About WSA

About the Women's Student Association at Indiana University

Mission Statement

The Women's Student Association at Indiana University is dedicated to supporting women through activism, consciousness raising, and education within the Indiana University community. In addition, WSA provides an atmosphere for personal growth and social networking for women. WSA recognizes, and works to eliminate, the multiple levels of oppression that act in society. These include racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism, and abelism. Furthermore, WSA understands their fundamental relationship to the unequal distribution of power.

What do we do?

WSA serves many functions and plays many roles in the Indiana University community. We are a political organization in the sense that we take a stand on many issues facing women, and we work to eliminate the forces of sexism and other forms of oppression. We also serve an educational function for all Indiana University students on various women's issues by holding presentations, panels, debates and other forms of educational programs. In addition, we are a support group for women and a social group where people can meet other like-minded individuals in a relaxed atmosphere. Finally, WSA serves as a voice for women who are all too often silenced at this institution and institutions everywhere.

Just what kind of feminist organization are we?

WSA doesn't align itself with any particular feminist agenda, although we don't hesitate to call ourselves a feminist organization. Furthemore, one could also call us a humanist organization, and womanist organization. The actual direction and political emphasis that WSA assumes depends on the membership of that particular year and the issues that are important to the members.

Who is WSA for?

WSA is for anyone interested in women's issues, gender issues, sexism, oppression, health and empowerement. WSA is open to all students, faculty and staff at Indiana University regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, class or age.

Can men join WSA?

Yes. As stated earlier, everyone is invited to join WSA. As a matter of fact, we welcome men into our organization, because we believe that men are essential in the eradication of sexism. In addition, we understand that men are often dealing with issues such as gender and sexuality and WSA works to help men with these issues as well. WSA is presently working on creating a director position and committee committed to men's issues.

What does WSA hope to accomplish?

WSA plans to sponsor at least two programs per month and at least 200 active members. We plan on creating a permanent foundation for the organization to continue after the present executives have graduated from Indiana Univeristy. Finally, we plan on making significant changes in the way Indiana University views women's issues.