EBOOK
About
The title, Unhistoric Acts, is inspired by the work of unheralded women in the 18th-century novel Middlemarch by George Elliot. Unhistoric Acts
is a first hand account by long time advocate for the women's movement
Dianne Porter. Women's equality in Prince Edward Island took time and
tireless effort by numerous unsung heroes. Working together as a force
for change, Porter honours the 'unsung heroes' of the movement with
profiles of front-liners in the fields of early childhood education,
politics and social services, which collectively were able to transform
the landscape.
This social history takes the reader on a journey
of progression in politics and social reform. As an advocate for change
and a political advisor in the 1980s, Porter brings us behind-the-scenes
to the conversations that finally put women's equality on Prince Edward
Island on the table - women in the workforce, child care, and setting
up basic minimum standards.
This book will serve as an important historical document and primary source in the field of women's studies.
Cover art by Ontario artist Beverley Hawksley.
"Unhistoric Acts
takes us through Diane's lived experiences from advocacy, involvement
in government policy making to network building, introducing the reader
to the unsung heroes of Prince Edward Island who created a tapestry of
caring." Karen Chandler, Leading for Change: Leadership and Administration of Early Childhood Programs in Canada, 7th Edition
"In Unhistoric Acts,
Dianne Porter, leader in the Island women's movement, has accomplished
no small task - a history of the women's movement in the province since
the 1970s. Through the frank chronicling of her own journey, Dianne has
woven into her story many of the women she worked with to bring about
societal change. By leading causes such as the call for better child
care, early childhood learning, political accessibility, equal wages,
and confronting difficult subjects such as domestic violence, rape, and
women's reproductive rights, all Islanders have benefited from a more
caring, just, and stronger Island society where many voices are heard.
While there is still much ground to cover, I am hopeful that in reading Unhistoric Acts,
many younger Island women will continue to make the Island women's
movement part of their story in building a better Island and a better
world." Catherine Callbeck, 28th premier of Prince Edward Island from 1993 to 1996
"Unhistoric Acts documents
Dianne Porter's remarkable life – a life characterized by commitment,
determination, and courage. Whether behind the scenes or front and
centre, Dianne has always found ways to collaborate with disparate groups and individuals on a common purpose – to improve the lives of Island women and their families. In Unhistoric Acts, Dianne turns the spotlight on women who have played a pivotal role in advancing gender equality in Prince Edward Island." Dr. Katherine Arnup PhD. Author of 'I don't have time for this!' A Compassionate Guide to Caring for your Parents and Yourself
"Dianne's
focus on sharing her own experience in the feminist movement, while
amplifying the voices of the others, is inspiring. Unhistoric Acts
is an important account of how Island life has been transformed by the
people, the policy work, and the advocacy that led to where we are
today." Sara Roach Lewis, Author of She Rules: What You Didn't Know is Holding You Back in Business
"Dianne
Porter provides a rare glimpse into the history of the women's movement
in PEI from a personal perspective of one who was immersed in
advocating for issues of social justice, equity, and family supports.
Her own experiences are woven through the reflections of her colleagues
and friends who – as "unsung heroes" – have influenced life as we know
it in PEI in the 21st century." Kathleen Flanagan,
is a first hand account by long time advocate for the women's movement
Dianne Porter. Women's equality in Prince Edward Island took time and
tireless effort by numerous unsung heroes. Working together as a force
for change, Porter honours the 'unsung heroes' of the movement with
profiles of front-liners in the fields of early childhood education,
politics and social services, which collectively were able to transform
the landscape.
This social history takes the reader on a journey
of progression in politics and social reform. As an advocate for change
and a political advisor in the 1980s, Porter brings us behind-the-scenes
to the conversations that finally put women's equality on Prince Edward
Island on the table - women in the workforce, child care, and setting
up basic minimum standards.
This book will serve as an important historical document and primary source in the field of women's studies.
Cover art by Ontario artist Beverley Hawksley.
"Unhistoric Acts
takes us through Diane's lived experiences from advocacy, involvement
in government policy making to network building, introducing the reader
to the unsung heroes of Prince Edward Island who created a tapestry of
caring." Karen Chandler, Leading for Change: Leadership and Administration of Early Childhood Programs in Canada, 7th Edition
"In Unhistoric Acts,
Dianne Porter, leader in the Island women's movement, has accomplished
no small task - a history of the women's movement in the province since
the 1970s. Through the frank chronicling of her own journey, Dianne has
woven into her story many of the women she worked with to bring about
societal change. By leading causes such as the call for better child
care, early childhood learning, political accessibility, equal wages,
and confronting difficult subjects such as domestic violence, rape, and
women's reproductive rights, all Islanders have benefited from a more
caring, just, and stronger Island society where many voices are heard.
While there is still much ground to cover, I am hopeful that in reading Unhistoric Acts,
many younger Island women will continue to make the Island women's
movement part of their story in building a better Island and a better
world." Catherine Callbeck, 28th premier of Prince Edward Island from 1993 to 1996
"Unhistoric Acts documents
Dianne Porter's remarkable life – a life characterized by commitment,
determination, and courage. Whether behind the scenes or front and
centre, Dianne has always found ways to collaborate with disparate groups and individuals on a common purpose – to improve the lives of Island women and their families. In Unhistoric Acts, Dianne turns the spotlight on women who have played a pivotal role in advancing gender equality in Prince Edward Island." Dr. Katherine Arnup PhD. Author of 'I don't have time for this!' A Compassionate Guide to Caring for your Parents and Yourself
"Dianne's
focus on sharing her own experience in the feminist movement, while
amplifying the voices of the others, is inspiring. Unhistoric Acts
is an important account of how Island life has been transformed by the
people, the policy work, and the advocacy that led to where we are
today." Sara Roach Lewis, Author of She Rules: What You Didn't Know is Holding You Back in Business
"Dianne
Porter provides a rare glimpse into the history of the women's movement
in PEI from a personal perspective of one who was immersed in
advocating for issues of social justice, equity, and family supports.
Her own experiences are woven through the reflections of her colleagues
and friends who – as "unsung heroes" – have influenced life as we know
it in PEI in the 21st century." Kathleen Flanagan,