by Sarah McGowan
- USA -

If you’re one of the millions of Americans affected by the credit crunch – unemployed, uninsured and unsure of your future, or working yourself to death just to live - Shannon Hayes’ book Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture couldn’t come at a more opportune time. Equal parts condemnation of consumer culture and celebration of human ingenuity, Radical Homemakers offers a surprising solution to a cycle of consumption that has endangered our health, happiness, economy and planet. Hayes has compiled a litany of data on the waning levels of satisfaction Americans have derived in pursuit of the “American Dream” and the quality of life that we could all enjoy if we abandon our focus on consumerism.

Perhaps what’s most intriguing is that “radical homemaking” seems to be a direct response to the seemingly insurmountable issues of social and ecological justice that result from globalization. After interviewing Radical Homemakers around the country, Hayes found that all were living according to four principal tenets: family, community, social justice and ecological sustainability. Her book compellingly articulates the connection between “Think Globally, Act Locally” and provides a feasible action plan for reclaiming family and home life. By localizing food production and focusing on more community-based sustainability, the Radical Homemaker model offers social change on a local level that could very well have a global effect.

by Sarah McGowan
Features & Photo Editor, The WIP

I was called a prostitute, I was called a thief…I was called all sorts of names, but none of the newspapers came to call me defender of children’s rights. Very ironic in a country when 10 girls are being raped per day. – Betty Makoni

For this final post of 2009, The WIP editors would like to share a podcast from our December 3rd event, co-hosted with Amnesty International’s Ginetta Sagan Fund. This very special screening of the powerful new film Tapestries of Hope was followed by a conversation with Zimbabwean human rights activist Betty Makoni and Tapestries filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley.

by Sarah McGowan
Features & Photo Editor, The WIP
- USA -

Recently relocated to Los Angeles, artists Kim Strouse and Joseph Michael Lopez are no strangers to the often aggressive nature of both “big city” life and life itself.

• Artists Kim Strouse
and Joseph Michael Lopez •

by Sarah McGowan
Features & Photo Editor, The WIP
- USA -

Denise and Esteban, both in their early 50’s, moved into my apartment building eight months ago. Our first encounter occurred in the hallway while I precariously lumbered up the 53 stairs leading to my apartment on crutches, my leg in a cast. Their moving boxes dominated our shared landing and while at first I flushed with frustration, both were so instantly compassionate, offering their assistance and clearing out of the way, that I immediately forgave the transgression.

by Sarah McGowan
Features & Photo Editor, The WIP
- USA -

Dec. 27 - As we approach the new year, we thought it appropriate to revisit our editors' thoughts as we prepared to launch in March 2007. - Ed.

I don’t believe in accidents; I think that everything happens for a reason. So when Kate told me about a project she had brewing called, The WIP, I felt the familiar twinge of serendipity. The hair on the back of my neck even stood on end.

I had just moved to Los Angeles, leaving behind a very fulfilling career teaching social justice to thousands of San Diego county teenagers. With more than a little wistfulness, I set out in search of an outlet for my creativity, but specifically to do some writing. When Kate began describing The WIP, I immediately registered that this was an amazing opportunity to blend two interests that had previously competed for my exclusive devotion. I knew then that I was in the right place at the right time and I volunteered without hesitation.