January 2017: Let's Make a Wimpact!
When I look at the word 'wimpact', two things stand out at me. First, I see the word 'impact'. Merriam-Webster defines it as, "to have a direct effect or impact on." Not an overly exciting definition - in fact, not even an appropriate definition considering you are not supposed to use the word you are defining in its own definition, but I digress.
To make an impact on something or someone is a powerful thing. We have all made impacts in our lives, both big and small. The Wimpact's primary goal is to make an impact on the music industry. It is an industry rife with misogyny, sexism and toxic masculinity. It is also an industry full of kick-ass ladies (and some dudes, too) who are working to dismantle all of this by operating in their unique realms and roles.
That is where the second part of the word 'wimpact' comes into play. In addition to seeing 'impact' I also see the word 'pact.' - definition being, "a formal agreement between individuals or parties." You are receiving this inaugural newsletter because you have expressed interest in fighting for gender equality in the music industry. This certainly is not a one person job; it may not even be a one million person job.
The point is that in order to make the impact I mentioned above, we are going to have to make a pact to each other, to every woman who has ever been affected by the sexism in music, that we will work tirelessly to end this harmful culture. We must join together to not only end the injustices that we see, but to create new systems of acceptance and positivity. To quote the great Angela Davis, "I'm no longer accepting the things I cannot change... I'm changing the things I cannot accept." We must replace the bad with the good by working together as The Wimpact.
Every month, the main fixture of our newsletter will be a call-to-action. In the spirit of our launch and wanting to spread the word about our collective mission, January's call-to-action is to talk to people in your professional and social circles who are interested in changing the industry landscape.
Talk to your co-workers, friends, rec league kickball teammates - anyone! Have them sign up to be a Wimpact member and receive this newsletter. Our power starts with our passion, but it continues through numbers. Let's kick ass!
Allison Fitts
The Wimpact, Co-Founder
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