We are wrapping up, but the Fandango is keeping the spirits up as we clean. There is still dancing going on. The play put on by Gabriella Seattle shared with us the stories of Filipino women who have to travel away from their homes to work. It is a story not often heard, and Gabriella shared it wonderfully. There was a spirit of solidarity throughout the entire day, but particularly during the play. Then Maya Jupiter freestyled against police brutality and the prison industrial complex which is a pressing issue in Seattle right now. We had an open mic which showcased all the many voices that represent women who rock from seasoned veteran performers to new voices. Finally, the Fandango is closing out the day by fostering the spirit of community and resilience of Women Who Rock!

–Elizabeth Bringier

The events so far have been spectacular; the initial blessings were beautiful and touching, while the Women’s Steel Drum performance immediately brought the already high energy to a breaking point. The speak back about standing rock followed, and although it was physically and auditorily a lot less explosive, the energy in the room was not permitted to drop. The seriousness channeled the present enthusiasm into the main purpose of women who rock: making a change. Each speaker built upon the last, and after it was done I (and doubtlessly most the room) was far more educated on Standing Rock and inspired to go out and do more. Immediately we transitioned to the more lighthearted workshops, and I feel like this back and forth epitomizes the Unconference: a space for people to come together, for change in the world and for reveling in their identities.

We’ve just finished hearing the panel, which was incredibly informative! Thank you to all the women who offered their stories and insights. We are now transitioning to workshops, always with music and dancing, of course. We’re enjoying the amazing sounds of Puerto Rican music right now, with a great bailarina leading the crowd in Puertorican dances. The energy is incredibly vibrant and the drums are keeping everything upbeat. All this, while some of the unconferencers are also enjoying the unmatched treat of tamales. And still on top of all this excitement we have people making pins and T-shirts, while others have opted to join in on some of the other workshops taking place. Some of these include a workshop on storytelling, ‘zine-making, and “Is Your Knowledge on Wikipedia?”

The panel of individuals who have been to Standing Rock and are leaders and organizers in the community just ended. They all shared their incredible experiences of what it was like to be at Standing Rock and what they were able to learn from it. They all emphasized the importance of telling our own stories and centerin indigenous people in how we understand the land and how we take care of our water and nature. It was really amazing to be in the presence of so many incredible individuals who also provided the audience with resources on how to get involved and where to find ways to be allies and get involved with so many different communities around Seattle and beyond.

At the moment we’re listening to a panel discussion report back on the organizing they’ve been doing in areas surrounding Seattle and also at Standing Rock. Speakers have discussed how Standing Rock is not only a place of resistance but also a site where people educate one another on the battles indigenous people face. They have also emphasized the importance in recognizing the spirituality present a Standing Rock. One of the recent speakers informed us about her work in King County, trying to organize in areas where minorities deal with those affiliated with the KKK or other supremacist organizations and how these people have managed to gain power to oppress through high positions of power in these communities. Her organizing focuses on changing the dynamic of these local administrations and giving minorities intersectional spaces in which to find support when they do not have access to safety in numbers, the way they might in places like Seattle. We’ll see what other discussion topics come up as more speakers offer reports on their work!

We are beginning the panel of activists reporting back from Standing Rock. There is a strong spirit of community here. The opening blessing was an honor to witness. After, there was Afro-Latina dancers and the steel drum band got the energy high, and everyone started moving. This is a space of no judgement. We are a community of people, and everyone is looking to learn from one another. Students, activists, mothers, fathers, young children and infants are all here. No one is being left out, and we are led by Indigenous women. This is the definition of  building community. Now, the report back panel is sharing with us. We are hearing personal stories from Standing Rock, reasons why people went, stories of identities and skills learned there.

Important lessons shared by Suja from Standing Rock-

Know your family’s history.

Know whose land you’re one.

Use “we” statements rather than “I” statements.

–Elizabeth

So far the conference as been beautiful and engergetic. I am impressed by how inclusive and diverse the community leaders and performers are. I am again reminded of the power of being a collective and having joy as one. My heart is full as I look at the singing and the dancing from across the world. The energy across the room is increasing and everyone seems to be having a great time. I love how people are getting up and dancing during the music and just being carefree. While I don’t know anyone here except the people I came with there is such an incredible energy that I feel safe and content participating in the beautiful performances and listening to the speakers.

The altar is finished, and everything went smoothly! Coming in from an unusually sunny and beautiful Seattle day, the energy in the building was palpable, and construction was a blast. Although our groups could handle it on our own, at no point in the process did the other spectacular volunteers stop offering to help, and they aided in created a beautiful display that exceeded all of my expectations. As I look around the space after finishing my task, I’m astounded by the amount of people here, and I’m excited too. The stage is full of musicians setting up; vendors and their beautiful wares have all the tienditas ready; and the pulse of life I felt when I entered has only gotten stronger. I cannot wait for the event proper to begin!

Women Who Rock: Making Scenes, Building Communities Altar @ Dia de Los Muertos exhibit at El Centro  Opening today November 1, 2016 @ 5pm. Free

For address see:

http://www.elcentrodelaraza.org/events/event/dia-de-los-muertos-exhibit-opening-event/

Women Who Rock: Making Scenes, Building Communities, an ofrenda to a world without violence

The Women Who Rock: Making Scenes, Building Community Collective seeks on honor those who use music to bring joy and healing to all, especially to people and families who have been subject to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, street violence, anti-trans violence, queer violence and state violence.   We also seek to honor those women who have been prevented from singing, playing music, and dancing even when their hearts desired to.  And last we honor the survivors who continue to struggle for equality by using their music to imagine and share visions of our world where all people have access to housing, health care, education, and clean water and food.   We stand with the Water Protectors of Standing Rock, who are fighting to protect all living creatures on our planet for now and the future.

The Women Who Rock: La Colectiva de Haciendo Escenas, Construyendo Communidad busca honrar a aquellos que usan la música para traer alegría y sanidad a todos, especialmente a las personas y familias que han sido víctimas de violencia de pareja, anti-trans,  anti-queer violencia,  violencia callejera y violencia estatal. También buscamos honrar a aquellas mujeres que han sido impedidas de cantar, de tocar la música, y de bailar especialmente cuando sus corazones deseaban. Y por último honramos a los supervivientes que continúan la lucha por la igualdad usando su música para imaginar y compartir visiones donde todas personas tienen acceso de vivienda, recursos de salud, educación, agua potable y comida saludable. Apoyamos con los Protectores de Agua de Standing Rock, que están luchando para proteger a todas las criaturas en nuestro planeta por ahora y por el futuro.

—

April 7th and 8th 2016 in Yakima, Washington…

Goal: To build community and instigate social change via workshops grounded in creativity.

This year is going to be a BLAST! Stay tuned for more information!