Green Feminisms Conference to be hosted at New Paltz

NEW PALTZ – The Women’s Studies Program at the State University of New York at New Paltz will host a one-day conference on Saturday, April 30, titled “Green Feminisms: Women, Sustainability and Environmental Justice.”

This year’s conference focuses on the particular dangers that environmental degradation has posed for women throughout the world and celebrates the women who have been struggling against it. The conference will feature various workshop topics that will bring together activists, farmers, researchers, writers, educators and artists.

Dr. Suzanne Kelly said that the conference will provide a forum for “innovative thinking about the intersections of environmental and feminist issues.”

Highlights of the day include Trailer Talk, a live performance about hydraulic fracturing by Sabrina Artell, an Educational Market of local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and other farm projects, alternative energy projects and environmental organizations.

The keynote panel includes Beverly Naidus, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts at the University of Washington; Joni Seager, Professor of Global Studies at Bentley College; and Karen Washington, President of the New York City Community Garden Coalition. Panelists will discuss creative strategies for resistance and resilience, feminist perspectives on climate change, and the stereotypes and myths surrounding women and people of color in the food movement.

The day will conclude with talks by LaTosha Brown, Director of the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Thilmeeza Hussain, Deputy Representative for the Maldives at the United Nations on the global leadership of women on climate change.

“We’re excited to bring together artists, theorists, and activists who will address a wide range of concerns,” said Professor Kelly.

All food served will be sourced from local Hudson Valley farms.

Pre-registration deadline is April 13. (You must pre-register for lunch and childcare.) Cost: $50 (pre-registration; includes lunch), $60 (day of the conference; no lunch). SUNY New Paltz students can attend for free by must pre-register for lunch ($10) before April 13. New Paltz students may use their SUNY New Paltz meal plan cards. Other students will pay a $10 registration fee, which includes lunch.

Conference facilities are wheelchair accessible. Call (845) 257-2975 if you use a wheelchair or have other accessibility needs.

For a complete list of programs, registration forms, or more information, visit www.newpaltz.libguides.com/green_feminisms or call the Women’s Studies Program at (845) 257-2975. For registration information, contact (845) 257-3033.

Conference workshops and keynotes will take place in Lecture Center and Humanities.

This event is sponsored by the Women’s Studies Program and made possible with support from private individuals as well as the Office of the Provost, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School, the Center for International Programs, the Division of Student Affairs, the Campus Episcopal Ministry, and the following departments and programs: Art Studio, Biology, Economics, Educational Studies, English, Geography, Psychology, Science Education, Secondary Education, and Sociology.