When we get together, we get **it done
community consciousness raising honoring the legacy of our foremothers.
an intergenerational, intersectional grassroots coalition of individuals committed to advancing equal rights.
We recognize the power of voice, personal stories, and the importance of engaging in the political process to further progress.
We draw inspiration from the archetype of the WasherWomen, who are natural community builders and leaders. WasherWomen leave their corner of the world better than how they found it, and that is exactly what we intend to do.
We create space for open dialogues, consciousness raising, and engagement into political action.
COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION
COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION
Nov 5th, 2024
What is a WasherWoman?
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For centuries, women have been convening at the riverbank and in their backyards, in their neighborhood laundromats to do the wash! In these ordinary acts and moments of togetherness, they built strong networks of resilience, fortitude, and caring. While the stories of their lives are not found in history books, through the simple act of showing up and using their voices, they thread networks of community and weave oral histories that cross generations.
As an archetype, the WasherWoman inspires a new model of leadership for achieving liberation. We look to her to motivate our own call to political action. Since the beginning of time, she has been carrying the extra load -- leading the struggle to fight for our rights and our freedom. Historically, Washerwomen would gather and organize subversive actions in the shadows of the difficult realities of their lives.
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To do the wash is to surface and address the insidious nature of bias and prejudice and its devastating effects. It is to actively breakdown systems of oppression and inequity, while building those that are more inclusive, egalitarian, creative, and just. WWV does this through acts of collective consciousness-raising and political action.
Everything can be washed. No matter how messy it is, we can work to make it better.
To do the wash is to be optimistic for a new day.
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A washerwoman leaves her corner of the world better than she found it.
Since the beginning of time, washerwomen show up everywhere.
They know how to care for each other, look after other.
They do not hold back.
They are not afraid of hard work.
They are not afraid to speak the truth.
Everyone can be a WasherWoman!
*The WasherWoman provides us with a model of egalitarian leadership outside of the patriarchal frame. Though gender-informed, the metaphor is inclusive, intersectional and non-gender specific.
Who We Are
Our effort is guided by a small group of family therapists, artists and activists who believe common-good change is possible. We are entirely self-funded and contribute as volunteers. We are an intergenerational group of mothers, daughters, aunties, sisters, and friends.
We come from a long line of washerwomen, and we bet you do too.
A WasherWoman’s Guide to Community Activism
Consciousness Raising Circles
What does it mean to be a washerwoman in your community? Are you interested to start a WasherWoman Consciousness Raising Circle of your own? Reach out! We offer tools and training to get you started.
