Campus book discussions raise awareness for women's leadership

UW-Green Bay's campus book discussions, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, will continue to inform and expand the minds of students this spring by featuring three books as part of the Women's Leadership Program. The first discussion, Feb. 17, will be hosted by Sheila Carter, program coordinator for the Office of Student Life. Her discussion will focus on a collection of works in Audre Lorde's book, "I Am Your Sister." Lorde was a poet, lesbian and radical black feminist of the 1960s and 70s who helped to reshape feminism into the women's movement we know today. "She was not necessarily the most popular," Carter said. "She was part of the feminist movement in the 60s, but she really railed against the traditional feminists. As a black woman and a lesbian, she felt there was not space in that movement for difference, so she really challenged women in that movement to recognize their racism, sexism and homophobia." Carter hopes the discussion of Lorde's writings will help students become more aware of what Lorde and others like her did in the past that have allowed women to be in the place they are today. "We hear about the Gloria Steinhams of the movement, but we don't hear much about the Audre Lordes of the movement," Carter said. "She was a very important figure." The second discussion in this book series will be hosted by its author, one of UWGB's own, Kim Nielsen, professor of women's and gender studies. Her latest book, "Beyond the Miracle Worker: The Remarkable Life of Anne Sullivan Macy and Her Extraordinary Friendship with Helen Keller," details Macy's life. "I think it's very exciting to actually have the author lead the book discussion," Carter said. "We will not only get the benefit of her discussing the content of the book, but she has so much more to say about the writing of the book, the process of writing and the process of learning about someone else's life." Nielsen, who has hosted book discussions both in town and out of town in the past, is excited to receive feedback from students. "I think it will be great fun. I love to hear what people found interesting in the book and what captivated them, perhaps what confused them, what they enjoyed," Nielsen said. "I've found a lot of people really connect with Anne Sullivan Macy because her life was so traumatic, particularly as a child, and because she lived with chronic illness and chronic pain. Some people really personally feel connected with her, and I like hearing about that." Both discussions will take place this month, with "I Am Your Sister" on Feb. 17, and Nielsen's book Feb. 24. A third book, "Followership," by Barbara Kellerman, will be discussed later in the semester on April 14. Director of Student Life Lisa Tetzloff will facilitate. Registration for all three discussions began last week, but due to small group sizes, Carter encourages students to register soon. "The book discussions are purposely small. We want to keep them at 12-15 people, just because to facilitate discussion in a smaller group is so much easier and gives people an opportunity to feel comfortable and discuss what they've read," Carter said. Men, women, students and staff members have all been present at past book discussions, which has allowed for a wide variety of perspectives and interpretations of the reading. "I had a few students who participated last semester and they had a lot of fun," Nielsen said. "I think it's so important for people to do pleasure reading, whatever they like, and get together to talk about books." All registered students will receive a free copy of the book being discussed at their chosen session. To register, go to www.uwgb.edu/stulife/leader-ship/book.asp, or contact the Office of Student Life with any questions.