The New Face(s) of Upstarts: Whoo-hoo to Changes!

With the same sense of both excitement and nostalgia that accompanies the end of each academic year, marked by changes, additions, and losses, Upstate Feminists has much to share at this time. The organization is experiencing a complete reconfiguration -- keeping in line with the changes it has already undergrone as a part of our Upstate Goes Guerrilla campaign. First, we will no longer be known as Upstate Feminists but as Upstarts. This name change reflects the organization's commitment to movement, progressiveness, and what we have characteristically referred to as our playful militancy. We have also elected to put in place a leadership structure modeled after feminist organizational theories. Rather than a traditional, hierarchically based leadership model, we have created new positions that reflect roles rather than titles. These four positions are Administrative Coordinator, Campus Activism and Outreach Coordinator, Community Activism and Outreach Coordinator, and Public Relations and Media Supervisor. Serving in these new positions will be, respectively, Sarah Wilson, Adrienne Jones, Victoria Boyles Escudero, and Lindsay Harris. We are very excited about the new face of the organization and I look forward to seeing what changes and campaigns will undoubtedly occur as a result.

On a personal note, I will be leaving the organization as I graduate and begin hashing out all of the particularities of my post-Upstate life. I cannot stress enough, however, how much working with Upstate Feminists has meant to me both as a member over the past two and a half years and during my tenure as president. I feel so fortunate to have worked with such dedicated, capable, brilliant, amazing, ridiculous, and goofy women. I looked forward to each meeting, each activity, and each interaction that I've shared with you. Whether it be planning ways to enhance our image on campus, broaden the organization's involvement in the community, or deciding under what circumstances we'd most like to be arrested, I have enjoyed every minute of our time together. I feel certain that the group will flourish next year in the hands of such a strong and committed leadership. I also extend my gratitude to the two faculty members who have acted as our advisors over the course of the year, Dr. Lisa Johnson and Professor Cara Tuttle. Without your help and encouragement we would be truly lost. And though this will likely be my last official blog and announcement for the organization, I hope to have the opportunity to return as a guest author on the blog from time to time. Thanks again to everyone who made this such a memorable year!

Andrea