Upcoming in 2013 and beyond

Dear friends in feminism, rhetoric, and composition,

I so enjoyed our Wednesday evening session at CCCC 2013 in Las Vegas.  Thanks to our three speakers (Jessica Enoch, Letizia Gugliemo, and Phyllis Thompson), our mentoring table hosts, my co-board members, and all who joined us.  The speaker talks will appear in a special section of the Spring issue of the journal Peitho.  Also be aware that we have moved the mentoring table notes, which in previous years were published in the Peitho newsletter, to a new online forum on this web site.

With so much diverse intellectual and technological energy in the Coalition lately, I am reminded that feminism is not just an ideology but a collaborative and forward-thinking way of life.  Given the rampant violence and oppression that continues to pervade human civilization, I take a great deal of comfort in the nurturing metaphors and practices of feminist rhetoric and composition.  I also see that we have a responsibility to encourage feminist values in our students, our colleagues, and our field at large.

Thus, we are looking forward to the upcoming Feminisms and Rhetorics conference on September 25-28, 2013 at Stanford University.  Like many of you, I received my paper acceptance a few days ago, and so I have started thinking about exactly how I want to craft and polish my topic for the other scholars who will be attending.  The Executive Board is also thinking beyond this event to the 2015 Feminisms and Rhetorics conference, the site of which has not yet been determined.

Please take a moment to read the call below and consider if your institution might fit the bill:

Host the 10th Biennial Feminisms and Rhetorics Conference in 2015

In 2015, Feminisms and Rhetorics will meet for the tenth time in twenty years. You and your colleagues can lead the celebration by volunteering to host this historic event. Sponsored by the Coalition of Women Scholars in the History of Rhetoric and Composition and convened at campuses across the country, past hosts include Oregon State University, The Ohio State University, the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, and (this year) Stanford University.

Complete proposals are due no later than August 15, 2013 and should include:

  • Contact information, position, and credentials of the co-chairs and the local planning committee.
  • A brief statement of interest, describing your and your colleagues’ approach and qualifications for hosting FemRhet.
  • An overview of the conference theme, including the types of scholarly, pedagogical, and civic questions you want presenters to address.
  • Information about the site itself, including a description of the geographic area, campus, conference facilities (rooms for general and breakout sessions, meals, technology, access accommodations, etc.), and lodging (including proximity from conference site and range of cost).
  • Proximity and transportation costs to and from the nearest airport.
  • Possible local sightseeing and cultural opportunities for attendees.
  • Institutional and community sponsorship and partners.