrite
2012- Broadening Our Community: Beyond the Mainstream | Keynote: Courtney E. Martin, Author, blogger, and speaker & Pabitra Benjamin, Grassroots activist
2011- Share Your Voice: Be The Movement | Keynote: Cristy C. Road- Artist and Writer & Saja Butler- Musician and Business Owner
2010- Strengthening Our Roots and Growing Together | Keynote: Gabriela Garcia Medina- Slam Poet
2009- Redefining Ourselves: Beyond Boundaries & Borders
2007- Reflecting on Her Story to Illuminate Our Future
2006- Empowering Women: Coming Together to Move Forward
2005- Come As You Are: Celebrating the Diversity of Women’s Lives | Keynote: Dr. Luoluo Hong- “I am Woman! Hear Me Roar: Dispelling the Superwoman Myth”
WHO CAN ATTEND?
This conference is intended for CSU students, faculty and staff. However, the Fort Collins and NoCo community is welcome. All genders are welcome.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
It is important to us that participants never feel like their role as parents and/or caregivers presents a barrier to participating in our services and programs. We do not have a formal policy on children in our events so what follows reflects our Center values and commitments to service. For the purposes of this policy, we use a non-traditional definition of “parenting” that extends beyond biology and/or state sanctioned legal qualifications. Therefore, this policy applies to anyone, regardless of gender, who has a primary responsibility for the daily care of a child. In some instances, this might mean your siblings, the children of your siblings, cousins, grandchildren, the children of your close friends, etc.
- All exclusively breast/chest feeding babies are welcome at the conference anytime. Staff can direct you to private lactation rooms, but you are also more than welcome to nurse at the program.
- For older children and babies: The conference includes content, materials and conversations that could be rated “R” for sexually explicit material and references to violence. While you decide what is or is not appropriate for your child, the presence of a small human can impact others’ experiences in the spaces. Since minor illnesses and unforeseen disruptions in childcare often put parents in the position of having to choose between their child and participation, let’s work together to strategize a solution should you need to bring an older kid with you.
- Please note that as our events happen on campus, none of the locations have been childproofed and may include physical and allergen dangers.
We are unfortunately unable to offer childcare.
IS THIS EVENT ACCESSIBLE?
The WGAC is committed to ensuring that all our educational programs are as accessible as possible. Staff will be available throughout the day to direct participants towards elevators servicing all floors, or to provide accessibility information. There will also be ASL interpreters available for speakers in the Main Ballroom. To request an interpreter during breakout sessions or request any other accommodations, we strongly recommend online pre-registration.
IS PARKING FREE?
Parking on CSU campus is free on the weekends. Please pay attention to parking signs and restrictions. We suggest parking in the LSC parking lot or the Morgan Library lot, both of which are close to LSC.
Use this link to view parking options around the Lory Student Center: CSU Parking Map
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There is no cost associated with this conference. As a Center, we want our events to be accessible to students and the community.
While there is no cost to attend the conference, it does cost money to fund the conference and bring in our Keynote speakers. For that reason, we request that you help us avoid no-shows and attend the conference if you have registered online.
Online registration will be available closer to the event start date.
WHAT DO I BRING WITH ME?
As an attendee you do not have to bring anything with you to the conference other than yourself and maybe some friends. Snacks, water, or jackets are encouraged as room temperatures vary. Notebooks, program outlines, and writing utensils will be provided if participants wish to take notes.
If you are a presenter, please bring any materials that you may need for your session. We will be providing laptops, projector equipment, expo markers, etc. And there will be a WGAC staff member in your room to help with anything that you might need.
DO I HAVE TO STAY THE WHOLE DAY?
It is strongly encouraged that you stay the whole day in order to make the most of your experience. Each session has been carefully selected to provide participants with a unique learning experience, and so you are guaranteed to learn something no matter which workshop you attend. Staying the whole day also provides opportunities to meet new people and make new connections.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Dress however you feel comfortable. We suggest bringing layers as the room temperatures vary.
WHAT IF I’VE NEVER STUDIED THIS STUFF?
You do not have to be a student of feminist and/or queer studies to get something out of this conference. In fact, we hope that it is engaging and accessible to all who are interested in the topic. We are hoping to have a variety of folks engaging in this space no matter what they may be majoring in or what their profession may be. No matter your academic or professional background, we hope there is something for everyone to learn from this conference.
WHY ISN’T THE PROGRAM BOOKLET AVAILABLE ONLINE OR BEFOREHAND?
Modeled after most professional conferences, the content of the conference is not available until the conference begins. We encourage everyone to come to participate in the conference with an open mind. Participants will have time at multiple points of the day to browse the program and determine which breakout sessions they’d like to attend.
WHAT IS A BREAKOUT SESSION AT A CONFERENCE?
A breakout session, also known as a workshop session, is generally set of a workshops, discussions, or presentations that serves as a portion of the agenda of a larger program, seminar, conference, or convention.
There will be four breakout sessions to attend during the conference. For each breakout session there are four to five workshops/presentations so you can take your pick of which workshop you would like to attend. Visit the About The Conference tab for a general idea of the agenda for the day.
Did you know we have an advocacy podcast? Check out this interview with our 2020 conference keynote Afrosexology on “We Believe You.”
