Gloria Steinem, a pivotal figure in feminist activism, is remembered for her ability to identify and elevate the contributions of those often excluded from historical narratives and public discourse, according to organizer Ai-jen Poo.
Poo first met Steinem in 2007, an encounter that illuminated Steinem's deep commitment to funding and amplifying grassroots women's organizations. Steinem had founded the Ms. Foundation for Women with this specific aim. Poo, then a 33-year-old organizer working with domestic workers in New York, was struck by Steinem's warmth and genuine interest in her efforts.
During their initial meeting, Steinem inquired about Carolyn Reed, founder of the Household Technicians of America, and Dorothy Bolden, who led the National Domestic Workers Union. These Black women, Poo noted, had been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of domestic workers in federal minimum wage laws, a crucial victory that had been overlooked in Poo's own women's studies education. Steinem's knowledge of their work highlighted her commitment to recognizing figures whose efforts had paved the way for future organizing.
Supporting Grassroots Organizing
Steinem's approach to mentorship, as described by Poo, was characterized by listening and sharing lessons learned from other women, rather than direct advice. She often felt mentored by others, particularly younger women, and identified herself more as an organizer than an activist. For Steinem, organizing meant reordering power dynamics to foster greater equality and empower everyday people.
Poo recounted how Steinem, upon learning about their experiments with neighborhood-based organizing circles, shared that historical women's movements often utilized small circles, small enough for individuals to feel seen yet large enough to experience collective power. Steinem actively supported legislative campaigns, writing letters to governors and calling mayors to ensure domestic workers were included in labor protections like paid sick leave. She would often consult Poo to understand how proposed legislation impacted domestic workers.
Revaluing Care and Intergenerational Connections
Steinem's essay "Revaluing Economics" profoundly influenced Poo's work. In the essay, Steinem argued that economic models had historically undervalued care, largely due to its association with women, and that revaluing care was essential for future survival and prosperity. Poo noted that the last 15 years of her own work had been deeply shaped by these ideas.
Poo also described her time in an intergenerational, multi-racial group affectionately known as the “G Squad,” which included Steinem. This circle of women gathered to celebrate Steinem's birthdays, strategize for the women's movement, and share personal experiences. Through these gatherings, members learned about Steinem's life and also learned about other women from her accounts.
Steinem maintained numerous such circles of relationships globally. When Poo was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Ford Foundation, Steinem sent a congratulatory note, expressing happiness that Poo's organizing principles would be present and referencing the loss of her friend Wilma Mankiller, former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and a fellow Ford Foundation trustee. Steinem encouraged Poo to read Mankiller's speech, "Context Is Everything."
Steinem's impact, Poo concluded, was in altering the context for women, influencing their choices and understanding. She created a sense of connection across time and space, linking women throughout history. Her essential gift was helping individuals recognize the hidden stories, ideas, and contributions of women, enabling them to find their place in the broader narrative. In a world often defined by hierarchies of value and the erasure of stories, Steinem's memory serves as a reminder of a vast and proud legacy of women, both visible and unseen, who continue to shape the world.