Old School Discussion: Consciousness-Raising Revisited

Before social media and algorithmic outrage, people gathered in small groups to seriously discuss how society shapes personal life. During the Second Wave feminist movement (roughly 1968–1975), consciousness-raising groups became a major organizing tool. Feminists adapted aspects of the practice from earlier political and revolutionary discussion traditions, including methods that emphasized collective analysis of everyday experience rather than isolated individual struggle.

This 6-session series revisits the historic practice of consciousness-raising through both historical and modern themes: gender roles, work, relationships, power, race, care work, violence, media, and community.

Women and men are welcome. This is not therapy, debate club, or partisan organizing. The purpose is structured listening and collective reflection grounded in lived experience.

Each session will include:

• structured discussion grounded in lived experience
• timed speaking rounds to encourage equal participation
• the option to pass at any time
• attentive listening without interruption or debate
• guided reflection using the question: Cui bono? — Who benefits?
• fact sheet and resource list related to the week’s theme

Participants will also help choose future discussion topics from historical consciousness-raising topic lists.

We will return throughout the series to one guiding question:
Cui bono? — Who benefits?

Format:

• Facilitated by Susan, LFS member
• 6 sessions total
• 2 hours each
• Small-group format (limited to 10 seats)
• Respectful mixed-gender space
• Consistent attendance encouraged

Classic consciousness-raising guidelines emphasized listening without interruption, speaking from personal experience, and recognizing that many “private” struggles are shaped by larger social systems. We’ll revisit that approach together in a calmer, more thoughtful setting.

No homework. No expertise required.
Just curiosity, honesty, and willingness to listen.