Wild Iris Books has existed for decades as a
retail indie bookstore, knowing that selling books was the smallest part of
what we do. (Don’t get us wrong – we love
the books – every time we sell a fresh copy of Feminism is for Everybody our
hearts soar.) But with the changing book industry, the amazon chokehold, and the advance of e-books and such - selling books is no longer a profitable way for the Iris to sustain itself.
Here's the most important part of what we do - we create safe feminist space. We take in interns and volunteers and help them find their authentic voice and gather skills to take forward in the fight. We expand language to include all sexualities and genders. We host diverse events that celebrate the many creative aspects of our community and beyond. We love and we care for each other as we battle the patriarchy ingrained in every aspect of our lives.
And so - to continue the fight, Wild Iris must go through a metamorphosis - we must find a new skin to move forward. We've met with local lawyer Adam Roark to begin the process
of making the switch to a corporate non-profit as opposed to a retail business and here's why:
1. The work we do all comes back to activism and
empowerment; our mission has always had the heart of a non-profit.
2. Ownership of Wild Iris belongs to the community. We’d like to invite more of the community
into the process of creating the future. Changing our structure to a non-profit will create a board so we can truly involve community members to help take us to the next level.
3. For more than 5 years, we've been an all volunteer run organization. Our owners and staff have not received
compensation for their work and time. By
changing to a non-profit, we can pursue grants and donations for salary,
intern scholarships, and volunteer recognition.
4. Over the years, the store has accumulated significant debt to continue operations. The financial burden of this debt hinders us from really getting out there and doing the important work.
5. We get it - you probably don't really need a $35 hardcover book - and we also love our libraries and Kobo eReaders. But if you believe that our feminist mission is worth it and you know firsthand or from others how Wild Iris Books can help transform lives, now you can support us with your donation.
Yes! Yes! Yes! We Will Still Sell Books and Speak Out:
We will continue to sell books, journals, cards, and other feminist treasures - don't worry
about that! Our legal switch is strategic and we will retain our ability to
speak out against politicians and policies that serve to oppress women and
other marginalized populations.
Just How Much Does it Take to Keep the Iris Going?
Our monthly expenses run just over $1,500 - and again this is just operational costs with no compensation for workers. Imagine trying to sell over $4,000 worth of books a month to stay in the black. It won't work and our doors will soon close if we continue this route.
Your contribution will make it possible to refocus on our feminist work. It will give us some breathing room to create a strategic plan for debt reduction so that the space can continue to flourish unhindered by this weight.
Your donation will go straight to the core of keeping operations going and help give us the freedom of knowing expenses are covered so that our mental, physical, emotional, and financial energy can focus on the grassroots work we want to do.
Why Your Local Feminist Bookstore(s) Matters:
Just take a look at some of the recent things we’ve been a part of and don't forget our gallery for a random assortment of Iris pics over the years….
Partnered with Alachua County Victim Services
for the Survivors Art Exhibit, which showcased local art from survivors of sexual assault, while fostering a safe space for the artists to gather privately
Annual "Poster for Tomorrow" gallery show, past shows have included international art focused on Gender Inequality and Homelessness
Wild Iris Feminist Open Mic, Feminist Book Club &
Feminist Meditation Group
Partnered with Books for Prisoners to fulfill
inmate book requests from women
Helped Launch Trans Affairs at Wild Iris – working to provide
clothing, referrals, general support, and other trans* resources
Sinister Wisdom Release Party – Issue 93 –
Southern Lesbian-Feminist History
Red Tent Event with Dr. Isadora Liedenfrost,which included the communal construction of a red tent, a documentary screening of previous gatherings and a celebration of the feminine divine
Annual Living History Event: a night of queer
storytelling with UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs
Provided scholarships to NWL Feminism 101 Summer
Workshop Series
In-store Advocacy Center – letters, phone
scripts and phones focused on activist causes
Co-Hosting Hobby Lobby CR Group & Protest Sign Making Party
Co-sponsored Roe v. Wade events with NWL and NOW
Feminist music, poets, authors, kids story time
and more...
We need your help to jumpstart the switch. Think about the intern who is already struggling to scrape up textbook money, the travel costs for a trans activist to come speak, a donation of a feminist book - maybe the first feminist book of someone's life, a small salary for someone willing to hold down the fort, scholarships to classes that bring feminist history to life, the supplies to make your first (or hundredth) protest sign......
With Your Help - The Possibilities are Endless.....
If you’re not in a position to donate financially, please think
about sharing this message with your friends and family or become a part of our
volunteer team!
