March 31, 2011

When visitors tour Cambridge and stroll across the horseshoe-shaped former grounds of Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, little do many realize they are steps away from some of the most treasured items documenting women's history: precious handwritten letters from Susan B. Anthony to a young friend, Alice Paul's letter to her mother after her release from prison, Amelia Earhart's baby book--and so much more. There are drawers filled with suffrage memorabilia, including exquisite pins. This women's history collection is considered by many to be the most prestigious.

And now, as Feminists for Life approaches our 40th anniversary in 2012, we are preparing to make our own contribution. FFL was nominated for inclusion by the late Dr. Mildred Jefferson, whom we honored in the latest issue of The American Feminist, "FFL Activists Change Campus, Change the World." FFL's Board of Directors had the opportunity last spring to tour the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, which is now part of Harvard University.

I now invite you to "tour" the library through the eyes of Jane Rohan, who visited with the Board and contributed an article to commemorate the occasion.

As Women's History Month comes to a close, remember that you and I write the next chapter. Student activists who are hosting FFL events on campus and moving forward with revolutionary woman-centered solutions play a vital role. Susan B. Anthony still speaks to us today.

Dear Young Friend,
The best service you can give in return for this moment of mine is that you will study the great principles of justice and equality to women and work to establish them in the Constitutions of state and nation--The ballot only can secure equal rights and equal chances.
Respectfully yours,
Susan B. Anthony

Left to right: Susan Zeigler, Jane Rohan, Serrin Foster, Cindy Brown, Michael Sciscenti

Keep the revolution alive. March forth!

Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President

P.S. Join Feminists for Life or renew your membership today. New members and student members (including new gift members) will receive BOTH "March Forth" and my "Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice Questions." Or send your donation or membership contribution to FFL, Dept 0641, Washington, DC 20073.

Take Action!

• Spread the word by sharing Jane Rohan's "The Schlesinger Library: A Fitting Home for FFL's Record of Advocacy on Behalf of Women & Children" together with Lisa Bellecci-st. romain's "Why I Am a Feminist for Life" on Facebook, your website, your blog, Twitter, etc.
• Tweet your favorite quotes from this series (#MarchForthFFL), like Jane Rohan's "Feminists for Life are writing yet another chapter of women's history."
• If you have any copies of Feminists for Life's Sisterlife newsletter, Green Sheets, other early publications or correspondence, pre-1994 press clippings, or FFL memorabilia that you would be willing to contribute to FFL's historical archives, please send them to Feminists for Life, P.O. Box 320667, Alexandria, VA 22320. Librarians request that you do not send anything directly to the Schlesinger Library; all contributions must be sent through Feminists for Life.
• Feminists for Life thanks all of you who have already sent pre-1994 publications or memorabilia. Among our favorites are vintage Peace Begins in the Womb buttons and a homemade Feminists for Life flag!
• In anticipation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, beginning tomorrow, share a link to Serrin's "Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice Questions" and Joyce McCauley-Benner's "Victory Over Violence" with your family and friends.
• Download, print, and post FFL's free "Another Anti-Choice Fanatic: Susan B. Anthony" ad on bulletin boards in community centers, places of worship, grocery stores, restaurants, shops, libraries, dorms, and student centers. (When posting ads, always ask permission and follow any posting guidelines, regulations, or ordinances.)
• Download and print your favorite of FFL's free iron-on decals and use it to make a reusable tote for your lunch, the library, the grocery store, and other shopping. The same designs can also be used to make t-shirts, aprons, and many other items.
• Order FFL's NEW "Voices of our Feminist Foremothers" brochures, featuring Susan B. Anthony and other feminist foremothers, to distribute for Women's History Month in March. (Don't forget to wear your t-shirts or carry the brochures in your new bag!)
• Spread the word by sharing Anna Julia Cooper's story on Facebook, your website, your blog, Twitter, etc.
• Order or bake a cake for Susan B. Anthony's 191st birthday on February 15th. (Great for classrooms, dorm celebrations, or just for you.) You may choose to skip the 191 candles!
• Plan a trip--either for February 15th or the future--to the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, Massachusetts.
• Write an op-ed for publication in a newspaper, magazine, journal, newsletter, or bulletin, or post it on your own blog or Facebook page. Use the resources in the feminist history section of FFL's website and be sure to link to www.feministsforlife.org in your article. (You help make FFL's website one of the most visited in the world!)
• Honor women who have made a difference in your life by making a tribute gift.

Join Feminists for Life NOW!