Build from the Inside Out : Integrating Difference into Feminist Coalition Leadership

This research discusses the challenge of integrating difference into feminist coalition leadership. Based on qualitative interviews with thirteen leaders of feminist or woman-centered organizations and coalitions, I propose criteria and a model for evaluating an organization\u27s difference competency as viewed through a feminist lens. Using the model to measure each organization\u27s effectiveness at integrating difference into their leadership structure and programming, I describe challenges that have prevented the full integration of difference as well as the successes that have moved them toward a more holistic organizational model. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the implications a larger social system has by placing constraints on feminist leadership using difference as a means to achieving their goals