Using a process of decision making that lets everyone have a voice challenges the traditional use power we are accustomed to. Peace and power are two of the main focuses of feminist process, as described below.

Peace is both the intent and the process from which feminist activism arises. We must rethink how we approach group interaction and what it is we want to get done. This process has the power to change existing patriarchal systems. Following are some definitions of key words in feminist process:

Empowerment: strength through solidarity
Awareness: consciousness-raising
Consensus: integrating all views in decision-making
Evolvement: commitment to growth

We must stop focusing of results which maintain the status quo and recognize the power of process which emphasizes a fresh perspective and freedom from rigid programs or schedules. The power of force should evolve into the power of collectivity which values the personal power of each individual. We must replace the power of consciousness which emphasizes long-range outcomes and ethical behaviour.

Feminist process is a "better way" for group interaction, but its success depends upon each individual taking deliberate responsibility to enact the values of peace and power within her or his own behaviour. Here are some individual responsibilities which you must consider in feminist process:

1.Giving yourself and everyone in the group the time to attend to any concern or issue that exists for any individual
2.Commitment to the power of letting go
3.Commitment to the power of the whole
4.Commitment to the power of collectivity
5.Commitment to the power of unity
6.Commitment to the power sharing
7.Commitment to the power of integration
8.Commitment to the power of nurturing
9.Commitment to the power of distribution- using resources that are available to the group as a means, not an end
10.Commitment to the power of intuition
11.Commitment to the power of consciousness
12.Commitment to the power of diversity- stopping to carefully consider another point of view when your immediate response is to reject it
13.Commitment to the power of responsibility- keeping everyone in the group fully informed about the group tasks you are doing

Individuals enter a group with differences in style, personality, beliefs and backgrounds but with some common purpose or motive. These differences strengthen the integrity of the group. The purpose of the group should be defined at the outset to help the group to use their resources and energies in productive ways rather than working at cross-purposes. People should want to be at meetings.

The group should sit in a circle so that everyone has eye contact with one another. This also emphasizes that no one is "in charge" or has any greater power than anyone else.

Consensus is an active commitment to group solidarity and group integrity. Consensus within a divers group is possible because it occurs within the context of the group's purpose. A group decision reached by consensus is stronger and more acceptable to all individuals than one achieved by a majority where (sometimes large) minority preferences are not taken into account. Voting is not used as this sets up a divisive "power over" dynamic. Every opinion is equally valued and carefully considered.

If an issue is not amenable to decision by consensus, the group can decide not to decide at that time and leave the issue open for discussion. If a decision seems urgent and the group is unable to reach consensus, someone needs to call for the group to reflect on how urgent the decision really is. Everyone must then focus on the necessity of reaching a decision that everyone can live with. If a decision is still impossible because someone in the group has concerns that cannot be integrated into a possible decision, the group must take time to explore these concerns. Since it is difficult to express a dissenting view, it is the responsibility of the group to facilitate this process.

It is not necessary for every member to be present whenever a decision is made. Consensus is reached by individuals at the time an issue is discussed. However, if the decision being made directly affects members of the group who are not present, the decision needs to be considered only as a proposal until all individuals who are directly affected are brought into the discussion. Those present for the discussion are responsible for sharing with those not present the full range of factors considered by the group.
Feminist process is a powerful tool for transformation. Radical changes can emerge when this process becomes an important dimension in decision making. The urgency of making decisions lessens and people come to value the wisdom of the process. We must begin to let go of our "power over" attitudes and begin to value the power of unity where all views can be integrated. We must begin to use our intuition to make possible what will happen rather than holding on to "what ought to happen."

Structure of the Women's Center:

The Centre operates as a non-hierarchical collective, with no woman in the membership having more say than any other woman. Everyone is an equal member and has equal input in all matters that arise. Issues are decided on by consensus, meaning everyone must agree with the decision reached.

The Centre is run as a non-hierarchical collective where everyone has an equal part in decision making and a chance to get involved. One way to do this while gaining skills and experience is to become a Women's Centre volunteer. Women are welcome to come by for an orientation session and donate part of their time to keeping the Centre open, helping to program events, plan around important issues or assist in the organization of the library.
The Women's Centre operates on feminist principles, as we believe in working towards the equality of all women in society. We see feminism as a movement that empowers and validates women and their experiences, while struggling to eliminate oppression based on gender, race, sexual orientation, class, age and ability. The Centre is open to all women (whether you see yourself as feminist or not). Through collectivity and co-operation, our goal is to create a space where human differences are understood, valued and celebrated. We welcome your participation in the collective and the Women's Centre events on campus.

Why A Women-Only Space?

The Women's Centre is striving to provide a safe place for women as well as space in which women can speak openly about their experiences and opinions.

We are working to give women the confidence, support and resources they need to live free from oppression.
Women have been socially, culturally and economically conditioned to give deference to men.
Women have been historically disadvantaged with respect to leadership positions in society.
Women are often in fear of men, and have experienced emotional or physical abuse from men.

At the Women's Centre, women have the opportunity to meet with other women, to relax, talk or plan action on women's issues. Here we can begin to work together in a safe and nurturing environment, where everyone's voice is equal and valued. Real growth and change can begin if education and activism are non-competitive and non-hierarchical.

For these reasons and many others we feel that a women-only space is essential for women, and ask men to respect this.
We encourage men to use the resources such as the library and free condoms, but we ask that men do not 'hang out' in the couch area of the Centre. However, this policy is flexible, dependant upon the women in the Center at the time, and the topic under discussion.
Collective meetings are also closed to men.