Brief History of Alaska Women Speak

By Carole Mercer

Alaska Women Speak is celebrating its 15th year !!!

Alaska Women Speak was born in a journalism workshop at the 1992 Feminist Women’s Conference in Anchorage.  “The founding godmothers, three women of vision were Susan Johnson, Dorothy Jones and Karen Carlisle.  They prepared the first AWS and presented it to the hundreds of women at the conference,” wrote MaryLee Hayes.

As we know MaryLee was very involved with the journal for ten years and Editor for most of those years.

Great Quote - "...after the conference, Lucy (Frey) was there to give her support and advice. 'Put your money where your mouth is.' was one recommendation of Lucy's that obviously made good sense. This journal wasn't just going to happen; it would take a dedication of time, energy and expense. The idea would either live or die, and it was now dependent on the few of us that began to meet regularly to plan a forthcoming new issue." from MaryLee's book This Is It.

Since 1992 much of the history of AWS as an organization is the wonderful women who have been involved in this volunteer-based Alaska Women Speak .  Each issue represents hours of Alaska women’s time.  Many are known by face and others by e-mail signature.  Contributions are received from Barrow to Ketchikan to assist in the birthing process of each issue. 

The tradition of a theme for each issue started from the early years.  The ideas are born out of the time and events of what might be on the minds and hearts of women.  Each woman in Alaska has a different background, walk and perspective of the theme.  And it is always interesting to read what those thoughts are!

In 2003, Alaska Women Speak incorporated as a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit, 10 years after its State of Alaska nonprofit incorporation. At about that time the contributors and the audience seemed to broaden and we hope to reflect the many voices and faces of the women of Alaska. 

At this time AWS is comprised of Board members, a group of faithful volunteer staff (see Staff Box), some talented contributors that continue to come up the challenge of providing wonderful Alaskan stories, supporting advertisers and distributors, and a loyal readership. 

*****

Great Quote - "I need a role model. More than one." It Takes a Village to Raise a Woman, in Alaska Women Speak, Winter 2003, page 20, by MJ Worachek.

Why has AWS prevailed through the years?

Alaska Women Speak is a place to share stories reflecting the many voices and faces that is the diverse community of Alaska - women from all walks of life - from urban to bush Alaska.

Each issue has a theme inspiring thoughtful presentation of art and experience with good story telling.

AWS presents timely topics of interest to women who are ‘on the go’.

There is a commitment to show women in positive light in a non judgmental way.

There have been too many women throughout the years to list them all.  I would hate to make a list and miss one of you.  Just a  Big Thank You!!!  - From the Editors

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Great Quote - "Each culture is a tributary in the great river we call humanity. And to know another culture is to better understand your own. No one culture has all the answers, but each has some ideas and values worth sharing. ..." Wiggling Your Eyebrows in Bethel and Other Lessons about Diversity in Alaska Women Speak, Fall 2005, page 5, by Rhonda McBride, journalist, television reporter and anchorperson.