One group that seeks a greater cooperative balance in the human environment of the CSUC campus is the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. Headed by Melissa Knight, one of the organization’s goals is to create a more cohesive atmosphere of communication among the different groups on campus. Raising awareness about the goals of each group and finding common ground will give continuity and strength to those relationships.

On October 5, 1999, the FMLA sponsored a potluck in the multi-cultural center for campus diversity groups to come together and begin dialogue establishing some positive foundational relations among them.

"Our mission is first to educate ourselves on feminist issues and gain leadership and organizing skills," Knight said. "Second, our mission is to use that knowledge to take action and make change in our community, statewide, nationwide and/or internationally. We are also concerned with the issues other progressive groups are focusing on, after all we're all really fighting for the same thing: justice."Cooperative efforts are essential whether the goal is environmental or focused on human rights. Cooperation between students, citizens, and the groups they represent requires solid communication and a commitment to the goals, but participation is the key.

"The potluck went well. There weren't as many people as I had hoped. Mostly it was people from the FMLA and the EAC, so it was a good chance for our two groups to get acquainted. Hopefully we can get a more diverse crowd next time," Knight said.

The FMLA sponsored a panel discussion on October 28, 1999 involving interested students and professors from CSUC. The subject was "gender communication in university life" with the intent of raising awareness about the related issues concerning the dynamics of gender. Gender definitions are at the core of differing male and female perspectives.

Those perspectives are reflected in a concrete way as well as symbolically.

If we look at differing treatment of environmental issues this is evident. Thorough examination of gender constructions can result in better understanding about men and women, and our treatment of the environment.

One issue that came up during the panel was a prevailing silence not just from men but from some women who may not simply be less outspoken but may be ambivalent about expressing/exposing themselves to some more radical feminist thinking as well as male prevalent thinking.

Silence can indicate fear, lack of breadth, or simply that learning is taking place. Certainly much learning takes place through both listening and dialogue. Considering issues of gender and preservation of the environment, dialogue and a willingness to listen will be essential to successful interactions.

When asked about the connection men and women have to the environment, Knight said she feels there should be more focus on men’s relationship with nature.

"I believe there is a definite connection between women and nature, as well as between men and nature. Ideas concerning ecofeminism and what it means are divergent among feminists. Personally, I think that there needs to be more of a focus on men's relationship with nature since this has already been established in women.

"Since biblical times, men have been viewed as having ‘domain’ over the Earth. This mentality has led not only to the devastation of the environment, but also many of the other —isms (i.e. sexism, racism) associated with white Christian patriarchy. When communities were more focused on survival, women were more valued and respected, as was the environment.

"When the notion of private property was introduced, women as well as land were considered property of men. Many women believe strongly that women naturally have a stronger relationship with nature than men," Knight said.

In general, it happens that women are naturally geared to view the world in terms of relationships and communication for their continuity and design. (Integrity weighs a lot here.) The nurturing of relationships is seen as a beneficial cooperative mechanism. Developing lines of communication and nurturing a better understanding about what will strengthen our possibilities for survival seems important.

Many men also feel they have a strong relationship with the environment based on a dynamic of preservation and care. But it is the prevailing overall dynamic of corporate exploitation that is so objectionable and can’t be ignored. It becomes increasingly clear that collective challenge is necessary based on the unity of both men and women. Again, dialogue between us is most essential.

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