• Political philosophy

Our political beliefs spread over a wider spectrum than our educational philosophies. We described ourselves as humanist, democratic, liberal social democratic, socialist, leftist, and not very political.

Cynical but dreaming of equity and dignity for all; dreaming of human needs before corporate needs.

Empowerment of working people, social justice, and a real democracy.

I want to have a women's party. There should be a redistribution of wealth in our society and all members of society should have equal access.

I listen to who is out there and what they have to say - someone who is really for the people in more ways than lip service - those who take a risk more and more.

Those who have power and authority, or potential access to power and authority, do not act in ways that will fundamentally threaten their position. They will maintain their position by marginalizing others. This reality should be made visible as clearly and straightforwardly as possible.

More access to social programs.

We also asked each woman if she identified as feminist either to herself or to others. Fifteen said that we consider ourselves feminist, three said "Yes, using my definition of feminism (equality)," one said "I don't - others sometimes do," three said "no." Three of us described discomfort with the term "feminist."

I am reluctant to let go of the label although I am increasingly uncomfortable by the ways in which privileged women use it to maintain their privilege.

I hate these terms but I want socialist, true democracy, women inclusive.

I believe strongly in the importance of equity, I believe it is important to analyze the historical and economic roots of inequality, I believe it is vital that we envision alternatives. The label feminist seems narrow.

• Who do we work with?

Many women wanted to talk about the differences between ourselves and our students in terms of race and culture, class background, and different abilities. Some of us are very aware of these differences and consider equity issues central to the ways in which we work within our programs. Others of us are more comfortable acknowledging the ways in which we build on commonalities in our experience. In many of our programs, equity considerations are not visible.